At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage exciting youth skills projects that make a real difference globally.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in cultural relations and education for 90 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days of annual leave, a generous pension, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to inspire and connect people across cultures and communities.
- Qualifications: Passion for international development and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45585 - 55715 £ per year.
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.
Purpose of the Role:
We are looking for a Consultant to join the team on an indefinite basis. You will support the pursuit, design, delivery and evaluation of projects and programmes across the Non-formal Education (NFE) portfolio by providing high-quality operational support, project and contract management, and ensuring compliance with internal and external standards. You will be responsible for one or a number of small-size projects with a focus on contributing to successful delivery of Youth Connect, our global programme, business development and overall functioning of global NFE team. The role will work closely with the central NFE team to support several areas of work and it’s likely to have line management responsibilities for Assistant Consultant/s.
Accountabilities are, but not limited to:
- Operational Delivery: Manages resources within own nominated team 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.
- Leadership & Management: Sets and oversees delivery of the workplan for a small-sized team of Assistant Consultants holding them to account for achieving agreed performance targets that are aligned to wider regional/SBU priorities and goals. Plans and prioritises own work activities to ensure effective delivery of diverse responsibilities and deliverables over a quarterly to annual time period.
- Business Development: Supports building and managing client/partner relationships and new strategic, income-generating opportunities which contribute to agreed financial and impact targets. Provides support to proposal teams to develop high-quality bids/proposals. Ensures internal and client compliance, including legal, finance, procurement, contract management and reporting.
- Relationship & Stakeholder Management: Maintains relationships with stakeholders, external consultants, clients and partners in the UK and internationally to promote cultural relations and collaborative activities and to support the achievement of agreed commercial and impact targets. Manages network of associate advisors, consultants and organisations.
- Risk & Compliance: Uses standardised processes to monitor team/unit 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.
- Analysis & Reporting: Ensures data collection on project/programme delivery that supports accountability, decision-making and learning including on EDI issues. Presents complex information clearly, using an appropriate combination of written, graphical and financial data/analysis, to enable evidence-based operational decision-making and planning.
- Commercial and/or Financial Management: 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. Provides financial management support to the global and project teams.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Actively contributes to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of your own biases, and taking action to mitigate against these. Ensuring people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people’s well-being and mental health. Understands the British Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to your role, making time for learning and development relating to EDI and anti-racism.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Interest and/or experience in international development, non-formal education, youth, civil society and related areas.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of project management, particularly client-funded and/or partnership projects (including digital delivery).
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to summarise and present information for different audiences.
- Good experience in compliance with internal and external procedures and standards, including financial policies, contracts management and systems.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to British Council’s approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and anti-racism.
Important Information:
- Department: NFE, Education - Cultural Engagement.
- Contract type: Indefinite.
- Pay band: 7 Salary: From £32,381 plus £3,300 London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only.
- Excellent benefits such as 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays and generous pension.
- Location of the role: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast ONLY.
- Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
- Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.
- Interviews are planned for the end of October 2026.
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
Consultant - Youth Skills employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets education. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to make a meaningful impact on learners worldwide while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a globally recognised organisation dedicated to cultural exchange and educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant - Youth Skills
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by British Council.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like British Council.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at British Council.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at British Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant - Youth Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of British Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Consultant - Youth Skills, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of British Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
