Programme Officer UK Chevening Scholarships

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.

British CouncilPayband 6

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract until 31 August 2026 with the possibility of extension.

Number of Positions: We are recruiting three positions within the team two maternity cover roles and one standard fixed-term contract role.

Location:London Edinburgh Cardiff Belfast

Closing Date: 25th November 2025

Salary: 25520 per annum plus London Market Allowance of 3300 for candidates based in London

You must have the legal right to work in UK at the time of application.
There is no relocation or sponsorship support.

Role Purpose:

• A Programme Officer in the UK Team plays an important role in ensuring the successful delivery of the Chevening scholarship programme. You will facilitate a full and memorable experience for scholars throughout their time in the UK and support their day-to-day requirements. The role helps scholars to settle quickly and to make the most of their time in the UK. It contributes directly to supporting scholar well-being.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact for a portfolio of scholars ensuring their queries are responded to quickly and accurately with excellent customer service. Escalate issues and concerns to more senior members of the team as required.

• Use the internal finance system to ensure timely and accurate payment of monthly stipends and other allowances to scholars and tuition fees to universities.
• Manage relationships with a portfolio of universities and act as the first point of contact for institutions hosting scholars working with them to resolve scholar issues and organise events.
• Update financial and information databases including Microsoft Office and our internal Scholarship Management System.

• Organise site visits to meet current scholars at different universities across the UK.

• Manage the delivery of an ambitious scholar engagement events programme (both in-person and online) working on the planning organisation and delivery of events.

• Work closely and effectively with other team members on all aspects of the programme. You will work within a UK team of Programme Officers and will also work alongside the International Team the Welfare and Immigration Team the Communications Team the Alumni Team and the Partnerships Team.

• Provide stakeholders with a high-quality service including the provision of professional and timely responses to a wide variety of enquiries and correspondence through all mediums/channels. Customer service targets will be measured in relation to our contractual key performance indicators.

• Take a pro-active role in raising awareness and strengthening the Chevening brand with stakeholders (especially with Scholars universities and event partners).

Role specific knowledge and experience:

Minimum / Essential Requirements

• Experience of working in a busy team with the ability to work flexibly in response to changing priorities and deadlines.
• An understanding and commitment to good customer service for diverse audiences.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of post-graduate higher education in the UK
• Ability to apply Chevening policy appropriately and consistently and to flag any areas of existing policy that may need reviewing with senior colleagues
• Strong administrative skills including the ability to complete repetitive tasks to a high degree of accuracy and a high level of proven competence with Microsoft Office Suite.

Desirable Requirements

• A knowledge of scholarship programmes and/or international mobility within the UK higher education sector.
• Experience of working with international customers/students.
• Experience organising and delivering events

Language Requirement:

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

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 Councils Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application please email