The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work in two ways - directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. These connections lead to an understanding of each other\'s strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

Role Purpose

To develop an effective and efficient operating environment within the UAE that enables the country operation to deliver the Alumni contract as defined in the Description of Actions, aligned to the Cultural Engagement global business and Country Business Plan.

Role is responsible for the management and delivery of the Alumni Programme through the full life cycle of initiation, planning & design, delivery, closure and evaluation, engaging with all stakeholders needed to achieve the goals required for their success (including time, budget, quality, impact). This role will typically require some technical expertise in Higher Education and Stakeholder relations.

Main Accountabilities:

Strategy & Planning

• Contribute to the Country and Regional Business plan discussions at country and regional level.
• Monitor progress and secure impact targets.

Leadership & Management

• Participate in the wider CE Education network community of practice, supporting the Regional Education lead and the Alumni global team.
• Deliver the role\'s annual priority work plan for activities to ensure defined business objectives are realised in accordance with the overarching BC strategy and that of CE global operations

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Identify challenges/opportunities within the Alumni Programme and escalate these so that challenges are addressed and opportunities maximised to increase programme efficiencies and impact
• Manage the relationship with the funding party and maintain fluid communication with the steering group.
• Work with peers and colleagues across the Education Network.

Assurance and global standards

• Support the embedding of a culture of compliance within the programme, ensuring that the CE single assurance framework (including MCCs, ACC, deep dives etc), corporate policies and procedures, global standards, operating guidelines and local regulations are implemented, monitored and maintained across the regional portfolio.
• As part of the above, support compliance with global standards on business development including pipeline management, adherence to due diligence processes and support to the business development approvals process.
• Analyse and interpret data and insight on the quality of delivery, including MCC reports, using this information to share learning across programmes and projects and drive continuous improvement.
• As part of above to ensure that programme/project risks and issues are systematically identified and reported via agreed systems.
• Support the review monthly financial health checks for the contract(s), following up on anomalies as appropriate.
• Procurement - support the management the implementation of best practice frameworks that deliver value for money and identify and secure savings for the organisation

Internal Information and Knowledge Management

• Support the management of CE regional internal information and knowledge resources and associated internal communications so that they provide maximum value to business development and delivery.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• To actively Contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of your own biases, and taking action to mitigate against these. Ensuring people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people\'s well-being and mental health.
• Understand the British Council\'s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to your role and make time for learning and development relating to EDI and anti-racism.

About You (essential requirements for the role):

• Language requirements: Proficiency in English and Arabic
• University degree or equivalent experience
• Experience of managing programmes that include external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in Education programmes
• Gathering evidence to demonstrate assurance
• Bringing ideas and insight which informs more effective ways of working
• Experience of supporting the delivery of training and development opportunities
• Experience managing reporting processes
• Experience of managing/supporting projects
• Knowledge of good practice in one or more of these areas - programme/project/contract management, assurance frameworks or workforce planning

Further Information

• Role: Head of UAE Alumni Programme (35869)
• Number of positions: 1
• Pay Band: 7/Grade F
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Contract type: 2 Years Fixed Term Contract
• Salary: The salary offered for this position is 18,162 AED including allowances
• Other requirements: This role is open to candidates who have the right to work or ability to get the right to work in the UAE (no relocation support)
• Closing Date: 2 March 2023 (23:59 Gulf Standard Time)

It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment. Please note that all applications should be submitted in English.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

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; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council\'s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you have any problems with your application please email

Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our \'ASK HR\' email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.

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