Senior Programme Policy Manager

This role will support both the Head of the Chevening Secretariat in delivering the Chevening contract to the FCDO, and the Head of the Scholarship Unit in developing the programme strategy and applying it in specific and individual cases.
As Senior Policy Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that the prestigious Chevening scholarship programme is implemented and developed in alignment with UK-government foreign policy to support the UK Growth Mission and the soft-power and developmental objectives of the programme.
The role supports the strategic development of the programme and acts as Secretary to the Programme Board. You’ll ensure that over-arching programme policies are up-to-date and communicated to the wide network of scholars and internal programme stakeholders. They advise on policy regarding programme implementation in specific countries, and they recommend on interpretation of policy in sensitive individual cases., • Advise and support on strategic initiatives for Chevening including supporting the development of FCDO strategy and policy papers for Chevening, working closely with the Head of the Scholarship Unit (FCDO) and the Head of Chevening Scholarships (British Council / Chevening Secretariat). This includes acting as Secretary for the FCDO Chevening Programme Board.
• Deliver reports, papers and briefings for senior level FCDO colleagues responding to ministerial requests, parliamentary questions and freedom of information requests for information and policy advice.
• Develop and update scholarship programme policies, including ensuring policy manual is up-to-date and colleagues working on Chevening within the Secretariat and FCDO are regularly briefed and informed of policies, including updates to the Chevening Handbook.
• Support the award allocation process to provide policy-based recommendations on the allocation of the c. £60m annual budget across regions and countries worldwide to maximise available budget.
• Co-ordinate with overseas Posts and FCDO departments to agree policy recommendations relating to the delivery of Chevening in particular countries, or the approach to individual sensitive cases.
• Maintain and manage Chevening’s network of partnerships and external stakeholders, working with the Head of Scholarships Unit and Head of Chevening to maintain and develop partnership opportunities. Take responsibility for the partnership development plan, line-managing a small team (currently 2 staff) and monitoring progress against KPIs.
• Contribute as a member of the Chevening Management team with corporate responsibility to deliver against KPIs and to support and lead the Secretariat team. Provide cover and deputise for Management Team members when required.
• Ensure that policies and procedures that support equality, diversity and inclusion are considered into the delivery of the Chevening programme and take on the role of EDI champion in this area of work.

Person specification
• A sound knowledge and understanding of UK government foreign policy priorities gained from significant relevant professional experience
• An understanding and commitment to integrating equality, diversity and inclusion into programme delivery.
• Communicating and influencing: (Level 4) Uses influencing techniques. Uses formal and informal negotiating and motivation techniques to influence others’ behaviour and persuade them to think and act differently, while respecting difference of view and culture.
• Planning and Organising (Level 4): Plans for the longer term.
Shapes forward plans for 3-5 years ahead for a major unit or multiple units, taking account of strategy and the need to manage contingencies, risks and impact.
• Managing accounts and partnerships (Level 4): Plans and leads on accounts and partnerships.
Develops and leads on the delivery of account management and development plans across a range of stakeholders/customers/partners to deliver medium term business and/or reputational gains for both parties.

Alongside your salary of £42,120, British Council contributes £12,202 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
+ 3 days volunteering leave
+ Career average defined benefit pension scheme
+ An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you’ve built up working in and/or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.