Arts Project Officer

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. You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. # # Role Purpose Supports the Arts & Culture programme team in delivering Arts & Culture programmes and contracts in line with British Council policies and procedures. The role covers financial administration, reporting, data collection, evaluation, project delivery and managing relationships with delivery partners. # Role Context Cultural Engagement (CE) is one of two global strategic departments within the British Council, bringing together Arts, Education, English & School Education and research. With approximately 1000 staff globally and income of £200 million in 2024/25, CE delivers impact through research and insight, sector engagement, policy dialogue and a mixed portfolio of commercial and Grant and Partnership Funded (GPF) work. The Arts portfolio is delivered through two global programmes: * Art in Action – connects UK and international artists and creative organisations, supports innovative collaborations and access to new markets and audiences, and enables creatives to address global challenges and amplify under-represented voices. * Creative Growth – supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth and innovation through advocacy, sector development and showcase programmes for the creative and cultural industries. In Mexico, the British Council works to strengthen UK–Mexico relations through education, arts and culture, and English language. Cultural Engagement focuses on English and School Education, Higher Education partnerships and internationalisation, and Arts and Creative Economy development, delivered through strategic partnerships, digital and in-person activity and business development. # Role Accountabilities ### Project Management * Manage project data, quality assurance, basic analysis and progress reporting to meet funder requirements. * Support due diligence, records management, data collection and compliance. * Manage grants administration, selection, evaluation and procurement processes. * Coordinate events and training components within programmes. * Support programme managers with EDI and diversity mainstreaming actions. ### Relationship & Stakeholder Management * Manage relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders. * Manage vendors and suppliers and ensure delivery against agreed requirements. ### Commercial & Financial Management * Support project financial planning, expenditure, forecasting and reporting. * Manage smaller budgets and maintain accurate financial records. * Ensure timely processing of vendor payments in line with SAP Finance/FABS requirements. * Ensure compliance with British Council and relevant funder/partner financial policies. ### Managing Self & Others * Work independently and manage workloads against project deadlines. * Hold vendors and suppliers accountable for delivery. * Contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture. * Promote equality, diversity and inclusion and support colleagues’ wellbeing. # Role Specific Knowledge & Experience ### Essential * Proven experience in an Arts-related area. ### Desirable * Experience supporting programmes or contracts. * Administrative, financial administration and reporting experience. * Understanding of basic monitoring and evaluation concepts and their role in project management. * Experience working with external partners and stakeholders. # Language Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. # # Additional Job Requirements Background Checks- Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory background checks, both before appointment and periodically during employment, as required. The nature and level of checks will depend on the role and applicable local laws. Proof of Identity & Right to Work- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is based at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Visa sponsorship, immigration support and relocation assistance are not provided for this role. Applications are welcome from candidates currently based in the recruiting country and other British Council country offices, provided they meet the right-to-work requirement. # Important Information Location: Mexico Contract Type: IDC Work Mode: Hybrid, 3 days from from office Pay Band: 4 Closing Date: 2nd September 23.59 IST 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