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. Contract type: Indefinite Contract Pay band: 6 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Closing Date: 12th July 2026 23.59 UK Time Interviews are expected to take place during the week of 20th July. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details. Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application. Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance is not provided. Role Context The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific aims to strengthen its profile and relationships across New Zealand and the Pacific through high-quality, high-impact arts programmes delivered with key strategic partners, showcasing the best of UK creativity and building a positive narrative about the UK. Engagement across the Pacific will primarily be delivered via major centres in New Zealand or remotely, in close partnership with the Pacific Islands Network of UK High Commissions, and focused on priority countries (Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga). Our approach will emphasise brokering partnerships, building capacity across communities, organisations, and governments, and delivering a mix of bespoke and digital programmes. We will also pursue opportunities with government and higher education partners, particularly in arts and cultural heritage, with a focus on Māori and Pacific cultural exchange and climate-related themes. Role Purpose The Programme Manager, Arts will implement activities in country delivered through one or both of the Arts global programmes: Arts in Action and Creative Growth. They will manage additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Country Director. The role will work with a small team in country and manage sector partner and stakeholder relationships. They will also build relationships and work closely with their peers in other countries and across the global arts network, often collaborating on global programmes. Main Accountabilities Sector/subject expertise * Uses their own knowledge of the country’s arts and creative industries, intelligence and insight from other sector partners, to support the implementation of global arts programmes that meet the specific needs of the country while also providing value to UK arts and creative industry organisations. * Through ongoing relationships with Global arts colleagues, builds and maintains good understanding of UK arts and creative industry sector priorities. * Identifies opportunities for the UK Arts sector to work in and collaborate with peers in country Leadership & management * Provides specialist input and design to help ensure activities under the Arts global programmes are relevant to the Arts and creative industry sectors in country. * Actively collaborates with colleagues in Arts global teams on programmes. * Manages Arts activities day-to-day ensuring global standards on programme and contract management are achieved. * Actively works to mainstream EDI and become anti-racist in our cultures and practices within our organisation and in our programmes. Strategy and/or planning * Contributes to planning process for country arts portfolio within region * Develops and nurtures internal relationships to ensure strategic objectives are aligned, understood and achieved * Considers the role of digital products, services and channels in optimising the impact and sustainability of the portfolio, working with regional marketing and digital colleagues. Relationship & Stakeholders * Maintains partner relationships relevant to the Arts, and wider cultural sectors, to maintain a strong understanding of relevant themes and issues in the arts and creative industries. * Builds and maintains a broad, diverse and dynamic network of key creative and cultural sector representatives in country. Brand and market positioning * Promotes the diversity of the UK arts and creative industries sector in country * Ensures British Council’s value proposition and support to the UK arts sector in country is clear and communicated and that our reputation for quality and as a valued not-for-profit partner remains high and contributes to our mission. * Contributes to the development of internal and external communications materials to highlight impactful stories from the country Arts portfolio Programme management * Manages finances of small projects and activities in the Arts portfolio and will flag up issues promptly * Manages issues with internal and external partners and stakeholders and escalates them when necessary * Holds delivery partners, team members and consultants to account for agreed deliverables * Has responsibility for delivering the project management plan * Where applicable has responsibility for drawing up contracts with partners, working with specialist colleagues where needed * Manages procurement, grants management and due diligence on arts activities * Responsible for project/programme management reporting Requirements of the role Minimum/essential * University degree or equivalent experience * Good knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in the arts and creative industries in the country * Experience of working on national arts/ creative industry projects * Strong knowledge of the arts and creative industries sector in-country, with evidence of applying this insight to programme delivery * Experience delivering national or large-scale arts and creative industry programmes, including managing multiple stakeholders * Proven experience managing end-to-end project or programme delivery, including planning, implementation and reporting against objectives * Experience managing project budgets and financial processes, including forecasting and monitoring expenditure * Demonstrable experience building and managing partnerships with arts, cultural or public sector stakeholders * Experience applying procurement, grants and contract management processes in project delivery * Working knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), with experience using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes * Experience identifying risks in programme delivery and implementing mitigation strategies Desirable * Understanding of UK arts and creative industries and experience supporting international collaboration or exchange * Experience working across multicultural or international contexts, applying intercultural awareness and inclusive practices Additional Information * This role requires to work outside of standard hours to accommodate business needs and collaboration across UK and New Zealand time zones. * The role needs to be highly process-driven and will be expected to work flexibly, contribute across a range of activities, and support the team in delivering shared objectives. * The role currently operates under a hybrid working arrangement. Further details can be discussed with the line manager during the recruitment process. 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