Senior Programme Manager (UK), Chevening Scholarships

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.

The Senior Programme Manager UK is responsible for leading the administration and delivery of the scholarship programme in the UK, ensuring a high-quality experience for scholars from award confirmation through to completion of their studies in the UK. The role oversees scholarship administration, university liaison, scholar welfare and immigration support, stipend and allowance management, engagement activities, and compliance with award terms and conditions. As a member of the Secretariat management team, the Senior Programme Manager UK works closely with senior colleagues across finance, international operations, and scholarship systems, while leading Programme Managers and operational teams to ensure effective service delivery, achievement of performance targets, and the implementation of robust processes aligned with programme policies and contractual requirements.

The role supports the delivery of the prestigious Chevening and Marshall Scholarship programmes, administered by the British Council on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These globally recognised programmes provide postgraduate scholarships and fellowships to outstanding international students to study in the UK, with approximately 1,000 Chevening and 50 Marshall scholarships awarded annually. The British Council's responsibilities include programme promotion, scholar selection, university placement support, pre-departure services, scholar support in the UK, alumni engagement, impact reporting, financial management, partnership development, and social value delivery. Through these programmes, the British Council strengthens international educational partnerships, promotes cultural relations, and fosters long-term connections between the UK and future global leaders.

Main responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the UK programme delivery team, ensuring adequate resourcing, clear accountability, and high performance across scholarship administration, university liaison, and scholar support functions.
• Overseeing the development and delivery of annual operational plans, monitoring performance against contractual targets, and working closely with the wider Chevening management team to ensure coordinated programme delivery.
• Ensuring the accurate and timely payment of scholar stipends, allowances, and university invoices, maintaining robust financial and administrative controls, and overseeing the scholarship placement process through effective data management, university engagement, and progress reporting.
• Ensuring scholars are supported throughout their award by overseeing compliance with scholarship terms and conditions, coordinating welfare and safeguarding support, and maintaining strong relationships with UK universities.
• Ensuring effective escalation processes are in place for sensitive cases and that scholars have access to appropriate wellbeing support and engagement opportunities.
• Accountable for the successful delivery of key scholar events, including Orientation and Farewell programmes.
• Providing leadership and flexibility to support emerging operational requirements and continuous improvement across programme delivery.

Role specific skills include:

• Strong administrative skills, including the ability to manage information accurately on databases and IT systems.
• Flexibility to work responsively and sensitively to changing circumstances, including responding to urgent scholar issues and client requests for information.

Essential knowledge and experience include:

• Knowledge, based on experience, of an international scholarship programme.
• Experience of international student mobility, with a knowledge of the issues and challenges facing international students in the UK.
• An understanding of visa and immigration requirements and sponsorship for international students.
• An understanding and demonstrable commitment to embedding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into work projects.
• Experience working with online application systems and/or databases and competent user of excel spreadsheets.

Desirable knowledge includes:

• Knowledge, based on experience, of the UK’s higher education sector, in particular the post-graduate opportunity and course context.
• Professional qualification in project/programme management, or similar discipline related to business administration.

Language Requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Education: Degree level or equivalent experience.

Additional Requirement: Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and should be confirmed with the local HR team before applying. Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory pre-employment and ongoing background checks, depending on the nature of the role.

The role is primarily based in London (Stratford), with Cardiff considered for candidates able to travel regularly to London. Hybrid working is available, with a minimum office attendance requirement of three days per week. The postholder must be willing to travel within the UK to support scholar visits, meetings, and events, and may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends to meet operational requirements.

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.

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.