Senior Programme Manager

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 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

Pay Band  – 8 / E

Department - Education (International Ops - country & regional reporting lines)

Contract Type  – FTC to 15 November 2024 (With the possibility of an extension to 30 April 2027)

Location – Islamabad, Pakistan

Requirements – Candidates must have the legal right to work in Pakistan.

Closing Date – 21st July 2024

Purpose of Role :

The Senior Programme Manager will manage the FCDO Funded Aawaz II Programme in Pakistan, currently under implementation by the British Council. S / he will be responsible for providing oversight and leadership of programme management, contract management, business management, financial management and technical delivery management standards to achieve excellence across the programme.

S / he will lead on coordinating internal and external resources to meet business targets, delivery milestones and client deadlines. Using the British Council’s standards, policies and frameworks, the programme manager will be responsible for ensuring that Aawaz II is managed in a way that maximises client satisfaction; profitability; adheres with all British Council, client and legal requirements on the appropriate use of funds; ensures full compliance with British Council internal policies and ensures compliance with FCDO contractual and reporting requirements.

Main Accountabilities :

The postholder will, alongside the Team Leader, PMU team and SRO, also be expected to contribute to the strategic and technical direction of the programme. Working as a key part of the technical team in developing and delivering a robust methodology and work plan that fully meets client requirements.

The post holder will also work closely with the Aawaz II SRO, Team lead and British Council country NFE team and South Asia regional teams, as well as other managers in the global NFE team and regional directorates to ensure that the project is managed to a high standard on behalf of the client, evaluation of impact appropriately measured, financial targets met and lessons embedded.

The post holder must be able to work effectively with diverse and geographically dispursed teams, drawing on previous experience of delivery, best practice approaches, procedures and policies to support successful delivery of the contracts business and solve current operational problems.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum / essential

• Relevant professional qualification or 5 years’ experience working in sector.
• Extensive experience (a minimum of 3yrs) in managing complex development projects in Pakistan.
• Experience of contract management for at least one of British Council’s core clients (e.g., FCDO, EU or CSSF / ISF)
• Experience of managing partners and sub-contractors from across Pakistan in delivering contracts.
• Track record of effective financial, risk, safeguarding and due diligence management for client funded development contracts in Pakistan.
• Track record of effective team management and co-ordination of mixed teams of internal and external experts and consultants - for a client funded contract project or programme.
• Knowledge and experience of running gender and inclusion programming for contracts with FCDO or other external clients in Pakistan.
• Experience of the design and delivery of projects and programmes within the gender and inclusion or civil society sectors.

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

Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement