E+ Senior DiscoverEU Inclusion Manager

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. The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations. Pay Band: Grade 8 Salary: £38,820 gross per annum Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension Location: Edinburgh Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications. Closing Date: Applications will close on 24 August at 22:59 UK Time We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds. Role Purpose: The E+ Senior DiscoverEU Inclusion Manager will be responsible for leading the strategic development, delivery, and impact of the DiscoverEU Learning Cycle within the Erasmus+ programme, ensuring high-quality, inclusive learning and engagement experiences for participants before, during, and after their mobility. You will also be responsible for overseeing the design and delivery of pre-departure information, international meet-ups, and post-travel engagement, ensuring full compliance with European Commission requirements. Main Responsibilities: * Leading the national strategy and delivery of the DiscoverEU Learning Cycle, ensuring alignment with Erasmus+ priorities and European Commission requirements. * Overseeing programme planning, budgets, financial compliance, reporting, and the effective use of programme funding. * Designing and delivering high-quality learning activities, including pre-departure sessions, annual meet-ups, post-travel events, and multiplier coordination meetings. * Ensuring an inclusive, accessible, and engaging participant experience, with a strong focus on learning outcomes and youth participation. * Managing the full lifecycle of DiscoverEU events, from concept development and promotion to delivery, evaluation, and dissemination. * Leading procurement, contract management, and quality assurance of external delivery providers, ensuring compliance with funding and procurement regulations. * Building and maintaining strong relationships with the European Commission, Erasmus+ National Agencies, youth organisations, multipliers, and strategic partners. * Monitoring and evaluating programme performance, safeguarding, compliance, data protection, and impact measurement to drive continuous improvement. * Representing the National Agency in national and international forums, contributing to cross-border collaboration and European DiscoverEU initiatives. * Providing leadership, coaching, and resource planning to develop high-performing teams and oversee the effective delivery of programme objectives. Role Specific Knowledge & Experience: Essential * Experience managing complex programmes or services in youth, education, or mobility * Experience delivering Erasmus+ or similar EU-funded programmes, including compliance requirements * Experience managing events or large-scale engagement activities (national or international) * Experience of procurement and managing external suppliers or contractors * Experience working with international partners or stakeholders * Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for funded programmes Desirable * Direct experience of DiscoverEU or similar youth travel/mobility initiatives * Experience delivering cross-border or multi-country events * Knowledge of non-formal learning and youth work methodologies * Understanding of data protection requirements in EU programme delivery * Experience contributing to European-level collaboration or policy discussions Specific Requirements * Degree or equivalent work experience * Programme/Project Management qualification is desirable (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, PMP) British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. #LI-Hybrid 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