Senior Consultant International Science Partnerships Fund

We 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 one of the UK Partner Organisations for UK Government's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), the UK's flagship programme for international science, technology, research and innovation collaboration. ISPF offers opportunities to researchers, innovators, businesses and institutions worldwide to strengthen partnerships, address global challenges, and support shared research and innovation priorities.

The Senior Consultant, International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) will provide operational leadership and programme management support across a portfolio of international research and innovation programmes.

1. Programme Design, Development and Delivery

• Work with UK and global ISPF teams and international partners to design and deliver research, innovation, translation and commercialisation capacity-strengthening programmes across East and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Viet Nam.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver regional forums and stakeholder events focused on commercialisation, innovation and technology transfer.
• Take the lead for additional ISPF programmes as required
• Represent the British Council in relevant partner forums and working groups.

2. Programme and finance Management, and Compliance

• Embed robust programme management processes and standards across all aspects of delivery, including risk and issue management, resource planning, reporting and records management.
• Ensure programmes meet contractual obligations and client reporting requirements.
• Lead the full lifecycle of budget management, including planning, continuous monitoring and reporting

3. Procurement and Contract Management

• Develop and manage procurement processes, including drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) and tender documentation.
• Manage consultant engagement and contracts, particularly for event delivery, facilitation and specialist programme support.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Monitor programme performance and impact through the review of reports, data and evidence.
• Capture learning, good practice and success stories to support programme improvement and stakeholder reporting.
• Contribute to client reporting requirements, including KPI submissions and programme reviews.

5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Embed EDI principles, including anti-racism, disability inclusion and gender equality, across programme design and delivery.
• Use programme data and insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and to strengthen inclusive practices.
• Promote an inclusive, supportive and collaborative team culture and share EDI best practice with partners and stakeholders.

6. Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership, coaching and operational guidance to team members.
• Foster effective collaboration across teams and contribute to a high-performing, inclusive working environment.

Role Context – About the Team:

This exciting role sits within our Higher Education & Science team in Cultural Engagement, where we deliver globally led programmes that advance our strategic ambitions and create meaningful impact worldwide. The post supports the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), a UK Government initiative designed to enable world-leading international research and innovation partnerships. Through ISPF, UK researchers and innovators collaborate with global partners to address pressing global challenges, develop future technologies, strengthen research ecosystems, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. As one of the UK Partner Organisations delivering the fund on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the British Council plays a vital role in fostering equitable international partnerships that drive scientific excellence, innovation, and lasting global benefit.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the design and operational delivery of International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) programmes, ensuring compliance with client requirements, reporting standards, monitoring, evaluation, and value for money.
• Develop and maintain programme documentation, working closely with internal teams and global colleagues to ensure consistent and effective delivery.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate programme risks, ensuring compliance with British Council policies and implementing contingency plans where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with programme stakeholders, including other ISPF  partner organisations, universities, and research institutions across the UK and internationally.
• Analyse programme performance and provide insights and recommendations to improve effectiveness and impact.
• Manage procurement activities, including drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and managing processes in line with procurement policies.
• Monitor programme budgets and operational costs and contribute to the development of new funding and commercial opportunities.
• Lead, support, and develop team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive working environment.
• Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, ensuring fair and equitable practices are embedded throughout programme delivery.

Requirements of the role:

Essential

• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a global environment
• Knowledge and experience of working with the UK Research and Innovation sector.
• Experience of managing large-scale project or programmes, particularly client funded.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing programme management processes aligned with corporate standards, ensuring compliance.
• Grant and budget management experience
• Track record of conducting successful procurement exercises, from tender through to management of successful bidders
• Experience of events organisation and management

Desirable

• Experience of leading Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities within projects, including development of Theory of Change and reporting against programme metrics.
• Experience of events organisation and management
• Experience of leading on complex data analysis to inform programme development and decision-making.
• Experience of working within a matrix international organisation across several countries

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 on 22/11/2026 GMT.

You must have the legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.  Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 

Important Information:

• Contract type: Fixed Term Contract till September 2029
• Location: Thailand, Indonesia, UK
• Pay band:  PB8
• Salary: UK - £40,179 - £47,418 per annum 
   

 
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 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