Grants Manager, Cultural Protection Fund

The British Council is seeking a Grants Manager for the Cultural Protection Fund, based in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, or Cardiff. The role involves managing relationships for funded projects, assessing grant applications, and monitoring projects in regions like the Middle East and South Asia. The position is a fixed-term contract until January 2027 and requires the legal right to work in the UK. Salary is £30,839 plus a London Market Allowance.
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.
British Council Payband
7
Contract Type:
Fixed Term Contract until 31st January 2027


Location:
London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff


Closing Date:
17th May 2026


Salary:
£30,839 plus £3,300 London Market Allowance for those in the London area only.


You must have the legal right to work in
UK at the time of application.


There is no relocation or sponsorship support.
Role Purpose
This role will play an integral role in the work of the Cultural Protection Fund by acting as the main relationship holder for funded projects; generating interest in the fund, assessing grant applications and monitoring live projects taking place in and around the Middle East, North Africa, East Africa and South Asia.


Role Context Our work in Arts will be moving to a new Global Programme structure of two focused Global Programmes; Art in Action where we connect UK and international artists and creative organisations, encourage innovative collaborations and support them to access new markets and audiences around the world. We enable creatives to play a part in addressing global challenges and support under-represented groups to be heard.


Creative growth where we support the UK and countries around the world to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth and innovation through advocacy, sector development and showcase programmes for the creative and cultural industries.


The work within our consolidated Arts Grant Portfolio will work across both of the Arts Global Programmes.


Equality, Diversity and Inclusion



Working with colleagues to ensure that all aspects of the CPF programme and ways of working are underpinned by the British Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
Proactively seeking ways to ensure increased access and inclusivity, using EDI tools where appropriate

Programme development and delivery

Contributes to the development of the Cultural Protection Fund including aspects of design, planning and delivery so that it meets the highest professional and technical standards and contributes optimally to the achievement of the British Council and UK government objectives.
Responds to expressions of interest from potential applicants, advising them on the criteria and scope of the Fund to support the development of relevant, high-quality applications.
Produces effective, well-informed assessment reports incorporating appropriate advice from Specialist Assessors, in-country British Council staff and other stakeholders, and present recommendations to the CPF Approvals Panel.
Monitors a dynamic portfolio of live projects, applying knowledge of best practice for project management and demonstrating a keen awareness of all internal and external guidance associated with the Fund.
Supports the Fund’s reporting to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) by keeping accurate records relating to financial spend, project progress and risks

Customer/market focus

Represents the Cultural Protection Fund professionally at stakeholder events and provides excellent customer service to potential applicants and grant recipients.
Contributes to the wider Culture and Development work so that the British Council is recognised by external stakeholders and audiences as a respected, credible authority in the field.

Sector/subject expertise

Contributes knowledge of the cultural heritage sector and best practice in grant- making to support the development of awarding of relevant, high-quality cultural protection projects.
Actively cultivates professional networks of Specialist Assessors, in-country British Council staff and other stakeholders and draws upon this network to ensure that appropriate expertise informs and underpins the work of the Fund.
Works to develop or build upon existing knowledge of the context and stakeholders within the Fund’s target countries in order to inform assessments, recommendations and the overall work of the Fund.
Applies knowledge of best practice in project management to ensure that delivery risks are minimised and projects are delivered on time and to budget.
Provides proactive advice and support to colleagues, including those overseas, to ensure under