English & School Education Project Officer

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.

Role

Support the successful delivery of English and School Education programmes by coordinating high-quality project implementation, partner engagement, reporting, evaluation, and programme operations. Ensure effective financial administration, compliance, and data-driven delivery while building strong relationships with partners to achieve meaningful educational outcomes and maximise programme impact.

Role Accountabilities

Managing Self and Others

• Working independently and managing workload to achieve project deadlines.
• Holding vendors and suppliers accountable for effective service delivery.

Financial Support

• Managing project budgets, forecasting and financial reporting while maintaining accurate financial records.
• Maintaining vendor relationships, processing payments and ensuring compliance with financial policies, procedures and audit requirements.

Project Management

• Managing data, reporting, compliance, grants administration, procurement, events and training activities.
• Supporting monitoring, analysis and diversity mainstreaming to strengthen programme delivery and impact.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Building and managing relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders.
• Managing vendor and supplier relationships while ensuring accountability for service delivery.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Fostering an inclusive, equitable and anti-racist culture that supports wellbeing and belonging.
• Embedding the British Council’s EDI and anti-racism commitments through accountability, awareness and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree or proven experience in one of British Council’s portfolio areas (Arts, Education, English)

Essential

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated experience of working in a supporting role on programmes or contracts.
• Administrative and financial administration and reporting experience.
• Good understanding of basic concepts of monitoring and evaluation, and how they are central to good project management.
• Strong capability of working with external partners and stakeholders

Important Information

Language Requirement: Written and verbal proficiency in English

Pay Band: 4

Country/Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 19 October 2026 at 11:59 PM IST and 19 October 2026 at 8:29 PM CAT

Background Checks: Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory background checks, both before appointment and periodically during employment, as required. The nature and level of checks will depend on the role and applicable local laws.

Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

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