Programmes Coordinator

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.

Job Title: Programmes Coordinator, English and School Education

Pay Band: Grade 4

Contract: Indefinite

Location: Bangladesh

Salary: BGD 657,000.00

Closing date : 30th March 2026

Purpose of job

To support the effective delivery of the British Council’s English and School Education programmes in Bangladesh by coordinating operational, financial, and administrative aspects of programme implementation.

The role ensures that programme activities are delivered in alignment with organisational policies, quality standards, and compliance requirements while supporting high-quality programme outcomes.

The postholder contributes to effective programme coordination through financial administration, reporting, monitoring data management, and coordination of project activities, while maintaining productive relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Role context

This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Unit.

Cultural Engagement brings together the British Council’s portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. These activities are delivered through globally led programmes that position our work and impact within the organisation’s strategic framework.

All programme management roles contribute to the delivery of activities and projects within this global programme and strategic framework. Programmes are funded through grant-in-aid, partnerships, and external clients.

The British Council operates a contextualised programme and project management framework, with clear standards and procedures defined by the Cultural Engagement Centre of Excellence.

Main opportunities/challenges for this role

The Programmes Coordinator plays an important role in ensuring operational efficiency and compliance in programme delivery. The role requires balancing multiple administrative, financial, and coordination responsibilities while supporting Programme Managers and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Key challenges include managing programme documentation and financial processes accurately, ensuring compliance with organisational systems and policies, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and supporting timely programme delivery in a dynamic operational environment.

Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties

Relationship and stakeholder management

•    Establish, maintain, and strengthen relationships with delivery partners, implementing agencies, vendors, and other external stakeholders to       ensure smooth programme implementation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with education sector stakeholders, including government representatives, to ensure programme alignment with national priorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders in Bangladesh and the UK to support programme planning, coordination, and reporting.
• Monitor and hold suppliers accountable for delivering against contractual obligationsAdministrative and financial management

• Support planning and reporting on project financial plans, including expenditure tracking and forecasting, for Programme Managers and the Head of Programme Delivery.
• Manage smaller project budgets, ensuring value for money and alignment with programme objectives.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records in line with audit requirements.
• Ensure vendor relationships are maintained and that payments are processed in accordance with FABS online system (SAP Finance) procedures.
• Support financial risk management through proper documentation, record keeping, and reporting in compliance with British Council financial policies and anti-fraud measures.

Programme coordination

• Manage programme data including timely data entry, quality assurance, and basic monitoring data analysis.
• Prepare progress reports and maintain monitoring data to meet funder and organisational reporting requirements.
• Support internal compliance processes including due diligence, records management, and documentation control.
• Maintain comprehensive programme documentation, audit trails, and project files.
• Coordinate grants administration, procurement processes, and partner/vendor selection and evaluation.
• Plan and coordinate programme activities including events, workshops, and training sessions.
• Support programme managers in implementing diversity and inclusion mainstreaming plans within programme delivery.
• Monitor programme timelines, risks, and operational dependencies and escalate issues to programme leadership when required.
• Business development

• Support the development of professional networks, partnerships, and relationships to enhance the British Council’s impact and reputation in the education sector.
• Maintain high-quality pipeline data to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Support pipeline analysis and competitor or partner mapping to inform business development planning.
• Assist in the preparation of new business proposals, ensuring compliance with professional and organisational standards.
• Provide logistical, research, and administrative support during proposal and bid development processes.

Language requirement

• Minimum CEFR B2 level in written and spoken English.

Qualifications  : First degree in any discipline.

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Bangla.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum / Essential

• Experience working with government stakeholders in Bangladesh.
• Strong understanding of the primary and secondary education sector in Bangladesh.
• Proven track record of managing relationships with government stakeholders.
• Understanding of procurement, evaluation, and reporting requirements for development projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing project finances.
• Experience using technology to support project delivery.
• Good understanding of monitoring and evaluation processes and practices.

Desirable

• Experience working in both public and private sector organisations.
• Experience managing people, partners, and vendors.
• Experience supporting education or development programmes.

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