Administrative Assistant

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.

Salary: $2.850.000
Contract Type: Fixed term contract until December, 2025, 2025 with the possibility of extension.
Location: Barranquilla or Bogota
Right to Work Requirements: Right to Work in Colombia. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: advert will close on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 23:59 Colombia time.
 
Role Purpose
As Administrative Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in assisting the Head of Implementation and Operations Managers with the planning, monitoring, and delivery of a large-scale project within the English and School Education pillar. You will help execute key project activities, contribute to effective monitoring and data reporting, and support ensuring that the project stays on track with its delivery targets while adhering to British Council’s internal policies and procedures.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following

• Supports the core project team in designing and maintaining timetables, charts, and monitoring tools to ensure the successful and timely delivery of project activities.
• Assists in the creation and tracking of service provision contracts, social security documentation, and procurement forms for external service providers, including consultants and vendors.
• Supports the Finance and Administrative Coordinator in the supplier payment process, including invoice collection, processing, and confirmation of payments.
• Manages project documentation by maintaining accurate digital and physical filing systems.
• Initiates the creation of new vendors in line with British Council procurement policies.
• Maintains and updates project databases, carries out basic data analysis, and ensures full compliance with data protection regulations.
• Organises project-related meetings, ensuring accurate minute-taking, attendance tracking, and timely distribution of records.
• Manages relationships with stakeholders at the appropriate level to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Maintains relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring delivery of services as agreed and holding them accountable for performance.
• Prepares reports on project events and activities for stakeholders, when required.
• Requests quotations from suppliers and contributes to the evaluation process using appropriate selection matrices.
• Ensures high standards in the logistics and organisation of project events in line with the obligations of the agreement.

Requirements of the role

• Two (2) years of proven experience as an administrative assistant.
• One (1) year of proven experience in contract management.
• Experience working in a supporting role on programmes or projects. 
• Excellent understanding of data administration and management functions (collection, analysis, distribution etc.) 
• Familiarity with modern database and information system technologies. 
• Expert in MS Office (Excel, Access, Word etc.) 
• Ability to operate in English (both written and spoken) at a business level. Non-native speakers of English should demonstrate a CEFR A1 level.
• University degree.

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