Programme Officer, Scholarships (47343) en British Council

 
Programme Officer, Scholarships.
 
 
 
The Team:

 
Come and join the Eductaion team, with Cultural Engagement as a Programme Officer. 

You will support the delivery of administration services provided to the Marshall scholarship programme and you will be responsible for managing specific areas of work. 

 
You will make arrangements for scholarship application and selection cycles, pre-departure and scholar placement activities, delivery of scholar engagement activities and other activities pertinent to the management, support and well-being of scholars and alumni.

 
You are likely to have direct responsibility for a portfolio of scholars and associated stakeholders, including higher education institutions in the UK and other partners.
 

Providing excellent service delivery and a methodical and careful approach to management, the Programme Officer will make a clear contribution to the successful delivery of the scholarship management.   

The post-holder will be assigned to work principally with the Marshall Secretariat.  

The Role

We’re looking for a Programme Officer to join the programme for a maternity cover, from ideally January to October 2026. 

The focus of this Post is to facilitate a full and memorable experience for Scholars throughout their time in the UK and to support their day-to-day requirements. 

 
You will display a strong commitment to customer service through the professional and timely administration of awards and development of events and other engagement opportunities. 

 
You will work alongside a range of stakeholders as their contact for the Programme whilst managing a portfolio of universities comprising between 120 and 160 Scholars.

Accountabilities:

The roleholder will be required to take an active role in activities that may include but not be limited to: 

Providing guidance and support to Scholars throughout the placement and on-award process, including assisting with related queries, organising Scholars’ travel and shipping, accommodation, and other related duties.

Assisting with the organisation of an annual programme of cultural and social events for Scholars and Fellows, e.g. Annual Dinner, trips, visits to Houses of Parliament, Government Receptions, alumni events etc.

Dealing with day-to-day Scholar enquiries, including welfare concerns, by responding to Scholars via email, telephone or Teams calls, signposting and advising Scholars on how to access University services and liaising with Universities on Scholars behalf where required.

Ensuring scholars receive monthly stipend and other allowance payments on time, working with the scholar management and financial systems to ensure this, and processing payments of stipends, fees and supplier invoices.

Assisting managers in the preparation of agendas and reports, arranging meetings, liaising with participants and drafting minutes associated with quarterly or biannual meetings and attending such meetings.

Preparing and managing anonymous feedback surveys for Scholars or stakeholders, analysing the data and reporting the results.

A number of administrative tasks including updating databases, updating the online application system and website copy, and other related tasks. Managing own time to ensure relevant deadlines are met. 

Requirements of the role: 

 
A professional attitude in working with senior staff as well as demonstrating a diplomatic and service-oriented approach at all times, even in potentially stressful situations.

Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build, maintain and strengthen relationships within an international context. 

A customer-orientated approach to the design and delivery of services with demonstrable experience working with administrative processes and procedures. 

Proactive approach to identifying and addressing problems and contributing to the improvement and streamlining of the programme as a whole. 

A significant depth of understanding of the experience and needs of higher education students, enhanced by your own personal experience. 

A basic knowledge of the Higher Education system and current student issues. 

Strong attention to detail to process complex paperwork and situations. 

Important Information:

Pay band: 7
Salary: £30,839 - £33,995 per annum.  For those in the London area and assigned to the Stratford office, an additional £3,300 London Market Allowance will be an addition to your salary.
Location: UK – London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast.  
Department: Education, Cultural Engagement. 
Contract type: Fixed term contract until October 2026.  
Closing Date: 16th November 2025 at 23:59 UK Time. 

 
This role is based in the UK and therefore you must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. 
 
We are unable to support with mobility, relocation or sponsorship. 
 
Interviews will be held around early December 2025.  
 
This role is based in the UK only.