NFE Programme 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 Role: Contributes to planning and implementation of the NFE country portfolio including the delivery of Youth Connect and partner-funded programmes, leading on income generation and stakeholder management, contributing to successful delivery of the global Non-Formal Education (NFE) strategy and contributing to Cultural Engagement (CE) and NFE financial and non-financial targets. Accountabilities: Leadership and management * Contribute to strategic planning and business development for the NFE portfolio, developing and managing Youth Connect project plans aligned with organisational priorities and growth objectives. * Ensure high-quality programme delivery through effective project management, risk mitigation, EDI integration, digital innovation, compliance, and adherence to British Council standards. * Manage portfolio performance, finances, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring achievement of impact measures, corporate quality standards, and programme sustainability. Strategy and planning * Contributes to strategic portfolio planning, cross-functional collaboration, and digital innovation to maximise programme impact and sustainability. Business Development * Develop strategic partnerships and bid opportunities through networking, due diligence, proposal development, contract support, and alignment with education and NFE priorities. * Manage partner and consultant networks while ensuring effective risk management, EDI integration, appropriate costing, and timely reporting for funded programmes and contracts. Brand and market positioning * Strengthens the British Council’s reputation as a trusted international education partner by driving market insights, research, and thought leadership to support strategic sector engagement and advance the UK’s global relationship-building objectives. Sector/subject expertise * Uses sector expertise to provide insight and content for corporate responses to public consultations, representing British Council’s perspective and demonstrating our thought-leadership in relevant external fora Commercial and/or financial management * Manage programme financial performance by overseeing budgets, income and expenditure, producing business performance reports, and contributing to strategic business planning and portfolio impact assessment. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion * Promotes an inclusive, anti-racist culture by fostering equity, well-being, and belonging, while actively addressing personal biases and supporting diverse teams. * Champions EDI best practices across programmes, strengthening gender equality, disability inclusion, social inclusion, and continuous learning in diversity and anti-racism. Role specific knowledge and experience: Essential: * In depth understanding of the youth and skills sectors. * Experience of delivering externally funded projects or programmes * Direct experience of client funded contract pursuit * Experience of overseeing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) within projects and incorporating lessons learned from MEL into programmes and strategy * Experience of engaging with diverse stakeholders including multilateral agencies, donors, government officials, academics Desirable: * Able to lead digital events on basic platforms (Microsoft Teams) ensuring all corporate standards are met, including those for accessibility and safeguarding. * Ability to analyse relevant equality issues and identify opportunities to address these in the portfolio Language Requirements: English and Amharic Education: * Bachelor's degree (Essential) Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 IST/21:29 Ethiopia time on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 You must have the legal right to work in Ethiopia at the time of application. Important Information: Business unit: Cultural Engagement Department: Education (country reporting) Pay Band: 7-F Country/Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Contract Type: Indefinite Contract (Permanent) Work arrangement: On-site Gross monthly salary : ETB 125,000 Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Ethiopia. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 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. 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