Programme Coordinator, Arts

About the organisation

The British Council works to foster peace and shared prosperity by creating links, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and countries around the world. For nine decades, it has helped shape better futures through education, the arts, culture, language, and creativity. The organisation operates with people in more than 200 countries and territories and has a presence on the ground in over 100 countries.

Its guiding message is to connect and inspire.

Role details

This is an indefinite contract based in Auckland, New Zealand, under Pay band 4. The closing date is 12 July 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Interviews are expected to be held during the week of 20 July, and shortlisted candidates will receive further information.

Role context

The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific is focused on strengthening its visibility and relationships across New Zealand and the Pacific through high-quality arts programmes developed with key strategic partners. The work showcases UK creativity and helps build a positive narrative about the UK.

Programmes in the Pacific are mainly delivered through major centres in New Zealand or remotely, working closely with the Pacific Islands Network of UK High Commissions. Priority countries include Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.

The approach is centred on partnership-building, capability development across communities, organisations, and governments, and a blend of tailored and digital programmes. The role also supports opportunities with government and higher education partners, especially in arts, cultural heritage, Māori and Pacific cultural exchange, and climate-related themes.

What the role is for

The Programme Coordinator will carry out duties assigned by the Country Director and assist the Arts & Culture programme team with delivery of programmes and contracts in line with British Council policies and procedures. This includes financial administration, reporting, data collection, evaluation, operational delivery, and managing relationships with delivery partners.

Core responsibilities

• Handle programme data tasks such as timely entry, quality checks, basic monitoring analysis, and progress reporting for funders.
• Support internal compliance activities, including due diligence, record keeping, and data collection and storage practices.
• Administer grants, assist with selection and evaluation, and help manage procurement activities.
• Coordinate event-based elements and training sessions within the programme.
• Support the programme manager in carrying out diversity mainstreaming action plans and contribute to implementation.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Work with vendors and suppliers, ensuring service delivery commitments are met.
• Prepare and track project financial plans, budgets, spending, and forecasts for programme managers and the Head of Programme Delivery, while overseeing smaller budgets.
• Keep accurate and current records of all financial transactions to meet internal and external audit expectations.
• Ensure vendors are paid on time and that payments follow SAP Finance guidelines.
• Follow British Council financial policies and procedures, including any relevant funder or partner requirements.
• Manage suppliers and vendors to ensure they deliver agreed services.
• Work independently and prioritise workload to meet project deadlines.
• Contribute actively to an inclusive and anti-racist culture by recognising personal bias and taking steps to reduce it.
• Help ensure people feel respected and supported, including attention to wellbeing and mental health.
• Apply the British Council’s equality, diversity, and inclusion approach in the role and make time for related learning and development.

Requirements

• A university degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven background in supporting arts and culture projects, with evidence of helping deliver successful outcomes.
• Experience coordinating project activities, including planning, administration, and milestone-based reporting.
• Strong financial administration experience, including budget monitoring and recording expenditure in line with procedures.
• Experience working with external partners, stakeholders, or suppliers to achieve agreed outputs.
• Experience organising events or programme activities with effective planning and delivery.
• Desirable: experience in a support role on programmes or contracts.
• Desirable: experience in administration, financial administration, and reporting.
• Desirable: understanding of procurement, contracting, or grants administration processes and how to support them.
• Desirable: background in an arts-related area.
• Must already have the permanent legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.
• Visa sponsorship is not available, and relocation support is not provided.
• Some work outside standard hours is required to accommodate business needs and collaboration across UK and New Zealand time zones.
• The position is process-heavy, requires flexibility, and involves contributing across a variety of tasks in support of shared team goals.
• The role is currently arranged as hybrid working, with details to be discussed with the line manager during recruitment.

Additional information

The British Council states that it is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all parts of the community. It describes itself as a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role. The organisation also welcomes conversations about adjustments that may help people take part in its work and activities.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults. Appointment to roles involving direct work with vulnerable groups depends on thorough checks being completed according to legal requirements and British Council safeguarding policies for adults and children.

If there are any problems submitting an application, candidates are advised to contact the HR email provided in the source listing.

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