Programme Manager - Arts

Transformation has resulted in changes in skills requirements, roles, and numbers of roles required in the new operating model. The roles in the new operating model will be restricted to employees in the selection pool in the first instance. Selection for any jobs that remain unfilled following the agreed selection process will be conducted in line with the Global Recruitment policy.

Programme Manager, Arts

 
The Role:
 

To implement country and multi-country multi-disciplinary Arts projects that support an impact driven programme that contributes to sustainable and inclusive Creative and Cultural industries in Africa and UK. You will be responsible for managing relations and working with South African and the UK partners to deliver projects in line with organisational programme management requirements.

The programme manager will contribute to programme strategy, leading programme delivery and providing operational support (including Finance, Monitoring & Evaluation, Marketing & Communications, and compliance), using project management, relationship management and co-ordination skills.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:  

Team leadership and management

• Lead in successful strategy design, project management and financial management to British Council standards.                                                    
• Plans and prioritises own work activities, which span across a range of different projects and programmes responding to changing and at times competing requirements to ensure effective delivery of responsibilities over a weekly/monthly time horizon.

Strategy and planning

• Support the development of a robust programme that fits within the Arts pillars and responds to sector needs and offers demonstratable impact.
• Using standard procedures and templates, regularly records, analyses and reports on operational activity levels and performance data, to support timely and effective business decisions that respond to operational needs
• Supports and coordinates the development of high-quality programming and evidencing of impact by preparing or collating written content/diagrams/financial data/case studies/project plans according to agreed corporate templates, processes and deadlines.

Stakeholder management

• Coordinates and organises contact across stakeholders, internal and external, to support a coherent and connected delivery plan of projects
• Liaises and manages relationships with partners and/or consultants involved in the delivery of projects within the global programme

Financial and operational management and governance

• Work closely with colleagues and partners to monitor and support financial planning and reporting.
• Manage the financial life cycle of allocated projects; this will include the timely review of and reporting on financial targets for operational expenditure, indirect costs, management expenses etc with support from the Finance Team.

Business development and partnership management

• Work with Director Arts, Portfolio leads, Business Manager SSA and UK Arts Advisors to develop new partnerships that extend the impact of our work in SSA and UK.
• Create relationships with key business stakeholders in SSA/UK region and global network, such as Operations Manager, Marketing and Communications, Insights and Evaluations Manager, Grant Contract management, country teams and Country Directors etc.

Contract and grant management

• Prepare contracts for all partnerships ensuring they capture all elements of the partnerships and outline clearly all partner responsibilities and benefits following established corporate templates.
• Monitor and ensure delivery of partnership benefits to funding and non-funding partners.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Ensure that programme delivery, training events and activity are appropriately screened, including conflict sensitivity screening, and reflect British Council EDI policy.
• Support on programme reporting portfolio managed for British Council Diversity Assessment Framework and Standards.

Requirements of the role:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in managing large scale projects or programmes.
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution or five years’ relevant experience in lieu of.
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles and
• Experience of working with cultural and public sector
• Experience of co-ordinating, working and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable:

• An innovative approach to the use of digital and social media to connect audiences.
• Understanding of the arts sector in other Sub-Saharan African countries and the UK

• Experience of working with arts and culture as a vehicle for sustainable development

• Project management certification

Closing Date:  Applications will close at 23:59 on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 South Africa Time / 22:59 UK Time

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

Important Information:

Department: Arts

Contract Duration: Two (2) Years Fixed Term
Pay band: 7

Gross Salary: ZAR 65 393,00

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa 

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in South Africa 

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.

We are committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We will support all employees to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment.  We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.