Business Support Services Lead

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. British Council Payband 7 Contract Type: 1-year Fixed Term Contract, with possibility of renewal Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Closing Date: 9th September 2026 (22.59 Jakarta Time) You must have the legal right to work in Indonesia at the time of application. There is no relocation or visa sponsorship support. Role Purpose: The Business Support Services (BSS) Lead provides strategic and operational leadership across Business Support Services for the British Council and the British Council Indonesia Foundation. The holder acts as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, government stakeholders, and internal clients, leading the delivery of corporate services, external regulatory relationships, facilities management, immigration compliance, office safety and security, IT operational oversight, and statutory governance requirements. The role also provides support and guidance to client and partner-funded Programmes operating in Indonesia. 1. Corporate Governance and Statutory Compliance (20%) * Act as Corporate Secretary to the Yayasan Board supporting English and Exams operations in Indonesia. * Ensure statutory, regulatory, and governance obligations of the Yayasan are met in accordance with Indonesian regulations and British Council policies. * Coordinate Board and governance meetings, maintain corporate records, prepare resolutions, and ensure timely submission of statutory documents. * Provide governance advice to senior leaders and Board members on compliance and corporate matters. * Monitor changes in relevant legislation, consult with expert and assess impacts on British Council operations. 2. Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs (10%) * Lead relationships with relevant Government of Indonesia ministries and regulatory bodies. * Ensure all Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), permits, licenses, and regulatory requirements remain valid, compliant, and aligned with organisational needs. * Coordinate annual reviews, reporting requirements, and monitoring of MoU implementation with government stakeholders. * Represent the organisation in discussions with external authorities on operational and compliance matters. 3. Business Services Financial Management (10%) * Lead budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and expenditure management across Business Support Services, CD’s Office, and IT functions. * Ensure financial transactions comply with British Council financial policies, procurement requirements, and delegated authorities. * Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, and value for money across service delivery. * Monitor supplier performance and contractual commitments against budgets. 4. Work permit and tax facility exemption (15%) * Oversee work permit, visa, and immigration processes for UK-appointed staff, teachers, and other expatriate employees. * Ensure compliance with Indonesian immigration and employment regulations. * Maintain effective relationships with external agencies and authorities supporting immigration processes and Tax Exemption facilities. 5. Facilities and Workplace Management (15%) * Provide strategic oversight of facilities management, workplace services, and office operations. * Ensure critical service contracts and premises are effectively managed, reviewed, renewed, and deliver agreed outcomes. * Identify and implement workplace improvements that enhance employee experience, operational effectiveness, and business continuity. 6. Safety, Security and Business Continuity (15%) * Lead the implementation and monitoring of office safety, security, and business continuity arrangements. * Ensure compliance with British Council security standards, health and safety requirements, and local regulations. * Maintain strong engagement with the British Embassy and relevant stakeholders on security and crisis management matters. * Support risk assessments, incident management, and emergency response planning. 7. Contract and Policy Compliance (5%) * Monitor compliance with corporate policies, local procedures, and assurance standards. * Support internal and external audit requirements and drive continuous improvement actions. 8. IT Operational Oversight (10%) * Provide oversight of local IT service delivery and technology asset management. * Ensure staff have appropriate technology, equipment, and support to enable effective hybrid and remote working. * Monitor IT service performance and work with regional and global teams to resolve issues and improve service quality. Role Context The UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership provides the overarching framework for bilateral cooperation between both countries through to 2045, creating significant opportunities for collaboration across education, English, skills, and cultural relations. Indonesia office as a Top 12 strategic country for the British Council, Indonesia delivers a diverse portfolio of programmes aligned to both UK and Indonesian priorities. Effective delivery requires a strong enabling function that ensures robust governance, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and stakeholder engagement. The Business Support Services Lead provides senior specialist leadership across corporate services, governance, regulatory affairs, facilities management, immigration compliance, safety and security, and business operations. The role supports across Strategic Business Units and corporate functions, ensuring the organisation can operate effectively, efficiently, and compliantly through both the British Council legal entity (IDN1) and the Yayasan entity (IDN5). A critical aspect of the role is maintaining expert knowledge of national and local government legislation, regulatory developments, and their operational implications for the British Council. The post holder leads engagement with relevant government authorities and external stakeholders to ensure organisational compliance, manage risk, and identify opportunities arising from regulatory changes. This includes ensuring that both entities remain appropriately positioned to support current operations and future growth. Main accountabilities Professional services expertise * Manage all general services contract renewals and extensions including British Council premises leases is extended in time * Manage the safety and security in British Council premises in Jakarta and ensure the incident management plan and business continuity plan is in place. Adequate level of security measures in place for prevailing level of risk and regularly reviewed; and shared with British Embassy * Oversee the office administration and manage to standardize administration procedure and SOP in country level and ensure it is in line with existing Global Policy * Deliver a range of services to ensure appropriate living accommodation for UK appointed staff * Manage budget up to GBP 700k and its reconciliation report to Country Director with accurate picture of financial transactions, planning and forecasting of the budgets * Oversee IT operational and inventory * Perform the highest standard of compliance in asset inventory record * Manage offices and ensure the highest standard of cleanliness, pantry supply, stationery performed by support team is well maintained * Oversee facility maintenance in British Council managed premises, office car, equipment and assets * Responsible for Expatriate’s work permit and ensure it’s obtained within set of time * Oversee custom clearance for export and import Consultancy, analysis and problem solving * Support British Council’s branch: British Council Indonesia Foundation legal documents, database and its records, ensure required legal documents are up to date and sufficient for audit purpose and comply with local legal requirements. * Manage country contract register for all programmes and resources’ contracts and encourage all teams to follow the policy and procedure. Service improvement * Oversee all BSS contract conduct price negotiation as necessary to present best value for money in all procurement structure. * Working with Global procurement team to manage yearly suppliers review for the BSS needs. * Approve Purchase Orders with delegated authority for Business Support Services expenditure Relationship and Stakeholder Management * Be the first point of contact for and maintain relations with Government of Indonesia on our licence to operate, through Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU) * Develop and maintain Implementing Agreements for Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Higher Education Research and Technology, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Creative Economy, ensuring regular review meetings in place and coordinating with programme teams. Role specific knowledge and experience: Minimum/Essential Requirements * Relevant University degree or equivalent experience * 5 years’ experience in managing business services in Indonesia Desirable Requirements * Qualification in business administration, Logistics, Facilities Management * Experience of working for an international organization * Experience of working for a local foundation (Yayasan) Language Requirements The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. 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