Programme Officer – Scholarships

British Council; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Programme Officer to support Scholars throughout their time in the UK. The role involves facilitating their experiences, organizing events, providing guidance, and managing stipend payments. This is a fixed-term contract until October 2026, with a salary range of £30,839 – £33,995 per annum, plus an additional London Market Allowance. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in administrative processes and procedures.
• Professional attitude towards senior staff.
• Understanding of higher education students' needs.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate support for Scholars throughout their placement.
• Organize cultural and social events for Scholars.
• Manage monthly stipend and allowance payments.

Skills

Customer service commitment

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Job description

The Team

Come and join the Education team, with Cultural Engagement as a Programme Officer.

The Role

We’re looking for a Programme Officer to join the programme for a maternity cover, from ideally January to October 2026.

The focus of this Post is to facilitate a full and memorable experience for Scholars throughout their time in the UK and to support their day-to-day requirements.

You will display a strong commitment to customer service through the professional and timely administration of awards and development of events and other engagement opportunities.

You will work alongside a range of stakeholders as their contact for the Programme whilst managing a portfolio of universities comprising between 120 and 160 Scholars.

Accountabilities

• Providing guidance and support to Scholars throughout the placement and on-award process, including assisting with related queries, organising Scholars’ travel and shipping, accommodation, and other related duties.
• Assisting with the organisation of an annual programme of cultural and social events for Scholars and Fellows, e.g. Annual Dinner, trips, visits to Houses of Parliament, Government Receptions, alumni events etc.
• Dealing with day-to-day Scholar enquiries, including welfare concerns, by responding to Scholars via email, telephone or Teams calls, signposting and advising Scholars on how to access University services and liaising with Universities on Scholars behalf where required.
• Ensuring scholars receive monthly stipend and other allowance payments on time, working with the scholar management and financial systems to ensure this, and processing payments of stipends, fees and supplier invoices.
• Assisting managers in the preparation of agendas and reports, arranging meetings, liaising with participants and drafting minutes associated with quarterly or biannual meetings and attending such meetings.
• Preparing and managing anonymous feedback surveys for Scholars or stakeholders, analysing the data and reporting the results.
• A number of administrative tasks including updating databases, updating the online application system and website copy, and other related tasks. Managing own time to ensure relevant deadlines are met.

Requirements of the role

• A professional attitude in working with senior staff as well as demonstrating a diplomatic and service-oriented approach at all times, even in potentially stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build, maintain and strengthen relationships within an international context.
• A customer-orientated approach to the design and delivery of services with demonstrable experience working with administrative processes and procedures.
• Proactive approach to identifying and addressing problems and contributing to the improvement and streamlining of the programme as a whole.
• A significant depth of understanding of the experience and needs of higher education students, enhanced by your own personal experience.
• A basic knowledge of the Higher Education system and current student issues.
• Strong attention to detail to process complex paperwork and situations.

Important Information

Pay band:7
Salary:£30,839 – £33,995 per annum. For those in the London area and assigned to the Stratford office, an additional £3,300 London Market Allowance will be an addition to your salary.
Location:UK – London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast.
Department:Education, Cultural Engagement.
Contract type:Fixed term contract until October 2026.

Closing Date

16th November 2025 at 23:59 UK Time.

This role is based in the UK and therefore you must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

We are unable to support with mobility, relocation or sponsorship.

Interviews will be held around early December 2025.