E+ Senior Programme & Quality Assurance 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 plus £3,300 London Market Allowance Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension Location: Strafford 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 27 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 Programme & Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of quality and management assurance frameworks, making sure that programme processes, from calls and assessments through to grant management, monitoring and reporting are delivered to a high standard and in line with programme requirements. The postholder will be working closely with programme delivery teams and the Compliance & Fraud function, you will identify and manage risks, strengthen controls and use data, insight and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement. Main Responsibilities: * Leading the design and implementation of first-line management assurance and quality frameworks across programme delivery. * Developing and embedding quality standards, guidance and review methodologies across calls, assessment, selection, grant management and contracting. * Overseeing risk-based quality reviews, sampling and operational checks, ensuring they are proportionate and aligned with programme priorities. * Ensuring assurance findings are clearly documented, with robust audit trails and actions tracked through to completion. * Establishing and monitoring quality and performance metrics, using data, trends and feedback to identify risks, systemic issues and good practice. * Providing clear insight and reporting to the Head of Programme Management and relevant governance forums. * Translating assurance findings into practical process, system and guidance improvements, driving consistency, efficiency and a positive user experience. * Working closely with Compliance & Fraud and other key functions to ensure risks are identified, managed and appropriately escalated, with effective controls embedded within delivery processes. * Building strong relationships with delivery, Compliance, Finance, Policy and Digital teams, providing clear guidance on quality standards and programme requirements. * Leading and developing the quality assurance and programme support team, setting clear expectations, building capability and ensuring consistently high-quality delivery. Role Specific Knowledge & Experience: Essential * Experience in programme delivery, quality assurance, or operational management * Experience designing and delivering assurance, review, or quality frameworks * Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments * Strong understanding of performance management, KPIs, and operational metrics * Experience identifying risks and driving improvements in delivery processes * Experience working with governance, audit, or compliance functions Desirable * Experience in grant-funded or public sector programmes * Knowledge of Erasmus+ or similar education/youth programmes * Experience working in international or multi-stakeholder environments * Experience working with digital systems supporting programme delivery * Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma) 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