Key Account 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.

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 Role:

This candidate currently leads donor engagement for an organisation's top global supporters, developing tailored engagement strategies, impact reports and communications to strengthen long-term relationships and maximise donor value. They work closely with senior leaders, marketing and development teams to align donor engagement activities with organisational priorities, while creating compelling impact stories linked to education and sustainable development goals. The role also involves planning and delivering high-profile donor visits and immersion experiences, as well as building relationships with government, corporate and non-profit partners to support fundraising campaigns, stakeholder engagement and donor stewardship activities.

Accountabilities:

This role is responsible for building and strengthening strategic relationships with key international partners and stakeholders, particularly in Brussels, while positioning the British Council as a trusted partner within the international development and cultural relations sectors. The postholder provides expert advice on partner engagement, monitors policy and funding developments, leads advocacy and networking activities, and identifies new business and funding opportunities. They support and manage the development of high-quality bids and proposals, oversee commercial and contractual processes, manage budgets and partner agreements, and help ensure successful programme delivery and risk management. The role also plays a significant part in sharing knowledge, building the capability of colleagues across the global network, embedding lessons learned into future opportunities, and may include line management responsibilities, while actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of work.

Requirements of the role:

• Strong understanding of the EU institutions decision making, and policy and programming processes in the international development context.
• Experience building partnerships and working with funding from multi-national and/or national bodies, i.e. EU Institutions, European Governments, International organisations.
• Proven record in managing and/or writing successful bids/proposals for institutional donors such as EU institutions and/or EU MS and/or International organisations with ability to provide clear guidance on requirements and procedures.
• Good experience in budget preparation.
• Excellent written communication skills, able to convey projects in a clear, engaging way.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal communication and influencing skills, able to engage and promote dialogue between a range of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Proven facilitation, skills and ability to build capacity, with aim of contributing to the professional development of staff.
• Excellent organisational awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think and work proactively, to prioritise own workload under pressure, and to work autonomously.
• Seven years’ experience in the international development sector, including the successful implementation of advocacy and business targets with the EU institutions or EU Member State agencies or International organisations or CSOs or consulting.

Closing Date: Applications will close on 8th November at 23:59 UK Time.

You must have the legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

Important Information:

Contract type: Indefinite

Pay band: 7

Salary range: EUR 5351-6458 per month

Location: Belgium

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

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]