The British Council invites qualified and motivated individuals to apply for the position of Project Manager – Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) based in Nairobi, Kenya. For over 90 years, the British Council has been at the forefront of building meaningful connections between the United Kingdom and countries across the globe. Through its work in education, arts, culture, language, and creativity, the organisation has played a key role in fostering mutual understanding and promoting shared prosperity.
Operating in over 100 countries and working with partners in more than 200 nations and territories, the British Council’s mission is to create opportunities, build trust, and strengthen international collaboration. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion, the Council is implementing the Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) Project, which aims to enhance access to digital skills and empower communities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
The British Council is seeking a dedicated professional who will be responsible for the effective delivery and successful implementation of this project in Kenya. The role offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on inclusive digital participation and contribute to long-term social and economic development.
Position: Project Manager – Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP)
Department: Education
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Type: Fixed Term (One year)
Pay Band: 6
Gross Monthly Salary: KES 379,502
Job ID: 47205
Application Closing Date: 27 October 2025 (23:59 South Africa Time / 22:59 UK Time)
Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to work in Kenya at the time of application. Visa sponsorship or relocation support will not be provided.
Role Purpose
The Project Manager will be responsible for the effective planning, coordination, management, and successful delivery of the Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) Project in Kenya. The role requires strong leadership in programme implementation, stakeholder management, and operational oversight to ensure that project objectives are achieved in line with the British Council’s strategic priorities.
The post holder will work under the guidance of the Programme Manager – SIDP Project and will play a key role in implementing the project’s deliverables, ensuring quality outcomes, and contributing to the overall strategy and vision of inclusive digital participation in Kenya.
Detailed Job Description
1. Operational and Programme Management
The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, managing, coordinating, and implementing all project activities in accordance with established project management frameworks and the British Council’s operational standards.
Key duties will include:
- Ensuring that project activities are delivered in accordance with approved work plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Managing day-to-day operations of the SIDP Project in Kenya to achieve intended outcomes and meet client expectations.
- Coordinating the implementation of project interventions with partners, beneficiaries, and relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient delivery.
- Ensuring the application of sound programme management practices, including quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Identifying opportunities for project growth and expansion, including new partnerships, innovations, and lessons learned from ongoing implementation.
- Conducting regular assessments of project progress and recommending adjustments to maintain alignment with strategic goals.
The position demands a high level of organisational skill, the ability to multitask, and the capacity to manage diverse operational activities in a dynamic and multi-stakeholder environment.
2. Risk Management
A crucial part of the role involves identifying and mitigating potential risks that could affect the delivery or outcomes of the SIDP Project.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting continuous risk assessments and maintaining an updated project risk register.
- Implementing effective risk mitigation strategies and ensuring that project objectives remain on track.
- Reporting and monitoring progress on risk management activities to senior management.
- Collaborating with internal teams to strengthen compliance and ensure all risks are managed in accordance with corporate governance standards.
Effective risk management will ensure the integrity of the project and help maintain stakeholder confidence throughout the implementation period.
3. Budget and Financial Management
The Project Manager will have direct responsibility for the financial integrity of the project. This includes managing and reporting on project budgets in accordance with the British Council’s corporate financial policies.
Specific tasks include:
- Managing project budgets to meet corporate standards and donor requirements.
- Monitoring project expenditure and ensuring alignment with approved implementation plans.
- Preparing and submitting accurate financial reports on a regular basis.
- Ensuring timely disbursement of funds to implementing partners and service providers.
- Meeting agreed project financial spend targets and ensuring accountability in the use of resources.
Through sound financial management, the Project Manager will help ensure value for money and maintain transparency in the project’s fiscal operations.
4. Procurement
Procurement activities form a vital component of project implementation, requiring adherence to both corporate and client policies.
The Project Manager will be responsible for:
- Coordinating all procurement activities related to the SIDP Project.
- Ensuring that procurement and contracting processes comply with British Council standards and donor regulations.
- Maintaining comprehensive documentation of all procurement transactions for audit and reference purposes.
- Managing contracts for goods and services to ensure timely delivery and quality assurance.
Adherence to ethical procurement practices will be key in maintaining credibility and ensuring effective project delivery.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Monitoring and Evaluation are central to measuring the project’s impact and ensuring accountability to both stakeholders and beneficiaries.
The Project Manager will:
- Support the design and implementation of M&E frameworks for the SIDP Project.
- Coordinate data collection, analysis, and reporting to track progress against project indicators and targets.
- Collaborate with M&E consultants or teams to ensure quality assurance in data management and reporting.
- Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to inform future interventions.
- Ensure that monitoring outcomes are effectively used to refine project strategies and improve delivery performance.
Robust M&E will help demonstrate the impact of the SIDP Project and support evidence-based decision-making.
6. External and Internal Stakeholder Management
Strong stakeholder engagement is essential for the success of the project. The Project Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining effective relationships with key partners and stakeholders at local, national, and international levels.
Key activities include:
- Nurturing relationships with implementing partners, government agencies, community organisations, and private sector stakeholders.
- Supporting the Programme Manager – Creative Economy, Deputy Director Kenya, and other colleagues in identifying potential partnerships and opportunities for collaboration.
- Representing the British Council in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and forums related to digital inclusion and skills development.
- Facilitating effective communication and collaboration among project partners to enhance impact and ensure alignment with shared objectives.
Through effective stakeholder management, the Project Manager will help strengthen the visibility, reputation, and strategic influence of the British Council in Kenya’s digital inclusion space.
7. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Safeguarding
The British Council places strong emphasis on equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding in all its programmes and operations.
In this capacity, the Project Manager will:
- Support the Programme Manager – Creative Economy to ensure that project delivery aligns with the British Council’s EDI policy.
- Promote inclusion and equitable access to project benefits, particularly for underrepresented groups.
- Ensure compliance with Child Protection and Adults at Risk standards and safeguarding policies throughout the project lifecycle.
- Foster an environment that upholds the principles of respect, safety, and inclusion across all project activities.
These measures will help ensure that the project contributes to sustainable social impact and upholds the organisation’s values.
Requirements of the Role
- A first degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management.
- Experience in programme management within the local context.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a matrix management structure.
Additional Information
- Department: Education
- Contract Duration: One (1) Year Fixed Term
- Pay Band: 6
- Gross Monthly Salary: KES 379,502
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Closing Date: 27 October 2025
- Legal right to work in Kenya is required.
Applicants must note that the British Council will not provide visa sponsorship, relocation, or mobility support for this position. Hybrid working arrangements may be explored depending on project needs and management approval.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
The British Council is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The organisation believes that a diverse workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and effectiveness.
As a Disability Confident Employer, the British Council guarantees an interview for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum role requirements. The organisation also welcomes discussions about specific requirements or reasonable adjustments that may support full participation in the recruitment process or workplace.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is firmly committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults with whom it works. It believes that every individual has the right to live in a safe environment, free from abuse, maltreatment, or exploitation, as enshrined in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
Appointments involving direct interaction with vulnerable groups will be subject to comprehensive background checks, in accordance with legal requirements and the British Council’s safeguarding policies for adults and children.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the outlined criteria are encouraged to submit their applications through the British Council’s recruitment portal before the closing date.
For technical difficulties during application submission, applicants may contact [email protected] for assistance.
