Custom Program Assistant (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Job Summary
Custom Programme Assistant
- Contract Type: Hourly Fixed Term
- Contract Details: The post is offered at an hourly rate of 15/hour from early May 2026 until 06 June2026. The hours required across the month-long contract are estimated to be 140. The post is hybrid with some work from home and some work at programme locations around Edinburgh and further afield in Scotland.
- Location: Edinburgh Scotland
- Reportsto: Director Scotland Programs
Position Overview
Are you a life-long learner curious about the world around you
Are you ready to bring your unique skills to a mission-driven organization
Do you enjoy being a part of a students journey of personal academicand intercultural growth
If so we would love to welcome you to our global community!
IFSA works with universities in the USA to deliver short-term summer programmes in Edinburgh for their students. These programmes have diverse academic themes and IFSA supports visiting faculty in three key areas: health and safety support for students; academic site visits that complement classroom learning; intercultural activities that deepen engagement with the host environment. The Custom Programme Assistant will be responsible for logistical operational and cultural integration tasks (confirming activities and bookings accompanying field trips and site visits communicating with students and faculty) ensuring that all programme activities are well-organized and that students receive the necessary support during their stay in Scotland. All programmes include day trips and overnight excursions that take place at varying times (including evenings and weekends) which the Custom Programme Assistant is required to support.
IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) a US-based nonprofit organization creates global learning environments to help students gather the critical perspectives knowledge and skills essential for future success. With innovative programming and world-class support IFSA delivers future-focused study abroad options in 19 countries and 48 cities around the globe. Our commitments to inclusive excellence intercultural agility individualized learning and enduring impact are present in every aspect of our programs.
Inclusion is a driving passion of our organization. We are committed to building a community where the thoughts and opinions of all team members are valued and contribute to our collective success just as we build programmes with the same focus. If you share our unwavering commitment to Inclusive Excellence and want to join a community that actively strives to improve in all that we do IFSA is the place for you.
Learn more about IFSA at this position the standard duties include but are not limited to:
Cultural and Social Integration:
- Act as an ambassador for IFSA and the country and share enthusiasm for local culture.
- Help students feel welcome andassistwith understanding the local culture and environment.
- Support students with practical tasks such as navigating public transport and getting a phone plan if necessary.
Ongoing Programme Support:
- Accompany studentstoactivities events and excursions including activities outside of Edinburgh.
- Ensure classroom spaces are properly equipped.
Incident Management and Reporting:
- Manage student incidents through IFSAs CRMSalesForce and liaising with the Custom Programme lead and Site Director.
- Ensure students have downloaded and registered on the Alert Media App.
Financial Management and Post-Programme Review:
- Document all spending save receipts and prepare a spending report.
- Create a post-programme document outlining what went well (WWW) and what could be even better if (EBI).
Emergency Response and Student Welfare:
- Attend and review relevant training materials - including Health and Safety 101 Prevent and Emergency Response.
- Contribute to emergency response and student incident management based on established protocols.
Requirements
- One - two years of work experience.
- Contagious enthusiasm for IFSAs missionvisionand commitments.
- Soundorganisationaland project management skills.
- Success in engaging with and supporting students with diverse lived experiences including students of color students with mental and physical disabilities first-generation college students and LGBTQIA students.
- An ability to respond calmly and professionally to emergency situations.
- General knowledge of the city of Edinburgh.
- The legal right to work in the UK.
We know there are great candidates who wont check all of these boxes and we also know you might bring important perspectives experiences and skills that we havent considered. If this describes you please dont hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
Physical and Work Environment
- Working on a computer placing phone/video calls.
- Required to navigate and travel around the city and for excursions potentially outdoors in the heat or rain
- Occasional physical activities such as arranging chairs/tables in conference room settings.
- Some work on the weekend or in the evening as well as nights (up to 3) away from Edinburgh depending on scheduled activities.
To Apply
To apply please submit yourcover letter and CV for this position via IFSAs career page: your cover letter offer a compelling Why statement as to your suitability to the role using the job responsibilities and organizational commitments as a framework.
Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.
IFSA is an equal opportunity employer and our hiring process is inclusive of all genders and gender expressions races and ethnicities ages religions and sexualities as well as veterans and people with disabilities.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
At IFSA, we strive to create global learning environments that help students foster the critical perspectives, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive.