Executive Secretary of Marshall Scholarship

Position description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

Executive Secretary of Marshall Scholarships

Pay Band: 8

Salary: Starting £38,820 (+ £3,300 market allowance if based in London)

Contract Type: Fixed term contract until August 31st, 2025

Role Type: Advisory, Policy and Expertise

Location: UK only; London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast.

Requirements: Candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) right to work in location.
Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme
• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you've built up working in and / or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world

Closing date: Tuesday 27 August, 11:59pm UK time

Interviews will be held w/c 9th September.

Role Purpose

We are looking for an experienced administrator to serve as the Executive Secretary of the prestigious Marshall Scholarships Programme. The Programme enables young Americans of high ability to study in the UK as Marshall Scholars, benefiting from the UK’s outstanding postgraduate academic programmes, whilst experiencing the best of British culture, heritage and values, returning to the US as ambassadors and advocates for UK-US relations.

Working collaboratively with the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC) and the Chief Executive Officer, the post holder will support the Commission and sub-committees and help them fulfil their responsibilities, comply with regulations and reporting requirements, and ensure that risks to the achievement of objectives are being managed effectively.

About the role

The post holder will be employed by the British Council and line managed by the Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, they will also report to the Chair of the MACC during the Contract tenure. This includes, but is not limited to, active management of resources, processes and staff, and the development of administrative and business functions. The role holder will need to have extensive board-level administrative experience. They will have a strong track record of supporting boards and committees and be competent in preparing board report papers and minutes. They will also bring a clear interest in this area of work, with a track record of effective stakeholder management, financial management and attention to detail.

Context

The Marshall Scholarships were created by the UK government in 1953 in gratitude for the Marshall Plan, through which the United States provided support for the United Kingdom’s economic recovery following World War II. The Marshall Scholarship programme is overseen by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC) – an arm’s length body of the UK government, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The MACC has a dynamic vision for the future of the Marshall Scholarship programme, to which the role-holder would contribute. Around 50 Marshall Scholarships are awarded each year to US citizens. Further details can be found at www.marshallscholarship.org.

Secretariat services to the MACC are provided by the British Council, as part of a joint contract to administer both the Marshall Scholarships and the Chevening Scholarship programme for international students. The British Council delivers a wide range of programmes in international higher education that promote cultural relations and understanding. These include grant-funded programmes supporting international student recruitment to the UK, transnational education, and alumni engagement. The MACC Secretariat also works closely with the British Embassy in Washington DC and the US consular network, through which the Marshall selection process is managed each year.

Main accountabilities

• Organising plenary meetings of the MACC (normally five per annum), including the Audit and Risk Management sub-committee (normally five per annum); providing premises for the meetings; drafting agendas for agreement by the Chair; compiling and distributing papers to the MACC; recording and circulating minutes to the MACC; and other governance support as required. 
• Together with the Senior Finance Manager, ensuring compliance with the MACC’s Management Statement and Financial Memorandum agreed with the FCDO, and preparing the financial documents required by MACC.
• Drafting the MACC's annual business and corporate plans in accordance with MACC priorities and guidelines for Non-Departmental Public Bodies, working closely with the CEO, for approval by the MACC and submission to the FCDO, according to the timetable set by the FCDO. 
• Drafting for approval by the MACC the Commission's Annual Report to Parliament, for submission to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as soon as possible after 30 September each year and the Annual Accounts as soon as possible after the end of the financial year, with support from the Senior Finance Manager and Marshall colleagues.
• Liaising with the National Audit Office and other audit or oversight bodies to provide information, facilitate interviews or meetings, and support their enquiries in relation to Marshall finance and activities.
• Together with the Policy Manager, annually reviewing MACC policies and advising the MACC on compliance with relevant government policies and initiatives, including on all matters relating to Health and Safety and any other statutory requirements to which the MACC is subject. 
• Provision of accurate and timely management information, with detailed analysis and trend data, as required by the MACC, normally three per annum. 
• Further responsibilities pertaining to monitoring and evaluation, data governance, and representation of the MACC at FCDO meetings as required.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Board management and administration
• Senior representation experience
• Stakeholder management

Desirable

• Previous experience in international higher education, scholarships and/or grants sector, student mobility or similar programmes, including decision-making, structures and procedures.
• Familiarity with financial reporting and accounting standards.
• Experience in the Higher Education and/or Scholarships and/or grants sector, including decision-making, structures and procedures.
• Familiarity with administration of UK government-funded contracts.
• Interest in the US and UK bilateral relationship

Role specific skills

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues.  
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues.
• Strong planning and organisation skills

Closing date: Tuesday 27 August, 11:59pm UK time

Interviews will be held in late September.

Application instructions

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