Assistant Consultant

We 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.

We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people.

We connect. We inspire.

British Council Payband 6

Role Title: Assistant Consultant, International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of further extension

Location: London, Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh, UK

Monthly Salary Range: 28,072 Euro 

Closing Date: 11th Nov 2026 at 11:59 pm UK time

The successful candidate will be expected to work up to three days per week from one of the British Council’s offices in London, Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh, unless a specific homeworking arrangement is agreed. Occasional domestic travel may be required.

Please note that candidates must ensure they meet the legal right-to-work requirements for the UK. Any visa support is subject to British Council policy and availability.

Role Purpose

• Supports the implementation of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), the UK Government’s flagship fund for international science, technology, research and innovation partnerships.
• Provides operational, project management, financial and administrative support to the Consultant and wider ISPF team, ensuring effective programme delivery in line with British Council policies, corporate processes and contractual requirements.
• Supports grant administration, financial transactions, data management, reporting and stakeholder engagement to facilitate international research and innovation partnerships.

Role Context

• This role sits within the British Council’s Higher Education and Science Portfolio. The British Council supports stronger, more inclusive and internationally connected higher education systems through partnerships, mobility, exchange and collaboration.
• The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) supports high-quality international science, research, technology and innovation partnerships, advancing UK and shared priorities in areas of strategic importance.
• The fund is managed by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and delivered by a consortium of research and innovation organisations, with the British Council acting as one of the delivery partners.
• The Assistant Consultant will support the effective implementation of ISPF programmes by coordinating operational processes, managing financial and grant administration, maintaining accurate records and providing responsive support to programme stakeholders.

Main Accountabilities

Operational and Project Management

• Coordinate programme administration and operational activities using relevant systems and processes to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Support project planning, scheduling, documentation and records management, ensuring compliance with project management standards and contractual obligations.
• Monitor programme activities, identify operational issues and escalate risks or challenges to senior colleagues as appropriate.
• Contribute to improving the efficiency, quality and effectiveness of programme delivery.

Financial and Grant Management

• Undertake financial administration, including raising purchase orders, processing invoices, creating vendor records and maintaining financial spreadsheets.
• Support the preparation, issuance and processing of grant agreements and payments to grant applicants.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation in accordance with British Council financial policies and procedures.
• Support budget monitoring, financial reporting and procurement processes using relevant corporate systems.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Management

• Monitor generic inboxes and respond promptly and professionally to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including grant applicants and grantees.
• Coordinate responses to customer complaints and operational issues, escalating matters when required and keeping stakeholders informed.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, project partners, suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Support the organisation and delivery of external meetings and events, including face-to-face, online and blended activities.

Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting

• Maintain accurate programme records, databases and document management systems, including SharePoint.
• Record, analyse and report on operational activity and performance data to support programme monitoring and decision-making.
• Support the collection of participant feedback and other monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) information.
• Prepare and maintain templates, schedules, spreadsheets and reports in line with programme requirements.

Risk, Compliance and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Follow British Council policies and procedures relating to risk management, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, financial controls, anti-fraud and information security.
• Contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist working environment, recognising and addressing bias and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Ensure programme activities and administrative processes comply with relevant corporate standards and requirements.

Role-Specific Knowledge and Experience

Minimum / Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience in project delivery.
• Experience responding to customer enquiries and/or complaints.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Confident use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to analyse and manage data using Excel spreadsheets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communications to different audiences.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how inclusive practices can be embedded in programme delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in grant management and/or using grant management tools.
• Experience supporting the delivery of external events.
• Familiarity with financial administration, procurement and project reporting processes.
• For internal candidates, working knowledge of British Council SAP, the Online Grant Management System, SharePoint and Salesforce.

Language Requirements

The British Council’s systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Additional Information

• The appointment is subject to the British Council’s applicable background checks and employment policies.
• Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet the legal right-to-work requirements for the UK. Any visa support is subject to British Council policy.
• Candidates will be assessed against the British Council’s values and behaviours: Open and Committed; Expert and Inclusive; Optimistic and Bold.

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 we 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 and 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