Programme Coordinator, Arts

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British Council is seeking a Programme Coordinator for Arts in Auckland to deliver arts programmes across New Zealand, building partnerships. The role includes project management, data and budget administration, procurement and grants, and stakeholder relationship management, reporting to the Country Director. The successful candidate will be process driven, able to work across time zones, and contribute to an inclusive culture. Essential requirements include a degree or equivalent, proven arts project delivery, budgeting and partner collaboration, and permanent right to work in New Zealand (no sponsorship). Apply with outcomes and metrics; tailor your CV to show milestones and events; closing date 12 July 2026; interviews the week of 20 July.

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.

Contract type: Indefinite Contract

Pay band: 4

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Closing Date: 12th July 2026 23.59 UK Time

Interviews are expected to take place during the week of 20th July. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details.

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application. Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance is not provided.

Role Context

The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific aims to strengthen its profile and relationships across New Zealand and the Pacific through high-quality, high-impact arts programmes delivered with key strategic partners, showcasing the best of UK creativity and building a positive narrative about the UK. Engagement across the Pacific will primarily be delivered via major centres in New Zealand or remotely, in close partnership with the Pacific Islands Network of UK High Commissions, and focused on priority countries (Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga).

Our approach will emphasise brokering partnerships, building capacity across communities, organisations, and governments, and delivering a mix of bespoke and digital programmes. We will also pursue opportunities with government and higher education partners, particularly in arts and cultural heritage, with a focus on Māori and Pacific cultural exchange and climate-related themes.

Role Purpose

The role will manage tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Country Director.

They will also support the Arts & Culture programme team in the implementation of Arts & Culture programmes and contracts in compliance with British Council policies and procedures including financial administration, reporting and data collection, evaluation, operational project delivery and managing relations with delivery partners.

Main Accountabilities 

Project Management

• Responsible for data management including timely data entry, quality assurance of data, undertaking basic analysis of monitoring data, and developing progress reports to meet needs of funders.
• Supports internal compliance such as due diligence, records management, data collection and storage.
• Manages grants administration, selection & evaluation, and procurement processes.
• Manages events-based components and trainings within a programme.
• Supports the project / programme manager in implementing diversity mainstreaming action plans and contributes to it.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Manages relationships with clients/partners/stakeholders at appropriate level.
• Manages relationship with vendors and suppliers and holds them to account for delivering services.

Commercial and/or financial management

• Plans and reports on project financial plans and budget expenditure and forecasting to Programme Managers and Head of Programme Delivery; manages smaller budgets.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date records on all financial transactions as per internal and external audit requirements.
• Ensures relationships with vendors are maintained and payments are processed on time and in accordance with SAP Finance guidelines.
• Compliance to British Council financial policies and procedures and (if relevant) to external funder/partner requirements.

Managing self and others

• Holds vendors and suppliers to account for delivering services. 
• Has the ability to work independently and manage workload against project deadlines.
• Actively contributes to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of your own biases, and taking action to mitigate against these. 
• Ensures people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people’s well-being and mental health.
• Understands the British Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to your role and makes time for learning and development relating to EDI and anti-racism.

Requirements of the role

Minimum/essential

• University degree or equivalent experience 
• Demonstrable experience supporting the delivery of arts and culture projects, with evidence of contributing to successful outputs
• Experience coordinating project activities, including planning, administration and progress reporting against milestones
• Proven experience managing financial administration, including monitoring budgets and recording expenditure in line with procedures
• Experience working with external partners, stakeholders or suppliers to deliver agreed outputs
• Experience organising events or programme activities, ensuring effective planning and delivery.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a supporting role on programmes or contracts. 
• Administrative and financial administration and reporting experience.
• Knowledge of procurement, contracting or grants administration processes, and supporting their implementation

• Experience in Arts related area

Additional Information

• This role requires to work outside of standard hours to accommodate business needs and collaboration across UK and New Zealand time zones.
• The role needs to be highly process-driven and will be expected to work flexibly, contribute across a range of activities, and support the team in delivering shared objectives.
• The role currently operates under a hybrid working arrangement. Further details can be discussed with the line manager during the recruitment process.

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 [email protected]