The primary objective of this position is to fulfill a specific organizational need by executing key responsibilities and achieving defined outcomes. This role is designed to contribute to the company’s goals by performing essential tasks, meeting established performance metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold professional standards, adhere to company policies, and drive results through diligent effort and strategic execution.
To assist the Head of Arts in executing the British Council Nigeria’s Arts and Culture portfolio, you will oversee the implementation, governance, and compliance of global programs and the Arts Core Offer within the country.
You will oversee delivery teams, external partners, contractual agreements, and financial resources across various concurrent programs, guaranteeing adherence to quality benchmarks, measurable outcomes, fiscal accountability, and reporting mandates in line with British Council policies and the 2026–2030 strategic framework.
To serve as the designated representative of the Head of Arts when necessary, facilitate the establishment of strategic partnerships and revenue streams, and assume a pivotal role in the organizational planning for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Main Accountabilities
Program planning and delivery entails designing, organizing, and executing structured initiatives to achieve specific objectives efficiently and effectively. This involves developing comprehensive plans, allocating necessary resources, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring timely execution to meet predefined goals. Responsibilities include assessing program requirements, identifying potential challenges, and implementing corrective measures as needed. Strong project management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across departments are essential for success in this role.
Spearhead the execution and ongoing oversight of various arts and culture initiatives across Nigeria, guaranteeing adherence to predefined scope, deadlines, 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.
Provide strategic leadership for key elements of broader programs, with a focus on leading the operational launch of the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Monitor progress against established plans, proactively detecting variances and implementing corrective measures in collaboration with the Head of Arts and the regional team.
Provide leadership for program closure and audit preparedness, guaranteeing that lessons learned and after-action reviews are finalized and integrated into future program design.
The position requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to effectively manage teams. You will be responsible for guiding, motivating, and overseeing team members to ensure optimal performance and alignment with organizational goals. This role demands excellent interpersonal skills, clear communication, and the capacity to foster collaboration and drive productivity within the team.
Offer strategic direction and inspire delivery teams and project staff through exemplary leadership, embodying the British Council’s core values and behaviors while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level.
Formal line management responsibilities encompass guiding project managers, project officers, and interns within the Arts and Culture team, with duties spanning objective establishment, performance oversight, and professional growth initiatives.
Oversee geographically distributed teams spanning Abu Dhabi, Lagos, and various other Nigerian sites, fostering an inclusive and cooperative environment that enhances portfolio-wide performance.
Act as the alternate representative for the Head of Arts in operational matters, governance forums, and external engagements, as needed.
We are seeking a collaborative leader to oversee partner, stakeholder, and relationship management, ensuring alignment, trust, and effective communication across all parties. The role demands strong interpersonal skills to cultivate and maintain strategic alliances, negotiate mutually beneficial agreements, and resolve conflicts efficiently. Proficiency in building long-term partnerships and a deep understanding of stakeholder needs are essential. Additionally, the position requires the ability to analyze relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and drive initiatives that enhance engagement and value creation for all involved.
You will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining programmed-level relationships with delivery partners, suppliers, grantees, and consortia, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and shared outcomes.
Develop and nurture strong, collaborative partnerships with internal colleagues and key stakeholders throughout the British Council, encompassing regional and global Arts teams as well as Cultural Engagement and operational departments.
Forge strategic partnerships and maintain ongoing dialogue with key external stakeholders across Nigeria’s arts and culture landscape, encompassing government ministries, cultural organizations, creative enterprises, civil society groups, and counterparts from HMG, including representatives from FCDO, DBT, and DCMS.
At sector events, partner meetings, and working groups, serve as the British Council’s representative, actively engaging in discussions and offering strategic insights to advance thought leadership within Nigeria’s creative economy.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to spearhead business development initiatives, focusing on expanding revenue streams and fostering growth opportunities. The ideal candidate will identify new market prospects, cultivate strategic partnerships, and drive income generation through innovative solutions. Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, negotiating deals, and implementing strategies to maximize profitability. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to build and maintain client relationships. Proficiency in data analysis, financial acumen, and a proven track record in sales or business development are essential requirements for success in this position.
You will play a key role in proactively identifying, defining, and securing innovative partnerships, co-funding arrangements, and revenue-generating opportunities that align with both Nigeria’s arts strategy and our global program objectives.
Provide assistance to the Head of Arts in directing sophisticated bid development efforts, conducting partnership negotiations, and making contracting decisions, all while ensuring alignment with overarching global program priorities.
Maintain pipeline data, track opportunities, and gather partner intelligence to support informed planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, identifies and mitigates potential risks, and upholds robust safeguarding measures to protect organizational integrity and stakeholder well-being.
Ensure full compliance of all programs and projects with 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.
Execute supply chain oversight for the relevant portfolio, where appropriate, encompassing activities such as conducting due diligence assessments, overseeing procurement processes, and facilitating partner onboarding.
Evaluate potential risks across various programs and collaborate with the Senior Responsible Owner to design and execute effective risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain safeguarding standards consistently throughout all operations, verifying that partners and suppliers adhere to British Council guidelines.
We oversee the planning, execution, and assessment of monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives to ensure data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. This involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to measure program effectiveness, track progress toward objectives, and identify key insights. Additionally, we facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building activities to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster a culture of learning within the organization. Responsibilities include designing MEL frameworks, establishing performance indicators, conducting evaluations, and producing actionable reports for leadership and partners.
Assist in creating results-focused programs by crafting Monitoring & Evaluation strategies and results frameworks that align with global program theories of change.
Collect programmed-specific data, ensure its accuracy, and perform preliminary analysis to support decision-making and reporting processes.
Produce comprehensive internal and external reports, compelling case studies, and impactful stories that effectively showcase the portfolio’s value to stakeholders across the UK, Nigeria, and the global community.
Integrate monitoring, evaluation, and impact storytelling seamlessly into the team’s workflow from the outset of the program.
The role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include budget preparation, financial reporting, and strategic analysis to support organizational decision-making. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and experience with budgeting and forecasting. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required, along with relevant certifications such as CPA or CFA preferred. Effective communication and leadership abilities are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Oversee the designated portfolio budget, ensuring expenditures and income align with established plans while maintaining precise forecasts and reports.
Facilitate monthly financial assessments and participate in quarterly business evaluations in collaboration with the Head of Arts and Finance colleagues.
Oversee the meticulous financial administration of grants, contracts, and partner agreements, guaranteeing the prompt disbursement of tranches alongside the precise reconciliation of partner expenditures.
Minimum/essential
Qualifications and Expectations for the Position Include:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the specified field. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to new technologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with excellent written and verbal communication abilities. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required, though a master’s degree or relevant certifications may be preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit leadership qualities, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Additional requirements may encompass project management experience, familiarity with regulatory standards, and the capacity to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
A relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a closely aligned field—or substantial professional experience in a comparable discipline—is required.
With a minimum of three years’ demonstrated expertise in leading projects or programs within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, candidates are expected to meet this essential qualification.
Proven track record in overseeing multi-country initiatives or expansive domestic programs, ensuring adherence to stringent project closure protocols and comprehensive audit requirements.
Proficiency in managing at least two distinct funding sources within a formal compliance framework is required, such as grants-in-aid, partner co-funding arrangements, contributions from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), trusts and foundations, or corporate sponsorship initiatives.
With a proven track record in client relations, partnership development, and contract administration, the ideal candidate will bring extensive hands-on experience in managing and nurturing client relationships, fostering strategic partnerships, and overseeing contract lifecycle processes to ensure compliance and mutual benefit.
Proven ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as governmental bodies, delivery partners, sector organizations, and creative professionals.
Seasoned in detecting program risks and collaborating with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) to devise and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
Proven track record in leading and overseeing teams, particularly those operating across multiple locations or in remote settings.
Proficiency in MEL principles, results frameworks, and theories of change is required.
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 relevant to the creative sector, cultural policy, or international development is required.
A foundational project management certification, whether obtained through in-house training or demonstrated via Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities, will also be deemed acceptable.
With at least five years of hands-on experience in leading projects or programs within the arts and culture sector, you bring a proven track record of strategic oversight and operational execution.
Proven understanding of the UK creative sector alongside its catalysts for development and collaborative opportunities.
Proven expertise in navigating the funding ecosystem within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector is essential.
With a proven track record and strong reputation in Nigeria’s arts and culture sector, this role demands an individual who has demonstrated expertise and influence in the field.
Demonstrated expertise in facilitating and coordinating bilateral cultural seasons, festivals, or high-profile showcase programs is essential.
We are seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in industry-relevant competencies, including analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities. A proven ability to manage complex projects with precision and adapt to evolving challenges is essential. Familiarity with sector-specific tools, methodologies, and compliance standards is required to ensure operational excellence. The ideal applicant will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams are critical to achieving strategic objectives.
Capable of converting strategic initiatives into actionable operational plans within a diverse portfolio encompassing arts and culture.
Experienced in overseeing projects and programs with proficiency in strategic planning, financial oversight, risk mitigation, and comprehensive reporting.
Exceptional written and oral communication abilities are required to create polished reports, concise briefings, and professional documents tailored for partners.
Proven expertise in financial literacy coupled with the capability to oversee and allocate resources across multiple budget streams.
Proficiency in digital tools is essential, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft 365, project management software, and foundational data analysis capabilities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
