Job Description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Salary: Gross ZAR65,393 Contract Type: Fixed term contract for 1 year with possibility of extension. Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Right to Work Requirements: Right to Work in the South Africa. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications. Closing Date: advert will close on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 23:59. Role Purpose This role will provide integral project management and operational support to the Skills/TVET element of our new Going Global Partnerships (GGP) Programme operating in country, and high level support to related activity in Higher Education (HE). GGP builds stronger, more inclusive, internationally connected higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems. It supports partnerships between universities, colleges, education policy makers, civil society organisations and industry partners in the UK and around the world. You will work with colleagues in our central UK-based GGP team and with the Country Director and HE colleagues in South Africa, to deliver effective and impactful projects as well as position for and attract partnership income to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the TVET programme in South Africa. You will also ensure quality and compliance with published standards by utilising and supporting a single, common, approach across all our products and services. Details of the work of the TVET team can be found here. Main accountabilities but not limited to the following Manages the implementation of project activites in South Africa to meet (daily/weekly/monthly) agreed service/programme/product delivery performance targets, schedules and deadlines. Manages resources within own nominated area to ensure that work is carried out efficiently and effectively, such as agreeing on priorities and resolving day-to-day operating resource issues, to ensure high quality, consistent and efficient services are delivered. Uses digital platforms and technological advancements to improve efficiency, impact and quality of project delivery. Incorporates specific actions to address equality, diversity and inclusion priorities in programme design and delivery. Translates agreed corporate/regional customer service and client management strategies into appropriate local operational policies and procedures. Monitors and reports on the team/unit's achievement of agreed customer satisfaction performance targets. Ensures that customer/partner feedback is regularly gathered, analysed and acted upon to drive continuous improvements in customer experience. Uses standardised processes to monitor compliance with agreed corporate risk management procedures relevant to service delivery (e.g. EDI, safeguarding, anti-racism, security policies, financial protocols, anti-fraud measures, cyber security) to protect the interests of the British Council and its customers at all times. Highlights to senior managers any instances of non-compliance. Uses standard corporate protocols to assess a range of risks in to service/product/programme delivery. Makes appropriate contingency plans to manage delivery safely and effectively in challenging or high-risk circumstances. Ensures data collection on project/programme delivery that supports accountability, decision-making and learning including on EDI issues and reports to the GGP and Country Team via monthly and quarterly governance processes and structures. Conducts analysis using a range of standard methodologies and across multiple datasets to provide high quality and evidence-based recommendations on procedural improvements and/or highlight resource requirements needed to enhance operational performance. Directly plans and controls specific cost variables (rather than the total budget) to meet established targets, ensuring compliance with all relevant corporate financial systems and processes. Using agreed financial procedures/templates, conducts monthly and year-end analysis and reporting on income and expenditure/profitability and risk/pipeline/actual performance versus plan targets. Shares intelligence and ideas to support senior managers in identifying/ developing / implementing new or improved operational plans. Provides high-level support to the HE Project Officer, and identifies and delivers on opportunities for cross-SBU collaboration where appropriate. Drives integration of measures to support equality issues within teams and programmes. Requirements of the role Extensive knowledge of and experience working in or with the South African Skills/TVET sector. Experience using technology effectively in the workplace. managing teams and projects in line with Centre of Excellence Project Management standards. working across different cultures and recognising then addressing any unconscious biases. promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within project planning and delivery including use of appropriate tools. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of project management, particularly client-funded and/or partnership projects. Understands and promotes ethical conduct, and able to ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and values of the British Council including those set out in our EDI priorities. A degree/diploma in a related field or equivalent experience. The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English at C1 level is required. A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed 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 in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org