Programme Manager, International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), East Asia

Role Purpose:

This role focuses on the implementation of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) programme primarily in Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand (depending upon where the candidate is based) with additional global responsibilities. The post-holder will engage with a wide range of national and international stakeholders, supporting the successful delivery of the ISPF programme from start to finish. This includes managing the contract or project plan, managing client or internal stakeholders, and successfully achieving reporting and compliance standards. They will be working within a larger multi-country programme on a specific component of the British Council’s ISPF offer.

The Programme Manager, ISPF role will provide integral operational support to the to the global ISPF team as part of the Education team, with specific responsibility for the following key areas of work:

• Programme development and delivery – working with the ISPF UK and global team, and international partners to develop and deliver global research programmes The postholder will also support ISPF delivery and stakeholder management in other countries where ISPF is delivered.
• Programme management and compliance – ensuring compliance with project management standards (including risks and issues, financial management, resourcing and records management), corporate policies and in accordance with key contractual and reporting obligations from the client.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) – ensuring that lessons learned are captured and embedded into programme delivery and that all relevant reporting documentation is accessible for dissemination and future recommendations.
• Marketing and communication – capturing programme success stories and developing case studies that demonstrate outcomes and impact. Supporting promotional activities and working with communications colleagues to share programme opportunities, achievements and learning with relevant audiences.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) – mainstreaming EDI in programme development and delivery with a focus on anti-racism, disability, and gender equality. Sharing learning and best practises on EDI with international partners.

Role Context

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

CE brings together our portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. Our portfolio is delivered through a set of globally led programmes that locates our work and impact within our strategic framework. These programmes deliver our key performance indicators and impact ambitions.

This role will provide the opportunity to shape and deliver activities under the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), the UK Government's flagship fund for international science, technology, research and innovation. By bringing together expertise from the UK and around the world, the Fund supports collaboration on shared priorities, strengthens research and innovation capability, and develops the ideas, technologies and solutions needed for a more prosperous, secure and sustainable future.

The Fund will invest in activities that:

• accelerate research, innovation and the development of emerging technologies;
• support economic growth, investment and commercialisation opportunities;
• build research and innovation capability in the UK and internationally;
• strengthen strategic science and technology partnerships;
• address shared global challenges;
• deliver development outcomes in eligible partner countries; and
• help shape global standards, norms and responsible approaches to technology.

Main accountabilities

Relationship & Stakeholder management

• Has relationships with delivery partners and stakeholders within country and is able to procure services and contract delivery partners.
• Identifies and engages with potential international partners, researchers and stakeholders in each of the countries involved to establish ISPF partnerships.
• Maintains effective communication and a good working relationship with in-country organisations and international partners. This includes providing regular updates, soliciting feedback, addressing concerns and responds to enquiries from stakeholders promptly, and involving them in decision-making processes when appropriate.
• Works closely with in-country partner institutions/universities on any issues arising from funded activities.
• Holds suppliers to account for delivering against contract.
• Build strong internal relationships and networks

Commercial and Financial Management

• Liaises with the Finance Lead to ensure alignment with the British Council’s financial system figures and reporting to BIST.
• Support accurate and timely monthly forecasting, by running regular reports in the SAP system on actuals, monitoring outstanding purchase orders, reviewing commitments, analysing and commenting on reasons for variances to plan and