Project Manager Consultant - Arts, Kenya at British Council

Role Purpose

To support the coherent building and compliant delivery of the arts programme using project management, relationship management and co-ordination skills. The role will apply specialist expertise and working in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to manage and deliver allocated projects and provide a supporting function to co-ordinate arts programme activity across the British Council’s global network.  The Project Manager will help to position and align the contribution of the Arts portfolio and British Council’s cultural relations mission.

Main Accountabilities

Programme Delivery Support

Provide programmatic support for and lead on project management of select British Council programmes, this includes but is not limited to:

• Supporting, tracking and reporting on partner project milestones to ensure partners are meeting their contractual obligations to the appropriate level of compliance, quality, timeframe and budget in accordance with the programme plan and governance.
• Coordinating and attending partner meetings and, where relevant, providing strategic insight and advice in ways that strengthen project outcomes.
• Share insight and updates from the programme with partners to ensure a coherent and connected programme
• Propose interventions when gaps are identified, or issues arise including managing project risks including the co-development of contingency plans.
• Ensure partners deliver against obligations like Safeguarding, data protection, monitoring and evaluation, marketing and communications guidelines and other policies outlined in their contracts
• Contribute to the design and delivery of British Council stakeholder events

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Lead on relationship and stakeholder management of select projects which includes communication with and coordination of key stakeholder groups.
• Deliver progress reports and attend internal and external meetings as required
• Work closely with the Arts team to support the requirements from British Council internal teams (Procurement, Finance, Marketing & Communications and Risk departments etc) to facilitate timely and compliant delivery of select projects
• Facilitate relationships (where useful) across the wider programme increasing networking and learning opportunities between partners and broader sector stakeholders.
• Engage with wider ecosystem stakeholders/audiences including relevant government ministries, agencies, press, academics, arts and culture practitioners (individuals and organisations), the public and other stakeholders as required

Events coordination and Communications

• Handle day-to-day planning and administration of events, including internal and external communication about events, coordination with vendors and partners and issues resolution
• Write communication briefs, develop and curate content for digital platforms, social media and traditional press for events and programme activity
• Work collaboratively with the communication consultant, partners and marketing team to design and deliver campaigns that increase the visibility of the project and insights from the programme
• Maintain a working knowledge of the complex needs of a wide variety of events
• Support the information management and documentation of programmes and events 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Lead on the coordination of data collection and reporting in collaboration with relevant British Council staff and delivery partners
• Gather stories and share insight/ learning that contributes to marketing and communication campaigns to highlight the impact and learning of the programmes

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum/essential - Relevant post-secondary school qualification or comparable experience.

Desirable - Degree or HE qualification in relevant field /or project management qualification.

Role Specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Experience of complex project management.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience of financial and narrative reporting.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven record of editorial experience (i.e., proofreading, translation, knowledge of different content types, etc.)
• Proven interest in and understanding of arts and culture.

Desirable

• An innovative approach to the use of digital and social media to connect audiences.
• Experience working with organizations, practitioners, and communities.

Role-specific skills

• Proven project management of ambitious cultural or social projects with a range of partner organizations.
• Proven events management experience
• Practical experience in using social media to extend the reach or an organisation including through campaigns.
• Experience in co-ordinating, working, and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with tight deadlines.

Additional job requirements

• The post holder may be required to travel within Kenya and internationally as required.
• Some unsocial working hours including occasional evenings and weekends.