The British High Commission is looking for a creative self-starter and solid team-player who can multi-task effectively and meet tight deadlines when needed. We offer a supportive, professional environment in which to grow and develop.

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships in the UK have to date supported over 31,000 individuals around the globe by extending life-transforming higher education opportunities, rewarding merit, and promoting equity and inclusion, especially among people from underrepresented groups.

As a Scholarships Assistant, you will be responsible for delivery of the programme in Botswana, in line with the duties and responsibilities set out below.  You will work closely with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC – an arm’s length body of the FCDO), but will be line managed by the Vice Consul & People to People Lead at Post. As a member of the British High Commission team, you will have opportunities to engage on a wide range of issues in addition to your formal job description, including contributing to wider representational, corporate and operational work.

Scholar and Fellow Recruitment (30%)

• Promote the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Application processes, collaborating with the Commonwealth Secretariat (at HQ) and the People-to-People Lead (in Gaborone) and liaising with the national and other nominating agencies.
• Raise issues or opportunities to the Secretariat.
• Conduct programme outreach and marketing, through media (social and traditional), working with alumni (hosting information sessions, workshops) and attending university fairs and other outreach events.
• Monitor the Commonwealth Scholarships marketing budget, keep records of promotional material, manage suppliers and ensure assets are produced according to the Commonwealth Scholarships branding guidelines.
• Foster High Commission-wide engagement with the scholarship.

Programme Administration (20%)

• Undertake responsive and timely essential administration in-line with policy, including submitting annual programme, marketing and alumni engagement plans and country briefings. 
• Respond to enquiries regarding the scheme and   provide positive customer service to applicants and award recipients before, during and after their awards.
• Represent BHC at Chevening & Commonwealth bi-monthly calls and respond to requests for information or insight from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the FCDO Scholarships Unit.

Alumni Engagement (20%)

• Contribute to establishing and developing an effective and engaged national Commonwealth Alumni network, organising a series of alumni events from concept to delivery, including a pre-departure/farewell event and an annual welcome-home event, Commonwealth Day celebrations, and other events as appropriate.
• Liaise with the People-to-People Lead and ensure events are delivered jointly with Chevening where possible.
• Manage the database of Commonwealth Alumni. Bid for alumni engagement funding opportunities and manage associated budgets.
• Keep the Commonwealth Secretariat and FCDO Scholarships Unit up to date with alumni engagement work in country on a quarterly basis.

Partnerships (15%)

• Work with Post colleagues to seek new local partnerships and manage existing partnerships effectively and in line with policy. This will include outreach, engagement and data management.
• Work with wider Post to get their input and support to develop
• Work with the Secretariat to ensure any existing partnerships are managed

Finance (10%)

• Ensure all financial issues are dealt with effectively and in line with policy, including ensuring costs are charged to the correct budget and meeting policy guidelines.
• Engage with the relevant policy teams at Post to ensure that maximum value is gained from the programme.

General (5%)

• Be flexible to adapt to changing priorities, including supporting colleagues at times of pressure.
• Work across FCDO’s scholarship schemes and contribute to the wider objectives of the British High Commission. We are a small, supportive team, and other ad hoc and corporate tasks will be required at times. 

• Undergraduate degree
• Strong written and spoken communication skills  
• Excellent team working