Programme Manager Arts Western Balkans

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people. We connect. We inspire. ## Role Purpose The British Council is looking for an experienced Programme Manager, Arts Western Balkans to support the delivery of arts programmes across the region, with a particular focus on our global programmes, Arts in Action and Creative Growth. The role will be responsible for managing programme activity, building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, overseeing project delivery and budgets, and contributing sector expertise to strengthen the impact of our arts portfolio across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Working closely with colleagues, partners and creative professionals, you will help deliver high-quality programmes that foster international collaboration, support the creative economy and strengthen cultural connections between the UK and the Western Balkans. ## Role Accountabilities * Deliver arts programmes and projects in line with agreed objectives, timelines and budgets. * Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, cultural organisations, creative industry stakeholders and funding partners. * Provide sector expertise and market insight to support programme development and delivery. * Monitor project progress, risks, budgets and performance, ensuring compliance with British Council standards. * Manage grants, contracts, procurement processes and partner agreements as required. * Support the development of new programme opportunities and partnerships across the region. * Collaborate with internal teams to maximise programme visibility, impact and audience engagement. * Contribute to reporting, evaluation and impact measurement activities. * Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all programme activities. * Represent the British Council within relevant arts and creative industries networks. ## Qualifications & Experience ### Essential * Degree or equivalent professional experience. * Strong knowledge of the arts and creative industries sector. * Experience managing arts, cultural or creative economy programmes and projects. * Experience working with multiple stakeholders and partners. * Strong project management, communication and relationship management skills. * Fluent written and spoken English. ### Desirable * Experience working on international arts programmes. * Knowledge of the Western Balkans cultural sector. * Project management qualification or equivalent experience. * Knowledge of one or more Western Balkans languages. ## Important Information Location: Belgrade, Serbia Pay Band: 6 Contract: Indefinite Working Pattern: Hybrid Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in Serbia. Visa sponsorship and relocation support are not available for this role. Closing Date: 28 October 2026, 23:59 (Serbia Time) The British Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. 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 we 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 and 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