Head of Programme Management, Chevening Scholarships

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 202122 we reached 650 million people.

Important Information regarding applications-

While this role can be based in the UK, we encourage interested candidates from across the global network to get in touch with Hiring Manager: [email protected] before applying to discuss if their current location can be considered. Relocation to the UK is unfortunately not an option.

Purpose of the Role:

This is a key member of the Chevening Secretariat team, leading the operational delivery of the Chevening Programme to ensure all aspects of the programme are carried out successfully. This includes the management of the scholarship life-cycle from promotion, application and selection through to scholar and alumni management. The role will ensure that the contract KPIs are met and will have a key role in reporting to FCDO as the client.

The role will line-manage the teams responsible for UK scholar welfare and engagement and international liaison, and will deputise for the Director of Chevening Scholarships when required.

The Head of Programme Management is responsible for Chevening Programme operations in the UK and overseas. He/she will oversee all stages of the Chevening cycle to ensure an excellent standard of service delivery to UK Embassies and High Commissions (Posts) in the recruitment, selection and support of Chevening Scholars/Fellows, including oversight of the online application system, and to successful recipients of Chevening awards during their time in the UK.

The Head of Programme Management is responsible for regular reporting to the Director and FCDO on the Chevening budget cycle, operational performance and the Secretariats compliance with contract requirements.

More information on Chevening scholarships available at www.chevening.org

Main Accountabilities :

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Lead and manage all the operational functions of the Secretariat with approx. 30 people working across multiple functions, and direct line management of 3-4 managers.

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Coordinate with other members of the Chevening Management team to ensure effective cross-functional working across the Secretariat.

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Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness and monitor resources to ensure high quality service delivery and facilitate continuous improvement.

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Monitor and report on the implementation of a new IT system for online application, scholar and alumni management.

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Work with the Finance Manager and FCDO colleagues to produce Post and Programme budgets; to provide data to enable Finance colleagues to accurately forecast spend for particular groups (based on country, programme, award status etc.); to provide data to reconcile expenditure at the end of each quarter and any other financial requests as required by the Director or Head of Finance at the FCDO.

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Manage, in consultation with the Director, the Programme budget ), including international, awards, engagement, and non-awards budgets. Establish and monitor procedures, in the UK and overseas at Post, to ensure accuracy and mitigate financial risk.

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Produce regular reports or other information as required for the Director of Chevening and FCDO and the CEO Marshall as part of the contract management process, including internal governance and contract board meetings, as well as responding to ad hoc queries in a timely manner.

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Oversight of the monitoring and reporting of the applications, assessment and selection process, and for scholar and fellow data, to the FCDO.

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Negotiate and manage third party supplier contracts for the Secretariat, working with other members of the Chevening Management team as required.

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Deputise for the Director upon request.

Minimum Essential :

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Programme management experience: Analyses requirements with the sponsor/stakeholders, defining the specification with awareness of equality and diversity impact, planning, revising, implementing and evaluating on medium-to-large and/or high-risk projects. Coordinates a diverse team with awareness of equality and diversity impact as part of the project specifications and handles changes in specification or plan to meet unexpected circumstances.

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Communicating and influencing: Uses formal and informal negotiating and motivation techniques to influence others behaviour and persuade them to think and act differently, while respecting difference of view and culture.

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Financial management: Monitors and controls an agreed budget within a defined area, producing reports and analyses and contributing to planning.

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Managing People: Provides full line management to a team where all members are working in a similar area of expertise or business. Scope includes planning, setting objectives, role modeling an inclusive culture, recruitment, development and performance management.

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In depth knowledge of the UK higher education context, including knowledge of issues facing international students.

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An understanding and commitment to integrating equality, diversity and inclusion into programme delivery.

Good to Have :

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Knowledge of UK immigration rules and legislation affecting international students and fellows.

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Previous experience working for the FCDO, UK government, or an international scholarship programme.

Further Information:

Contract Type 1 year Fixed Term Contract

Location- UK Wide (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff & Belfast)

Hybrid working pattern

Posting Internal & External

Pay Band – 9

Salary From 55,699 to 68,649 plus 3,300 london market allowance if based in London.

Application Closing Date 17th Dec,2023

Interviews commencing the week of 8 Jan, 2024

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) Statement

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

The British Council iscommitted to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Councils Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you have any problems with your application please email [email protected]

Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ASK HR email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.