View Vacancy - Deputy Programme Manager - Data and Research in Education Programme, Grade-HEO, Islamabad

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission (BHC) in Islamabad is recruiting a Deputy Programme Manager to join its Education Team under Goal 3: Health and Education. This position is open to external and internal candidates who have demonstrated the required competencies and experience. This is a strategic and rewarding role for a qualified and experienced professional who can contribute to the UK’s development objectives in Pakistan, particularly in the education sector. The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible.

The work of the British High Commission (BHC) in Pakistan is focused on six main workstreams – Regional Stability and migration, Health Education and Demography, Climate Resilience and Humanitarian, Open Societies and Economy and Trade.  The Education Team is part of the Health and Education Group (HEG), which plays a central role in delivering the UK’s Country Business Plan Goal 3: a step change in Pakistan’s human capital through inclusive, resilient, and high-quality health and education systems. The team comprises 10 members, including advisers and programme managers, and works collaboratively across the UK mission and with external partners to deliver impactful results.

The team takes a systems-based approach, emphasising the use of data and evidence to inform policy and programming. It works closely with UK government departments - including FCDO, the British Council, and the Department for Business and Trade - as well as global partners such as the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW), and the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE).

The Education Team is a high-performing unit that offers a stimulating and rewarding work environment. It consistently delivers strong programme results and provides policy and technical input across the UK mission in Pakistan, engaging with a wide range of external stakeholders. Goal 3 (G3) fosters a collaborative and positive team culture, where professional development and career progression are actively supported. The team values flexibility, enabling staff to deliver at pace on high-profile priorities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance

In terms of programming, the Education Team in CG3 there are two large programmes with a total value of £153m. Data and Research in Education (DARE) Programme  plays a leadership role across the portfolio including with the Girls and Out of School Children: Action for Learning Programme (GOAL). Our ambition is to have a modern development partnership between the UK and Pakistan built on sharing expertise, exploring mutually beneficial growth and trade opportunities, and this role will be central to achieving this ambition. 

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities that a jobholder will be expected to achieve:

The deputy Programme Manager will lead the Data and Research in Education (DARE) programme, a £23 million initiative designed to address systemic challenges in Pakistan’s education sector. The programme aims to strengthen education data systems to improve service delivery and resource allocation, while also supporting civil society to develop and test innovative solutions backed by rigorous research. 

As Programme Responsible Owner (PRO), the jobholder will provide strategic and day-to-day oversight and leadership across all components, ensuring effective programme delivery, financial management, and compliance with FCDO systems. The role also involves contributing to policy dialogue, representing the UK in discussions with government counterparts, development partners, and civil society organisations. 

This is a fast-paced and high-profile role that requires strong programme management skills, a deep understanding of (or willingness to learn) FCDO’s Prorgamme Operating Framework (PrOF) [see here FCDO Programme Operating Framework - GOV.UK], and the ability to work across multiple priorities. The successful candidate will be a proactive and adaptable team player, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail.

The programme has four live components:

  1. A trust fund with the World Bank (£8m)
  2. A commercial contract with Oxford Policy Management (£9.4m)
  3. An accountable grant with Teach for Pakistan (£2.5m)
  4. An accountable grant with ITA (£2.6m)

The Education Team offers a supportive and high-performing work environment, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and work-life balance. This role provides an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to education reform in Pakistan and to be part of a mission that values innovation, evidence, and impact.

The jobholder will be responsible in these four areas to:

Programme Leadership and Accountability

  • Lead the day-to-day implementation of the DARE programme, taking ownership of progress and exercising sound judgment with minimal supervision.
  • As Programme Responsible Owner (PRO), be accountable for delivery within agreed time, cost, and quality parameters, and maintain the DARE Delivery Plan in coordination with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO).

Programme Management

  • Ensure high standards in value for money (VfM), risk and financial management, and corporate compliance, in line with FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework (PrOF), across a mix of delivery modalities (contracts, grants, trust funds).
  • Maintain and improve the programme delivery plan to support effective planning and execution.
  • Manage the Education Team’s annual and programme completion review cycle, ensuring timely and well-resourced delivery (DARE’s next annual review is due in March 2026).
  • Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and results tracking systems to ensure data-driven insights into programme delivery and impact.
  • Support compliance and governance across the education portfolio, including DARE and, where needed, the GOAL programme.

Policy Engagement and Influencing

  • Shape and support the DARE programme’s influencing objectives by identifying key stakeholders, preparing briefs, coordinating with development partners, and participating in sectoral meetings.
  • Manage external relationships with programme partners, ensuring accountability and constructive engagement.
  • Lead implementation of the programme’s communication strategy and maintain a database of results, with a focus on gender and inclusion. 

Line Management and Team Development 

  • Demonstrate strong line management skills and uphold a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
  • May line manage one programme staff member and provide coaching and support to junior colleagues across the group to strengthen delivery capability.


Learning and development opportunities:

The BHC provides learning and development opportunities.

Essential on arrival:

  • At least 3-5 years' experience of managing and delivering development/donor funded programmes across the programme cycle.
  • Strong financial and risk management skills.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize workload and adapt to shifting priorities. The role requires a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.

Language Requirements:

  • Language: English 
  • Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken

Desirable:

  • Education sector experience 
  • Strong track record in building and managing relationships with government stakeholders, commercial delivery partners, and multilateral organisations (e.g., the World Bank).
  • Understanding of the technical requirements for policy reform, preferably in the education sector.
  • Proven experience in managing complex, multi-component programmes involving diverse funding modalities such as commercial contracts and trust funds.
Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
10 October 2025
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
41
South Asia & Afghanistan
Pakistan
Islamabad
British High Commission
1
PKR
PKR 362,725 per month
monthly
1 December 2025

For BHC candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates the basic salary will be PKR 362,725 per month. This salary is non-negotiable.

Please note that the current salaries are being dollarized and processed in USD (using a fixed corporate exchange rate from November 2022) to provide cushion against the current external market conditions. This is a temporary measure and is subject to review at regular intervals. The payroll will revert to local currency processing once the external market conditions are normalised.

BHC offers a great benefits package that comprises of Annual Domiciliary cover and Medical Insurance Scheme which includes PKR 1,500,000 floater coverage per family for self, one spouse/long term partner and children under the age of 19 or under 23, if in full-time education and not gainfully employed. The Annual Domiciliary cover for day-to-day medical payments is upto PKR 200,000 per family (basis actual bills submission).

 Additionally, The British High Commission contributes to a retirement provision in the form of a mandatory provident fund. 

FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided. FCDO does not pay for any travelling, accommodation & relocation expenses incurred and/or accept any financial risk, including cancellation or reschedule costs.

Around half of our work forces are women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, caste, or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

To Apply:
Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

a) Complete the Online Application Form
b) Complete the Experience, Professional Skills and Behaviour based Segments in the Online Application Form

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification

To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate behaviours and technical / professional skills, basis your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles - Civil Service Frameworks, which provides a detailed guidance on how these behaviours are defined for each position. 

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to prepare specific examples of when and how you have demonstrated these behaviours in your application, by evidencing a structured response, including your skills and experiences. You briefly describe the situation in which you demonstrated the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.

Internal candidates applying for this position must have completed their probation and have prior approval from their line manager, else the application will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 10th October 2025 (latest by 23:55 hours PST).

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount. 

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

" The start date mentioned in the job advert is tentative and the appointment will be subject to successful clearances including police verification, references, medical, educational, and professional checks. "

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, caste or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.