To fulfill the outlined role, the position aims to drive strategic objectives by leveraging specialized skills and aligning responsibilities with organizational goals. This role requires a professional who can effectively manage key tasks, demonstrate expertise in relevant areas, and contribute to the overall success of the team through meticulous execution of duties. Candidates must possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and competencies to meet the outlined expectations and deliver measurable results in alignment with the company’s mission.
In collaboration with the Head of Arts, this role will oversee the execution, governance, and compliance of British Council Nigeria’s Arts and Culture portfolio, including the implementation of global programs and the Arts Core Offer within the country.
You will oversee the management of delivery teams, partners, contracts, and budgets across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring adherence to quality, impact, financial, and reporting standards in alignment with British Council policies and the 2026–2030 strategic framework.
To step in for the Head of Arts when necessary, this role involves fostering partnerships and generating revenue while leading operational planning for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Main Accountabilities
Program planning and delivery involves designing, organizing, and executing initiatives to achieve strategic objectives. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing timelines, allocating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies is essential to drive successful outcomes.
Oversee the execution and daily operations of various arts and culture initiatives across Nigeria, guaranteeing alignment with pre-defined scope, schedules, financial constraints, quality benchmarks, and impact objectives.
Develop comprehensive operational plans, detailed work schedules, and measurable milestones by translating the country arts strategy and global program frameworks into actionable initiatives for the portfolio.
Lead the strategic development and execution of key program components, focusing on the operational ramp-up for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Monitor ongoing performance relative to established plans, proactively detect deviations, and implement corrective measures in coordination with the Head of Arts and the regional team.
Lead program closure activities and ensure audit readiness, systematically collecting and documenting lessons learned and conducting thorough after-action reviews to drive continuous improvement in future program design.
Experienced in guiding teams and fostering leadership skills to maximize collective performance and drive organizational success. Proficient in overseeing group dynamics, delegating tasks effectively, and cultivating a collaborative work environment to achieve shared objectives. Strong ability to mentor team members, resolve conflicts, and inspire high levels of productivity through clear communication and strategic direction.
Deliver inspirational leadership to delivery teams and project staff, embodying the British Council’s values and behaviors while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Offer formal line management responsibilities for project managers, project officers, and interns within the Arts and Culture team, encompassing objective establishment, performance oversight, and professional growth initiatives.
Oversee geographically dispersed teams spanning Abu Dhabi, Lagos, and other key Nigerian regions, fostering an environment of collaboration that ensures successful portfolio delivery.
Act as a deputy to the Head of Arts in operational affairs, governance meetings, and external interactions as necessary.
Demonstrates expertise in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships, fostering collaborative relationships, and aligning stakeholder interests to drive shared objectives. Responsible for identifying key stakeholders, establishing trust, and ensuring seamless communication across internal and external networks. Actively manages expectations, resolves conflicts, and negotiates mutually beneficial agreements to enhance organizational influence and achieve long-term business success. Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to influence decision-making at all levels.
You will oversee programmed-level engagements with delivery partners, suppliers, grantees, and consortia, ensuring strict adherence to contractual obligations and shared goals while holding them accountable for performance.
Develop and nurture productive partnerships with internal collaborators and stakeholders throughout the British Council, encompassing regional and international Arts teams as well as Cultural Engagement and operational departments.
Proactively cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders across Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, encompassing government ministries, cultural institutions, creative enterprises, civil society organizations, and counterparts within HMG, such as FCDO, DBT, and DCMS.
At sector events, thought leadership forums, and collaborative partner meetings, you will serve as the British Council’s representative, actively engaging in discussions that shape the dialogue around the Nigerian creative economy.
Business development professionals focus on expanding the organization’s market presence, cultivating strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable revenue growth. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying new business opportunities, negotiating profitable agreements, and maintaining strong client relationships. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to leverage market insights to capitalize on emerging trends. Responsibilities include conducting market research, developing tailored sales strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve financial objectives.
Drive the identification, scoping, and securing of innovative partnerships, co-funding arrangements, and income-generating opportunities that align with the Nigeria arts strategy and broader global initiatives.
Provide assistance to the Head of Arts in managing intricate bid development processes, conducting partnership negotiations, and making informed contracting decisions, while ensuring alignment with overarching global program objectives.
Maintain up-to-date pipeline data, track opportunities, and gather partner intelligence to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, mitigates organizational risks, and upholds robust safeguarding measures to protect stakeholders and maintain operational integrity.
Ensure full adherence of all programs and projects to British Council internal policies and processes, encompassing safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), supply chain management, social value, anti-fraud measures, data protection, and conflict sensitivity.
Oversee supply chain operations across the portfolio where relevant, encompassing due diligence, procurement, and partner integration processes.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across various programs, collaborating with the Senior Responsible Owner to devise and execute strategic mitigation strategies.
Ensure the implementation of safeguarding protocols throughout all operations, verifying that partners and suppliers adhere to the British Council’s established standards.
The role involves overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives to assess program effectiveness, track progress toward objectives, and derive actionable insights for continuous improvement. Responsibilities include designing and implementing data collection frameworks, analyzing performance metrics, and reporting findings to stakeholders to inform decision-making. Proficiency in MEL methodologies, strong analytical skills, and experience with data visualization tools are required. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, the ability to interpret complex data sets, and effective communication of results to diverse audiences.
Support the creation of impact-driven programs by contributing to the development of Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks and results matrices, ensuring alignment with established global program theories of change.
Conduct programmed-specific data collection, ensure the accuracy and integrity of all gathered data, and perform preliminary analysis to support informed decision-making and reporting efforts.
Oversee the development of internal and external reports, case studies, and impact narratives to effectively communicate the portfolio’s value to stakeholders across the UK, Nigeria, and globally.
Incorporate monitoring, evaluation, and impact storytelling seamlessly into the team’s operational framework from the very start of each program.
The position involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. Responsibilities include analyzing financial data, managing expenditures, and optimizing resource allocation to support organizational objectives. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a minimum of five years of experience in financial management. A degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, along with certifications such as CPA or CFA being advantageous. Effective communication and strategic planning abilities are also essential for success in this role.
Oversee the designated portfolio budget, expenditures, and revenue in alignment with established plans, maintaining precision in forecasts and reporting.
Conduct monthly financial assessments and participate in quarterly strategic business evaluations in collaboration with the Head of Arts and Finance team members.
Oversee comprehensive financial management for grants, contracts, and partner agreements, ensuring the accurate and punctual disbursement of funds while maintaining rigorous reconciliation of partner expenditures.
Minimum/essential
The ideal candidate must meet the following qualifications: a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field—such as business administration, engineering, or computer science—along with a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software tools, project management methodologies, and strong analytical skills are essential. Additionally, the role demands exceptional communication abilities, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Prior leadership experience is preferred, as is a proven track record of delivering measurable results in fast-paced environments. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, data privacy standards, or specific technical frameworks may also be required, depending on the position.
A relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required, or significant professional experience of equivalent standing may be considered.
With a minimum of three years of demonstrated expertise in project or program management within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, the ideal candidate will bring substantial hands-on experience to the role.
Skilled in overseeing multi-country or extensive in-country initiatives that have successfully met project closure and audit standards.
Proficiency in securing and managing funding from a minimum of two distinct sources within a regulated compliance framework—such as grant-in-aid arrangements, joint partner contributions, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funding, trusts and foundations, or corporate sponsorship—is essential.
Proven expertise in overseeing client relationships, fostering strategic partnerships, and administering contractual agreements is required.
Proven ability to engage and oversee diverse stakeholders such as government entities, delivery partners, sector-specific organizations, and creative professionals.
Skilled in recognizing risks within a program and collaborating with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) to devise and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
Proven ability to lead and oversee teams, encompassing both co-located and remote groups.
Demonstrates a solid grasp of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) principles, as well as the ability to develop and interpret results frameworks and theories of change.
Experienced in facilitating lessons learned reviews and after-action reviews to enhance the design of future programs.
Desirable
A Master’s degree in a field such as the creative industries, cultural policy, or international development is required for this role.
A recognized entry-level certification in project management is required, with in-house training programs or documented evidence of Continuous Professional Development in the field also deemed acceptable.
With a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in project or program management within the arts and culture sector, you bring a proven track record of delivering impactful initiatives in this dynamic field.
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the UK creative sector and the factors that drive its expansion and collaborative opportunities.
Possesses a clear and proven comprehension of the funding dynamics within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.
Renowned for distinguished expertise and a proven track record within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.
Proven track record in coordinating bilateral cultural seasons, festivals, or major showcase programs.
Seeking a candidate with proficiency in specific technical or functional competencies essential for the role, including advanced proficiency in industry-standard software, tools, or methodologies. Demonstrated experience in applying specialized knowledge to solve complex problems or enhance operational efficiency is required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret data or technical specifications are mandatory. Familiarity with regulatory standards, compliance requirements, or best practices relevant to the field is also necessary. Additionally, the ideal applicant should possess excellent communication skills to convey technical information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
Skilled at converting strategic vision into executable operational plans across a diverse portfolio of arts and culture initiatives.
Skilled in overseeing projects and programs, with expertise in strategic planning, financial management, risk mitigation, and performance reporting.
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities are required, enabling the creation of concise reports, strategic briefings, and professional documents for key partners.
Proven proficiency in financial literacy and expertise in managing budgets across multiple revenue streams.
Digital proficiency in Microsoft 365, project management software, and foundational data analysis skills are essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
