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.
Role Purpose:
To successfully lead on all aspects of programme management for Phase 2 of the EU-funded Linataawan project, ensuring delivery meets internal and external standards and requirements. The Senior Project Manager will work closely with the Team Leader and the SRO, as well as partners and colleagues to ensure that financial, contract and project management are of a high standard throughout all stages of the project cycle.
Main Accountabilities:
The Senior Project Manager is a critical role for the project and sits as part of the Linataawan Technical Committee. S/he will oversee the delivery and management of Linataawan with the Team Leader through all stages of the project cycle and across results areas, ensuring delivery meets donor and British Council standards. S/He will help to motivate and create a dynamic and productive environment for colleagues across the team.
The Senior Project Manager will have excellent communication and inter-cultural skills, to effectively lead on project management and compliance throughout the project. This will include contributing to ensuring compliance in the complex delivery context and ensuring compliance throughout the delivery chain.
Leadership & management:
1. Supports the Team Leader in work planning and scheduling of the programme activities, securing and contracting inputs from partners and short-term experts in line with the workplan.
2. Monitors the implementation of the British Council’s Project Management Framework and project management tools, to ensure contract compliance and efficient and successful delivery.
3. Leads on internal planning and reporting including; risk and issue management, impact reporting and ensuring regional management information requests are met.
4. Ensures that effective governance arrangements are in place and operating effectively for the project, including coordinating inputs into the project board meetings, client meetings and internal planning and reporting and management information requests.
Risk and compliance:
5. Contributes to financial /risk management reporting.
6. Ensures British Council’s anti–fraud and corruption policy is embedded in project systems. Maintains and tracks budgets and ensure compliance to donor compliance requirements.
7. Accountability for ensuring effective and compliant systems in place, including procurement management, management of services, IT solutions, information management, ensuring overall office functionality and in meeting audit and business quality assurance requirements.
8. Updates information on all British Council online systems.
Operational Delivery :
9. Provides a support role to the Team Leader and the wider project team on strategic approach and project planning.
10. Responsible for drafting and maintaining all relevant project management documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant polices and standards.
11. Ensure high levels of professionalism are demonstrated in the delivery team and embedded into day-to-day practice.
12. Manage the team allocated to support with contract, finance, administrative and compliance management.
13. Actively support equality and diversity and work to the British Council’s EDI policy at all times.
Financial management:
14. Client Contract Management: ensures all contractual and financial requirements are met, co-ordinating/inputting on client reporting, ensuring inputs from the project team are timely, quality assured, and submission deadlines met.
15. Responsible for identifying consultants, negotiation of fees with them and drafting and issuing contracts.
16. Leads on effective and compliant sub-contract and consultancy management procedures and ensures accurate record keeping is maintained.
Relationship and Stakeholder management:
17. Manages the relationship on behalf of the project with all the relevant key internal and external stakeholders as agreed with the Team Leader.
18. Lead on day-to-day client management for the project, meeting donor requirements and the British Council’s standards.
About You (essential requirements for the role):
19. The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English is must (B2 level).
20. Degree and/or equivalent and/or equivalent experience. Evidence of continuous professional development.
21. Project management qualification aligned to professional standards at the appropriate level for the role. Or significant project management experience.
22. Coaching approach to management, with an emphasis on staff development
23. Good skills and knowledge in project delivery, management and evaluation of full cost recovery contracts.
24. An understanding of business planning principles and processes
25. Demonstrable commitment and respect on equality, diversity and inclusion
26. Extensive experience (a minimum of 3yrs) in managing large complex projects.
27. Experience of contract management for at least one of British Council’s core clients (e.g. EU, FCDO).
28. Experience of managing partners and sub-contractors in delivering contracts.
29. Record of effective team management in a variety of contexts.
Desirable:
30. Experience of managing projects in Libya or another fragile and conflict affected context.
31. Experience of strengthening civil society.
32. Knowledge of the EU PACA contracting models.
33. Commercially aware.
34. Professional networks.
35. Understanding of matrix / functional structures.
36. Relevant degree in a sector area relevant to development contracts is desirable.
37. Proficiency in Arabic is desirable.