Summary
British Council is hiring a Cultural Engagement Project Coordinator in Bahrain on a one-year fixed-term contract. The role supports programme and project delivery, including events, training, grants administration, procurement, compliance, data collection, reporting, and partner coordination. Responsibilities include monitoring budgets and expenditure, maintaining financial records, managing vendor payments using SAP Finance guidelines, and supporting monitoring and evaluation. Applicants need programme or project support experience, administrative and financial administration experience, and proficiency in written and spoken English and Arabic; they must already have the legal right to work in Bahrain, as sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided.
The posting
As published on britishcouncil.org. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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.
Cultural Engagement Project Coordinator
Location: Bahrain
Contract Type: 1-year fixed-term contract
Pay Grade: 4
Closing date: 30th Oct 2026 at 21:59 IST Time
Requirements: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the stated location. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided.
Role Purpose
Support the delivery of programmes and projects by providing financial administration, reporting, data management, operational support, and partner coordination, while ensuring compliance with British Council policies and procedures.
Role Context
This role sits within Cultural Engagement (CE), which delivers global programmes across arts, education, English, and research. Working within British Council project management standards, the role contributes to programme delivery, impact measurement, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
In Bahrain, the British Council aims to strengthen young people's English skills, employability, and access to quality education while deepening UK-Bahrain educational and cultural ties. By 2027–28, it seeks to reinforce the UK's position as a trusted education and skills partner, supporting learners, institutions, and professionals.
Key focus areas include
- Supporting education partnerships with government, higher education institutions, and UK universities.
- Promoting English language development, research collaboration, and international education opportunities.
- Delivering arts and cultural initiatives that showcase UK creativity, foster artistic exchange, and develop emerging cultural leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Operational Support
- Coordinate project delivery, events, training, grants administration, procurement, and compliance activities.
- Manage data collection, reporting, monitoring, and record-keeping to meet programme and funder requirements.
- Support diversity and inclusion initiatives within programme delivery.
Financial Management
- Monitor project budgets, expenditure, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with audit and British Council requirements.
- Manage vendor payments and financial processes in line with SAP Finance guidelines.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Build and maintain effective relationships with partners, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure contracted services are delivered effectively.
Self-Management
- Work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet project deadlines.
Requirements of the role:
Minimum/essential:
- Degree, professional qualification or demonstrable level of equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in a supporting role on programmes or projects.
- Administrative and financial administration experience.
- Good understanding of basic concepts of monitoring and evaluation, and how they are central to good project management.
Language Requirements
- Written and verbal proficiency in English and Arabic is required
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 [email protected]