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.
Pay Band: 4
Salary: from JPY 3,999,996 per annum)
Country/Location: Tokyo, Japan
Department: English and Exams
Contract Type: Indefinite
Closing Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)
Role Description/Purpose
The Programme Operations Officer plays a key role in supporting the development and execution of an operations strategy that aligns with the external contract with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. This involves contributing to the achievement of specific targets and goals, and managing capacity and supply requirements as outlined in the contract.
The role is instrumental in facilitating the effective and efficient operation of the full operational cycle, encompassing capacity planning, test day operations, and post-test services within a large country programme. The Programme Operations Officer assists in overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of supply, delivery, and change/business improvement initiatives.
In addition, the role supports the broader operations strategy to ensure supply security and contributes to maintaining customer satisfaction, effective capacity management, contingency planning, cost efficiency, operational consistency, compliance, and the integrity of exam delivery.
Role Accountabilities
The Programme Operations Officer plays a pivotal role in supporting the successful delivery of the ESATJ assessment suite across the Tokyo Metropolitan district. Working closely with the Head of Programme Operations, the role contributes to operational excellence by helping to standardise processes, drive best practices, and support the development of scalable exam delivery models. This position is responsible for implementing operational plans that align with project strategy and contractual requirements, ensuring effective capacity planning, logistics, resource management, supplier performance, and service delivery. The Programme Operations Officer supports the delivery of secure, high-quality examination services by monitoring performance, resolving operational challenges, maintaining service standards, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and economies of scale.
The role also works collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to support customer experience objectives and ensure operational policies and procedures effectively meet client needs. Key responsibilities include supporting risk management and compliance activities, contributing to contingency planning, monitoring adherence to security and governance requirements, and using data and reporting to inform operational decisions and strategies. The Programme Operations Officer assists in managing operational costs, supporting venue and capacity strategies, and ensuring that resources, equipment, and materials are available to meet delivery demands. Success in this role requires strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise competing demands, and the capability to coordinate colleagues, suppliers, and contractors to deliver services efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with agreed quality and performance standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education:
- Essential: Diploma
- Desirable: University degree in any subject or relevant qualification
- Experience in planning and delivery within a fast-paced operational environment.
- Experience working as part of a team.
- Experience in delivering change initiatives and ensuring that new ways of working are embedded.
- Relevant experience of overseeing production of goods/provision of services
- Native-level Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1 or equivalent).
Further Information
Benefits:
- 21 days of Annual Leave
- 13th and 14 Month Bonus
- Non-consolidated bonus
- Comprehensive health and insurance package – includes Medical insurance: Full Social and Labour Insurance cover (Industrial Injury Insurance, Health Insurance, Employees’ Pension Insurance and Employment Insurance)
- Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development.
Right to Work: Locally recruited
Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work.
Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices. However, please note candidates must have a natural right to work in the country, on a permanent basis, as immigration clearance and/or on-going visa support is not provided by the British Council for this role. Relocation support is also not provided.
Possible Changes to Your Duties: You may be assigned to different duties designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.
Possible Changes to Your Place of Work: You may be transferred to a different workplace designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]
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