Senior Programme Manager

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.

Purpose of the Role:

This is a fixed term contract until March 2029 to join us as Senior Programme Manager.

The Senior Programme Manager will lead the Culture in Crisis programme, which supports and advocates for cultural resilience and safeguarding heritage in contexts affected by conflict, climate change, and other crises. 

The main purpose of this role is to design and deliver a series of events in the UK and internationally which bring together the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) network of heritage practitioners, organisations, academics and experts to discuss issues around cultural heritage protection. 

The Senior Programme Manager will identify and act on new opportunities for engagement, increasing the CPF’s reach, visibility and reputation in the UK and internationally. Additionally, you will manage the Culture in Crisis portal; the world’s largest database of heritage preservation activities, with over 1200 projects connecting users from 182 countries each year.

 Accountabilities are, but not limited to: 

The Senior Programme Manager will work with the CPF Director to create a strategy and design the programme, then oversee the delivery of the Culture in Crisis at British Council until March 2029.

Strategy and / or Planning

•    Co-develop the Culture in Crisis strategy and lead on translating the strategy into a robust programme which maximises engagement for the Cultural Protection Fund 
•    Explore and pursue other media and platforms for sharing and amplifying the programme such as publications, films, podcasts and campaigns
•    Identify and follow up on opportunities to develop the Culture in Crisis portal and expand its current remit to better support the cultural heritage sector internationally 

Operational Delivery 

•    Design and deliver a plan for events in the UK, in CPF regions and online 
•    Oversee all aspects of management and production of events in the programme
•    Manage and maintain the Culture in Crisis portal
•    Produce high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

•    Build and manage relationships with individuals, organisations, British Council communications and country teams, DCMS and other funders
•    Represent the Cultural Protection Fund and British Council at UK and international forums and policy discussions on cultural resilience

Financial & Contract Management

•    Manage the Culture in Crisis programme budget and ensure compliance with British Council standards and DCMS requirements
•    Oversee procurement and contracting processes, ensuring transparency and value for money.

Leadership and Management

•    Plan and prioritise own work activities to ensure effective delivery of responsibilities and deliverables 
•    Line Manage a CPF coordinator and oversee their workload, supporting their professional development
•    To actively contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of own biases, and taking action to mitigate against these. Ensuring people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people’s well-being and mental health.
•    Understand the British Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to role and make time for learning and development relating to EDI and anti-racism.
   

Qualifications & Experience:

•    Significant experience managing large-scale, multi-country programmes in arts, heritage, or cultural sectors. 
•    Strong financial management and donor compliance experience. 
•    Proven ability to lead complex stakeholder relationships and partnerships. 
•    Expertise in risk management and crisis-sensitive programming. 
•    Significant experience managing large-scale, multi-country programmes in arts, heritage, or cultural sectors. 
•    Strong financial management and donor compliance experience. 
•    Proven ability to lead complex stakeholder relationships and partnerships. 
•    Expertise in risk management and crisis-sensitive programming. 
•    Knowledge of cultural heritage protection and resilience frameworks.

 
Important Information:

Department: Cultural Protection
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2029
Contract Hours: Full time hours (36), Monday to Friday. 
Pay band: 8

Salary: £38,820 - £46,200 per annum. If you are based in the London area, you will recieve an additional £3,300 per annum.

Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
•  3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme 

Location of the role: London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast - UK Only. 

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 23:59 UK time.

You will be required to work in the office for 3 days per week.

There will be occasional travel as part of the role. 

 
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.  
Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

 
Interviews are planned for April 2026.  

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