HE Programme Manager

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Purpose

The British Council is seeking an experienced and strategic HE Programme Manager to contribute to the development, planning and delivery of the Higher Education portfolio in South Africa.

The role will support the successful delivery of programmes across student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education partnerships, science collaborations and non-formal education initiatives. The postholder will play a key role in programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, business development and income generation while ensuring projects achieve their intended impact and align with British Council strategic objectives.

In South Africa, the role requires a strong understanding of the higher education landscape and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government stakeholders, higher education institutions, donors, researchers, alumni and other sector partners. The successful candidate will help position the British Council as a trusted partner and thought leader in the education sector while championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout programme delivery.

Role Accountabilities

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the country Higher Education strategy and annual business plan.
• Ensure alignment between country priorities, global Education strategy and wider Cultural Engagement objectives.
• Contribute to impact measurement, evidence generation and reporting across the portfolio.

Leadership and Programme Management

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of Higher Education programmes and projects in South Africa.
• Ensure compliance with British Council programme management standards, policies and procedures.
• Monitor project performance, risks, budgets and impact indicators.
• Embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles into programme design and delivery.

Business Development

• Support income generation and business development activities.
• Identify funding opportunities and maintain relationships with donors, partners and clients.
• Contribute to proposal development, contract negotiations and bid writing.

Stakeholder Management and Market Positioning

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, universities, educational institutions, multilateral agencies, researchers, alumni and sector partners.
• Represent the British Council at events, forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Promote UK-South Africa education partnerships and sector collaboration.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Manage programme budgets and ensure effective financial oversight.
• Monitor expenditure, income and performance against agreed targets.
• Support planning, forecasting and reporting processes.

Market Insight and Research

• Develop and share insights on the South African higher education landscape.
• Support research and thought leadership activities that strengthen the British Council's position in the sector.

Essential Requirements

Education

• Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Project management qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Experience delivering externally funded projects or programmes.
• Experience pursuing and managing client-funded contracts.
• Experience overseeing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities.
• Strong stakeholder management experience across government, higher education institutions, donors and partner organisations.
• Experience embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles into programmes.
• Strong programme and project management capabilities.
• Excellent written communication, reporting and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge of international student mobility trends.
• Understanding of transnational education and international partnerships.
• Ability to analyse equality issues and identify opportunities to promote inclusion across programmes.

Important Information

• Location: South Africa
• Pay Band: PB7
• Department: Cultural Engagement
• Contract Type: Indefinite (IDC)
• Language Requirement: Written and verbal proficiency in English is essential.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The British Council is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated equitably and with respect. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and actively encourage diversity in our workforce. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

Background Checks

Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory background checks both before appointment and periodically during employment, as required. The nature of checks will depend on the role and applicable local legislation.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the legal right to work in South Africa at the time of application and for the duration of employment. The British Council does not provide visa sponsorship, relocation support or immigration assistance for this role.

Closing Date:

11:59 PM IST, Monday, 19th October 2026

8:29 PM South Africa Time (SAST), Monday, 19th 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 [email protected]