HE Project Manager at British Council

Role Context

This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU).   

CE brings together our portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. Our portfolio is delivered through a set of globally led programmes that locates our work and impact within our strategic framework. These programmes deliver our key performance indicators and impact ambitions. 

All programme management roles deliver activities and projects within this global programme and strategic framework. Our programmes are funded by the British Council’s grant in aid, through partnerships and external clients.  

The British Council has a contextualised programme and project management framework with clear standards and procedures for programme management set out by the CE Centre of Excellence. This framework is in line with Cabinet office functional standard for project delivery, FCDO Operating Framework  and the Association for Project Management Body of Knowledge.  

 Role Purpose

Implementation of HE programmes in Nigeria funded by British Council and other partners or clients in compliance with British Council policies and procedures. Could play a leadership role on a specific component of a larger project or programme.

Main accountabilities

Some of your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Manage the delivery of Innovation African Universities (IAU) programme in Nigeria (as part of Going Global) and any other HE programmes in the country
• Manages delivery teams and/or project team.
• Manages all EDI processes and ensures comprehensive use of internal tools in programme design and delivery. Maintains an oversight of the action plan developed through the use of internal EDI tools
• Leads on relationships at a project/programme level.
• Holds delivery partners to account including supply chain management where applicable.
• Manage and control the agreed budget, expenditure and income against plans, ensure accuracy of reports and ensure sound financial management and analysis across the portfolio through monthly finance reviews and quarterly business reviews.
• Ensures that every project/programme is compliant with all internal policies and processes (for example safeguarding, EDI, supply change management, social value and conflict sensitivity).
• Contributes to development of, owns and delivers, the Programme Management Plan
• Identifies risks in a project or programme and puts together mitigation strategies with SRO.
• Manages, finance, procurement, compliance and reporting on a project/programme.
• Works closely with sources of digital skills and expertise to ensure high quality digital inputs on programmes and projects. 

As with any business that experiences peaks and troughs of activity, there is likely to be a need to work outside office hours from time to time 

Role specific knowledge and experience:

• Foundation level Project Management qualification (in-house training or evidence of CPD in this area could be considered)
• Experience of managing multi country or large in-country programmes that have met project closure and audit standards.
• Knowledge/ and or experience of working with at least two types of funding sources within a structured compliance regime.
• Experience of client management, partner management and/or contract management.
• Experience of managing a wide range of stakeholders
• Good understanding and experience of the HE sector in Nigeria

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate will need to possess the following requirements:

• Relevant experience of overseeing production of goods/provision of services

Desirable requirements

• Significant experience of managing projects/programmes
• Experience of managing dispersed teams.