Project Officer - Sports and Education

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. We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people. We connect. We inspire. British Council Pay Band 4 – Project Support Officer, Non-Formal Education (NFE) Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: South Africa Pay Range: 27,742/ Monthly ZAR Closing Date: 3rd Nov, Tuesday at 11:59 pm (SAST time) / 9:59 pm (UK time) Please note that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in South Africa. Any visa sponsorship or relocation assistance arrangements should be confirmed with the British Council. Role Purpose The Project Support Officer will provide project coordination, administrative and coach education support for the British Council’s Non-Formal Education (NFE) projects in South Africa. The role supports the effective planning and delivery of programmes focused on youth development, grassroots football, coach education and community engagement. Working closely with the NFE Programme Manager, Coach Educators, delivery teams and external partners, the postholder will support training activities, participant engagement, event logistics, financial and procurement administration, monitoring, data collection and reporting. The role will also provide practical support for coach education sessions and football development activities, helping ensure that delivery is organised, inclusive and aligned with programme objectives. Role Context This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of the British Council, which brings together work across Arts, Education, English and Research. Within Education, Non-Formal Education (NFE) supports young people and communities through skills development and opportunities that contribute to trust, cohesion and stability. The South Africa NFE portfolio includes partnership-led initiatives focused on youth development, sport, coach education and social action. The Project Support Officer will provide administrative and operational coordination across the portfolio, working with British Council colleagues, Coach Educators, delivery organisations, partners and community stakeholders. The role requires an understanding of grassroots football, community coaching and youth development, alongside strong organisational, communication and administrative skills. The postholder will support activities across different locations and may be required to travel and work outside normal office hours to support training sessions, workshops and programme events. Main Accountabilities Project Administration and Coordination * Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support across NFE projects and programme activities. * Support project planning, scheduling, implementation and follow-up to ensure activities are delivered effectively and within agreed timelines. * Maintain accurate project records, documentation and administrative systems. * Coordinate information and follow-up actions between the NFE Programme Manager, Coach Educators, British Council colleagues and external partners. * Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. Coach Education and Football Development * Provide administrative, logistical and practical support for coach education and grassroots football development activities. * Demonstrate an understanding of grassroots football, community coaching and the development needs of entry-level and developing coaches. * Support Coach Educators with training preparation, participant communication, learning materials, venues and equipment. * Assist with classroom-based and on-pitch training activities and contribute to coach education delivery where appropriate. * Support safe, inclusive, positive and learner-centred coaching practices. * Help ensure that coach education activities are delivered consistently and in line with agreed learning objectives and programme standards. Events, Training and Logistics * Coordinate practical arrangements for training sessions, workshops, events and other project activities. * Support venue bookings, travel, accommodation, catering, equipment and learning materials. * Coordinate participant registration, communications and attendance monitoring. * Provide on-the-ground administrative support during events and training activities. * Collect participant feedback and maintain accurate records of activities and outcomes. Financial Support and Procurement * Support expenditure tracking and budget monitoring, ensuring financial records are accurate and up to date. * Assist with raising purchase orders in SAP, processing goods receipts and supporting invoices and supplier payments. * Support procurement processes in line with British Council policies and procedures. * Maintain accurate financial documentation and supporting evidence for audit and reporting purposes. * Assist with the administration of grants, partner payments and supplier-related documentation. * Support compliance with financial controls and resource management requirements. Monitoring, Data and Reporting * Maintain accurate participant, attendance and programme activity data. * Support the collection, organisation and basic analysis of monitoring and evaluation information. * Assist with the preparation of project updates, progress reports and other programme reporting requirements. * Ensure that project evidence and supporting documentation are properly maintained and accessible. * Support data quality, confidentiality and compliance with relevant data protection requirements. Relationship and Stakeholder Management * Maintain effective communication with partners, suppliers, Coach Educators, consultants and participants. * Coordinate information sharing and follow-up between British Council teams and external stakeholders. * Support positive working relationships with delivery organisations and community stakeholders. * Respond to administrative queries and ensure that relevant information is communicated accurately and on time. Safeguarding, Compliance and Inclusion * Follow British Council policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, finance, procurement, data protection, risk management and compliance. * Support safeguarding requirements across youth-focused training, events and community activities. * Handle participant information appropriately and confidentially. * Promote inclusive participation and support the integration of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles across programme activities. * Help identify and escalate delivery risks or safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels. Role-Specific Knowledge, Skills and Experience Minimum / Essential Requirements * Matric or equivalent qualification. * Experience in project coordination, administration or programme support. * Knowledge of grassroots football, community coaching or football development. * Understanding of coach education and the development needs of entry-level and developing coaches. * Experience supporting events, training sessions, workshops or other organised activities. * Strong organisational, administrative and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. * Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. * Experience maintaining records, managing data and supporting reporting requirements. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital administration tools. * Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and community stakeholders. * Understanding of safe, inclusive and learner-centred approaches to youth and sports activities. * Written and verbal proficiency in English. Desirable Requirements * Experience working in youth development, sport for development, education or social impact programmes. * Experience supporting grant-funded or partnership-funded programmes. * Experience in financial administration, expenditure tracking or procurement processes. * Familiarity with SAP or other financial management systems. * A project management qualification or relevant certification. * Experience supporting safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in youth, sport or community programmes. Language Requirements The British Council’s systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Additional Requirements * The role may require travel to programme locations and occasional work outside normal office hours. * Appointment is subject to the British Council’s applicable background screening requirements. * Candidates must meet the relevant right-to-work requirements for South Africa. 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 we 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 and 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