International Ambassador Programme – Mumbai, India

About BII

British International Investment (BII) is the UK’s leading development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government. Our primary mission is to address global development challenges through strategic investments that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

BII focuses on catalysing economic development, creating jobs, and building resilient economies in some of the world's most complex and underserved markets. We invest in businesses and projects that prioritise inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

Our approach is characterised by rigorous investment standards, high governance principles, and a commitment to delivering measurable development impact. Our team consists of highly skilled and passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference globally.

We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment that values curiosity, innovation, and professional growth. Our culture balances high performance with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring our employees can achieve their full potential while contributing to our mission.

BII at a glance:

Over 75 years supporting sustainable business growth in developing and emerging markets

More than £9.9 billion in net assets

1,600+ businesses invested in

950,000+ workers in the businesses we support

650+ people in our diverse global team

3 key development objectives: Productive | Sustainable | Inclusive

We are excited to announce that the International Ambassador Programme will be returning to Mumbai in 2026!

The International Ambassador Programme is designed to enhance global understanding, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and support our organisation’s strategic objectives in our key markets. This employee-led rotational programme is open to all of BII’s permanent employees, across our international offices. The rotation will provide a unique opportunity for professional growth and for employees to experience working in our key markets, whilst carrying out their usual role on a three-month assignment.   

In order that the Ambassador gets the most out of their experience, line managers will need to support 20% of capacity to be focussed on in-market activities, which would include networking and supporting the Regional Head and country team activities including market research, sector mapping, attending meetings where relevant, events preparation and supporting senior visits.

Programme Objectives  

The primary objectives of the International Ambassador Programme (IAP) are to:  

• Enhance cross-cultural competence: Equip employees with the skills needed to operate effectively in diverse cultural settings, reflecting BII’s commitment to inclusive development.  

• Promote knowledge sharing: Facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices across BII’s global operations.  

• Develop an ambassador network: Identify and cultivate ambassadors who can navigate and contribute to our international investment and impact landscape.  

• Support strategic goals: Address business needs and create development opportunities for all our employees through experiencing the markets we’re trying to positively impact.  

Eligibility   

The key eligibility requirements are as follows:   

Contract: permanent  

Tenure: requirement of a minimum of 18 months tenure by the point of application submission.

Home location: we welcome applications from employees across our international office locations. Applicants must be mindful of their current immigration status in order not to jeopardise their right to work in their contractual location. 

Performance: Applicants rated at a minimum of ‘Meeting Expectations’ or above as evidenced by the most recent PEDP. There must not be any active disciplinaries on file.   

Role: as Ambassadors continue their original role, it is important that they can carry out their work successfully in the host location.

Readiness to Work: Applicants should consider their readiness to adapt to a new work environment and culture. This includes understanding the cultural, legal, medical, and logistical aspects of working in a different country.   

Health and Safety: Before applying for an assignment, it is important to ensure that employees are fit to work in the new location.  

Travel Security: all assignees must complete the in-person Travel Security training before commencing their assignment.

Work authorisation: our immigration providers will be able to help with immigration requirements for India.

Application Process

• Personal Statement: Outline your motivation, share development opportunities envisaged, and how you plan to contribute to both home and host locations (max 500 words).  

• Line Manager Endorsement: An email of support from your current line manager, as well as approval from the relevant ExCo member for your business area. Please ensure the email of support from your current line manager confirms that they are happy for you to focus 20% of your time to the experience.

Please PDF the documents and upload them as supporting documents to your application.  

Selection Process  

The GM SteerCo  will oversee the selection process, ensuring the programme aligns with our strategy and is administered in a fair and consistent way.  

The Global Mobility Steering Committee will evaluate applications based on:  

• Merit and motivation: Strength of the personal statement and commitment to the programme’s objectives.  

• Business alignment: How well the candidate’s skills and experience align with any of the needs of the host location.  

• Impact potential: Candidate’s potential to drive positive change and knowledge transfer.  

Relocation Support  

BII will provide:  

• The required work authorisation

• Return flights for the assignee in line with the Travel and Travel Security policy 

• Short-term accommodation booked via the Travel team  

• Settling in service via our external provider (optional) 

Global Mobility and Safety

The security and wellbeing of our colleagues is our priority. Please be aware that all assignment types under the Global Mobility Programme are subject to rigorous security assessments.

In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, assignment dates may be adjusted at short notice should the security or operational environment change.

Every host location is reviewed by our security team prior to departure. Where necessary, bespoke contingency plans and enhanced safety protocols will be implemented to ensure our staff are fully supported throughout their assignment period.

Dependents  

Please note that support for dependents is not extended for this programme and would need to be self-funded. Any visiting dependents would not be covered by BII’s travel and personal accident insurance policy, nor, private medical insurance policy. 

Engagement during the Assignment  

• Local point of contact: Each ambassador will be paired with a buddy for guidance and integration. The assignee will be introduced to their buddy for the assignment ahead of departure. The buddy will assist with local guidance, orientation, and integration in the host office. 

• Keeping in touch: The Global Mobility Partner will be available throughout the assignment period for check-in calls when required.  

• Home line manager: Each ambassador must agree on regular touchpoints with their home line manager.  

• Dotted line manager: Each ambassador will have a local, dotted line manager assigned to them. This will help with having support across time zones. 

• Vlogs and blogs: the ambassador will need to post vlogs and/or blogs regularly on Sydney to share their experiences. 

• Getting involved: we encourage the ambassador to get involved with local cultural celebrations and office events. We recommend that the ambassador proactively engages with their local colleagues to expand their network at BII and learn more about the host office’s culture. 

Post-programme integration  

After completing the rotation, the ambassador will carry out the following:  

• Debriefing session: Present experiences and insights to the GM SteerCo.  
• Knowledge sharing: Share findings and learning with home teams and the wider organisation, including a Sydney newsfeed post.  

Please ensure that you have read and understood the Global Mobility Policy and Procedures documents found here on Sydney. Please ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions before applying. Please direct any questions to Claudia Nunan, GM Partner. 

Start August/September 2026 Three months