The role is designed to fulfill a specific purpose within the organization, contributing to its strategic objectives and operational efficiency. It requires an individual capable of executing key responsibilities while adhering to established requirements and delivering measurable outcomes. The position demands a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and adaptability to meet evolving challenges. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to best practices are essential for success in this role.
To facilitate the Head of Arts in executing the British Council Nigeria’s Arts and Culture portfolio, you will oversee the implementation, governance, and adherence to global programs alongside the Arts Core Offer within the country.
To oversee delivery teams, external partners, contractual agreements, and financial allocations across various concurrent programs, ensuring adherence to quality benchmarks, measurable impact, financial sustainability, and reporting requirements in alignment with British Council policies and the 2026–2030 strategic framework.
To act as the Head of Arts when necessary, assist in establishing strategic partnerships and generating revenue, while also providing key leadership in operational planning for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Main Accountabilities
Program planning and delivery involves designing, structuring, and executing initiatives to achieve specific objectives. This role requires meticulous organization, strategic foresight, and strong leadership to ensure seamless implementation. Responsibilities include assessing needs, setting measurable goals, coordinating resources, and monitoring progress to maintain alignment with organizational targets. Effective communication and collaboration are essential to engage stakeholders and foster a cohesive approach throughout the process.
Spearhead the execution and ongoing administration of diverse arts and culture initiatives across Nigeria, meticulously overseeing adherence to agreed-upon scope, schedules, financial allocations, 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.
Provide strategic direction and assume a leadership position in key components of major programs, with a particular focus on the operational ramp-up of the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Monitor progress in alignment with established plans, detect deviations promptly, and implement corrective measures in collaboration with the Head of Arts and the regional team.
Ensure comprehensive program closure and maintain audit readiness by completing all necessary lessons learned exercises and after-action reviews, thereby informing and enhancing the design of future programs.
An accomplished leader with strong team management skills, you will be responsible for guiding and directing your team towards achieving organizational objectives. Your ability to inspire and motivate your team, coupled with your strategic vision, will be crucial in driving performance and fostering a collaborative work environment. You will oversee team operations, ensuring alignment with company goals, and develop strategies to enhance productivity and efficiency. Additionally, you will be accountable for mentoring team members, identifying growth opportunities, and addressing any challenges that may arise. Your leadership will play a pivotal role in cultivating a high-performing, cohesive team dedicated to delivering exceptional results.
Offer inspiring leadership to delivery teams and project staff, setting an example of the British Council’s core values and behaviors while fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.
To oversee the Arts and Culture team, you will be responsible for offering structured line management to project managers, project officers, and interns—tasks include establishing clear objectives, conducting performance evaluations, and facilitating opportunities for professional growth.
Oversee geographically dispersed teams spanning Abu Dhabi, Lagos, and additional Nigerian offices, cultivating a cooperative work environment that enhances portfolio-wide delivery.
You will serve as the alternate representative for the Head of Arts on operational issues, governance bodies, and external interactions as needed.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee partner, stakeholder, and relationship management, ensuring robust collaboration and alignment across all relevant parties. The ideal candidate will foster strong connections, manage expectations, and drive mutually beneficial outcomes while maintaining open lines of communication. Responsibilities include cultivating strategic alliances, resolving conflicts, and ensuring seamless coordination to support organizational objectives. Strong interpersonal skills, negotiation expertise, and the ability to build trust are essential, along with a proven track record in managing diverse relationships and driving engagement.
Establish and oversee programmed-level partnerships with delivery partners, suppliers, grantees, and consortia, ensuring strict adherence to contractual obligations and shared objectives.
Develop and sustain productive partnerships with internal collaborators and stakeholders throughout the British Council, encompassing regional and international Arts teams, Cultural Engagement divisions, and operational departments.
Actively collaborate with key external stakeholders across Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, encompassing government ministries, cultural organizations, creative enterprises, civil society groups, and counterparts from HMG, such as FCDO, DBT, and DCMS.
Serve as the British Council’s representative at industry events, collaborative working groups, and strategic partner engagements, while advancing thought leadership initiatives focused on Nigeria’s creative economy.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to drive business growth and enhance revenue streams through strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will identify and pursue new opportunities, forge valuable partnerships, and implement innovative approaches to expand market presence. Responsibilities include conducting market research, evaluating potential collaborations, and executing income-generating strategies to meet organizational objectives. Applicants should possess strong analytical skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to cultivate client relationships, along with a proven track record in sales or revenue growth.
You will play a key role in proactively identifying, evaluating, and establishing new partnerships, co-funding arrangements, and revenue streams that align with the Nigeria arts strategy and global initiatives.
Provide assistance to the Head of Arts in overseeing intricate bid development initiatives, conducting partnership negotiations, and making informed contracting decisions, all while ensuring alignment with global program priorities.
Maintain pipeline data, track opportunities, and gather partner intelligence to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, mitigates potential risks, and upholds safeguarding protocols across all operations.
Ensure full compliance of all programs and projects with British Council’s 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 as needed, encompassing due diligence, procurement, and partner integration.
Assess potential risks across various programs and collaborate with the Senior Responsible Owner to devise and execute effective risk mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with safeguarding standards throughout all delivery processes, verifying that partners and suppliers adhere to British Council requirements.
The role involves overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes to assess program effectiveness, track progress toward objectives, and ensure data-driven decision-making. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing MEL frameworks, collecting and analyzing performance data, and reporting findings to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have expertise in developing indicators, managing evaluation studies, and applying learning insights to improve program strategies. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data management tools, and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods are required. Additionally, the position demands the ability to communicate complex findings clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement.
Support the creation of results-driven programs by assisting in the design of Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks and results frameworks, ensuring alignment with global program theories of change.
Perform programmed-specific data collection tasks, ensure all data undergoes rigorous quality assurance, and conduct foundational analysis to support informed decision-making and comprehensive reporting.
Produce comprehensive internal and external reports, case studies, and impact narratives that effectively showcase the portfolio’s contributions to stakeholders across the UK, Nigeria, and the global community.
Integrate monitoring, evaluation, and impact storytelling into the team’s operational framework from the outset of program development.
Responsible for overseeing and directing the financial operations of the organization, the financial management role ensures accurate financial reporting, efficient budgeting, and strategic financial planning. This position requires strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, prepare comprehensive financial statements, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership. Candidates must possess a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CPA or CFA preferred. Proficiency in financial software and systems, along with exceptional communication abilities to present financial information clearly, is essential. The role involves managing audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing financial performance to support organizational objectives.
Oversee the designated portfolio budget, expenditures, and revenue in alignment with established plans, maintaining precise forecasting and reporting accuracy.
Conduct monthly financial evaluations and collaborate with the Head of Arts and Finance team members to assemble quarterly business assessments.
Ensure robust financial oversight for all grants, contracts, and partner agreements, maintaining punctual disbursement of funding tranches and meticulous reconciliation of partner expenditures.
Minimum/essential
The position necessitates candidates to possess a comprehensive set of qualifications and competencies. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in relevant software applications and tools specific to the industry. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing complex challenges. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to interact with stakeholders at all levels. Prior experience in a similar role, preferably within the same sector, is highly preferred. Additionally, the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines is critical. Candidates should exhibit a proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.
A degree at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience—is required.
With a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in project or program management within the arts and culture sector in Nigeria, you possess a proven track record of delivering impactful initiatives.
Proven expertise in overseeing multi-country or large domestic programs that have successfully achieved project closure while meeting stringent audit standards.
Demonstrated expertise in leveraging at least two distinct funding mechanisms within a regulated compliance framework, such as grant-in-aid arrangements, partner co-financing initiatives, contributions from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), trusts and foundations, or corporate sponsorship agreements.
Skilled in overseeing client relationships, cultivating strategic partnerships, and administering contractual agreements effectively.
Proven expertise in coordinating diverse stakeholder groups, encompassing governmental entities, collaborative partners, industry representatives, and creative professionals.
With a proven ability to assess program risks and devise effective mitigation strategies in collaboration with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), the ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in proactive risk identification and resolution. This role requires a strong track record of working alongside the SRO to implement robust risk management frameworks that safeguard program objectives and ensure successful delivery.
Proven track record in leading and overseeing teams, including those that are geographically dispersed, with strong capabilities in team management and coordination across multiple locations.
Proficiency in applying Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) principles, designing results frameworks, and implementing theories of change is required.
Conducting lessons learned and after-action reviews to enhance future program design is a key requirement.
Desirable
Holders of a Master’s degree in a field such as the creative industries, cultural policy, or international development are strongly preferred for this role.
A recognized entry-level certification in project management is required, with equivalent in-house training or documented participation in relevant Continued Professional Development (CPD) activities also acceptable.
With a minimum of five years’ experience in managing projects or programs within the arts and culture sector, you will bring a wealth of expertise to our team.
Proficient understanding of the UK creative sector, including the factors that drive growth and facilitate strategic partnerships.
Proven expertise in navigating the funding ecosystem specific to Nigeria’s arts and culture industry is essential.
Demonstrates a strong reputation and track record within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating and delivering bilateral cultural seasons, international festivals, or large-scale showcase initiatives.
The position requires a strong proficiency in critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and meticulous attention to detail to effectively evaluate data and make informed decisions. Candidates must possess proven expertise in technical analysis, problem-solving, and the ability to interpret complex information with precision. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies is essential, along with the capacity to apply specialized knowledge to real-world scenarios. Excellent communication skills are necessary to convey insights and findings clearly to stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving challenges, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Capable of converting strategic objectives into actionable operational plans spanning a diverse range of arts and culture initiatives.
Experienced in leading projects and programs with expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, proactive risk mitigation, and transparent reporting mechanisms.
Demonstrated excellence in both written and verbal communication, with proven capability to craft precise reports, concise briefings, and professional documents tailored for partners.
Demonstrates robust financial acumen alongside the capacity to oversee and allocate resources across diverse budgetary streams effectively.
Proficiency in digital tools is essential, particularly expertise in Microsoft 365, project management software, and fundamental data analysis capabilities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
