The role supports the end to end delivery of the FCDO funded Commonwealth Scholarships programme, including targeted recruitment, outreach to priority and under represented groups, assurance of local processes, and structured alumni engagement.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.
Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships in the UK have to date supported over 31,000 individuals by extending life-transforming higher education opportunities, rewarding merit, and promoting equity and inclusion, especially among people from underrepresented groups. Nearly 10% of the global total of completed scholarships have been from people from Nigeria.
The CSC is an arm’s length body of the FCDO. The administration of the programme is carried out on behalf of the Commission by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat, which is hosted within the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Scholarships Officers at Post are responsible for delivery of the programme in-country, working closely with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Scholar and Fellow Recruitment
- Liaison with the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat and promotion of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship application processes. Collaborate with Chevening Officer/Lead on other UK Alumni activities and outreach.
- Develop an understanding of each of the Commonwealth’s schemes in detail.
- understanding of each of the Commonwealth’s schemes in detail.
- Support the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat in liaising with national and other nominating agencies in-country to promote Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships and support best practice in recruitment.
- Potential involvement in supporting/sitting on interview panels for national and other nominators.
Programme Outreach and Marketing
- Generate written and visual content for social and traditional media.
- Identify ways to promote Commonwealth, including working with alumni to host information sessions, workshops, attend university fairs and other outreach events. Collaborate with Chevening Officer/ Lead on other UK Alumni activities and outreach.
- Monitoring the Commonwealth Scholarships marketing budget, keeping records of promotional material, contacting suppliers for quotations and ensuring assets are produced according to the Commonwealth Scholarships branding guidelines.
- Requesting and making use of marketing materials from the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat.
- Advocate for Commonwealth Scholarships and alumni through internal communications in the High Commission to promote Commonwealth Scholarships.
Programme Administration
- Manage and respond to deadlines and requests set by the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat, such as submitting annual programme, marketing and alumni plans, and country briefings.
- Manage the administration of the programme in line with Commission policy.
- Respond to enquiries regarding the scheme and acting as point of contact within the High Commission on Scholarships-related marketing activities, application processes and alumni events.
- Respond to requests for information or insight from the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat and FCDO Scholarships Unit.
- Maintain positive relationships with applicants and award recipients before, during and after their awards.
- Represent BHC at Chevening & Commonwealth bi-monthly calls.
Alumni Engagement
- Update and maintain the database of Commonwealth Alumni, using national level alumni data to engage alumni in relevant activities and opportunities. Report updates to the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat.
- Establish and develop an effective and engaged national Commonwealth Alumni network, organising a series of events from concept to delivery for Commonwealth Alumni and Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholars (where relevant). Where appropriate, liaise with the Chevening Officer/Lead on Chevening alumni activities and data management to deliver alumni events open for recipients of both the Commonwealth and Chevening programme.
- Liaise with Chevening Officer/Lead on Chevening alumni activities and data management. Work with them to ensure the delivery of a joint pre-departure/farewell event and an annual welcome-home event.
- Develop and maintain a relationship with the CSC Alumni Association in-country, where it exists. Support the activities of the associations, within reason, such as providing meeting space for Annual General Meetings, inviting association leaders to pre-departure and welcome home events, Commonwealth Day celebrations, and other events as appropriate.
- Bid for alumni engagement funding opportunities and manage associated budgets.
- Update the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat and FCDO Scholarships Unit on alumni engagement work in country on a quarterly basis.
Partnerships
- Seek and develop local partnerships and account-manage existing partnerships including outreach, engagement and data management.
- Engage wider Post colleagues to support the development of partnerships.
- Work with the Commonwealth Scholarships Secretariat/ FCDO Scholarships Unit’s Partnerships Team to ensure any existing partnerships are managed effectively and in line with policy.
Finance
- Ensure all financial issues are dealt with effectively and in line with policy, including ensuring costs are charged to the correct budget and meet policy guidelines.
- Engage with the relevant policy teams at Post, including with other scholarships colleagues, to ensure that maximum value is gained from the programme.
General
- When required working across the FCDO’s scholarship schemes on cross-cutting areas. Ability to adapt and flex to support changing priorities – including supporting colleagues at times of pressure.
- Other ad hoc and corporate tasks as required.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Programme Delivery and Organisation
- Demonstrable experience of delivering complex programmes or projects to deadline, managing multiple workstreams (recruitment, outreach, alumni engagement and reporting) while maintaining accuracy and compliance with guidance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. alumni, partner organisations, universities, government or donor bodies), adapting approach to different audiences and priorities.
Communication and Outreach Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing clear written content for digital and traditional channels and representing an organisation professionally at events or meetings.
Data, Administration and Record Management
- Experience of maintaining accurate records and databases, handling personal or sensitive data appropriately, and providing timely reports or responses to information requests.
Planning and Prioritisation
- Ability to plan work independently, prioritise competing tasks, meet deadlines set by external bodies, and respond flexibly to changing priorities or periods of pressure.
Financial Awareness and Budget Management
- Experience of working within budgets, following financial controls, obtaining quotations, and ensuring value for money in procurement or event delivery.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Alumni, Network or Community Engagement Experience
- Experience of establishing, supporting or coordinating alumni networks, professional communities or membership‑based groups, including organising events from concept to delivery.
Scholarships, Education or International Development Context
- Knowledge of scholarship schemes, higher education, international development, or equity and inclusion‑focused programmes, particularly in a Commonwealth or international context
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