The primary objective of this position is to fulfill a specific role within the organization, with responsibilities centered on achieving defined goals and contributing to the overall success of the team. Key duties include executing tasks in alignment with company objectives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures. Additionally, the role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to prioritize effectively, and proficiency in relevant software or tools. Candidates must possess the necessary qualifications and experience to meet the demands of the position, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
To bolster the Head of Arts in advancing the British Council Nigeria’s Arts and Culture portfolio, this role will oversee the execution, governance, and adherence to global programs alongside the Arts Core Offer within the country.
You will oversee delivery teams, partners, contracts, and budgets across a range of concurrent programs, ensuring all activities adhere to quality, impact, financial, and reporting standards in alignment with British Council policies and the 2026–2030 strategic framework.
To serve as a deputy to the Head of Arts when necessary, assist in establishing strategic partnerships and generating revenue, and lead operational planning initiatives for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Main Accountabilities
Program planning and delivery involves designing, organizing, and executing programs to achieve specific objectives. This role requires developing strategic plans, setting measurable goals, and ensuring efficient resource allocation. Responsibilities include coordinating with stakeholders, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes to drive continuous improvement. Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential for success in this position.
Spearhead the execution and ongoing administration of various arts and culture initiatives across Nigeria, guaranteeing alignment with predefined 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 oversee key components of major programs, such as operationalizing the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
Monitor progress to ensure alignment with established plans, proactively detect deviations, and implement corrective measures in collaboration with the Head of Arts and the regional team.
Oversee the conclusion of the program and preparation for audits, guaranteeing that lessons learned and after-action reviews are finalized and utilized to enhance future program design.
Proven ability to guide and oversee teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance toward shared objectives. Responsibilities include motivating team members, resolving conflicts, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Requires strong interpersonal skills, decisiveness, and the capacity to mentor and develop talent while maintaining accountability for results.
Motivate and guide delivery teams and project staff with strong leadership, exemplifying the British Council’s core values and behaviors while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Formal line management responsibilities encompass overseeing project managers, project officers, and interns within the Arts and Culture team, with duties including establishing objectives, conducting performance evaluations, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
Oversee geographically dispersed teams spanning Abuja, Lagos, and additional Nigerian sites, fostering a collaborative environment that ensures successful delivery across the portfolio.
You will serve as the alternate representative for the Head of Arts in operational matters, governance forums, and external engagements as needed.
The role involves cultivating and maintaining strong partnerships, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering meaningful relationships to drive collaborative success.
You will be responsible for cultivating strategic relationships with key program stakeholders, including delivery partners, suppliers, grantees, and consortia, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and alignment with shared outcomes.
Develop and nurture collaborative partnerships with internal stakeholders and colleagues throughout the British Council, encompassing regional and global Arts teams, Cultural Engagement divisions, and operational departments.
Proactively collaborate with key external stakeholders across Nigeria’s arts and culture ecosystem, such as government ministries, cultural institutions, creative enterprises, civil society organizations, and counterparts from HMG (including FCDO, DBT, and DCMS).
As a representative of the British Council, you will engage at sector events, participate in working groups, attend partner meetings, and help shape thought leadership initiatives focused on the Nigerian creative economy.
Business development and revenue growth are key responsibilities within this role. The position focuses on identifying new opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and expanding the organization’s market presence. Additionally, the role requires a proactive approach to building client relationships, negotiating contracts, and maximizing financial performance. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to drive sustainable income streams. Effective communication and negotiation abilities are essential, along with a deep understanding of industry trends and competitive landscapes.
Contribute proactively to the identification, scoping, and securing of new partnerships, co-funding arrangements, and income-generating opportunities that align with Nigeria’s arts strategy and global program objectives.
Assist the Head of Arts in overseeing intricate bid development, partnership negotiations, and contracting decisions, while ensuring alignment with global program objectives.
Maintain comprehensive records of pipeline data, opportunity tracking, and partner intelligence to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, mitigates potential risks, and upholds the protection of individuals by implementing robust safeguarding measures.
Deliver comprehensive oversight to guarantee that all programs and projects strictly adhere to British Council’s established internal policies and procedures, encompassing safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supply chain governance, social value commitments, anti-fraud measures, data protection protocols and conflict sensitivity frameworks.
Oversee the supply chain management process for the relevant portfolio, encompassing due diligence assessments, procurement activities, and the onboarding of partners.
Assess potential risks across programs and collaborate with the Senior Responsible Owner to devise and execute effective risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain and enforce safeguarding standards consistently throughout all delivery processes, guaranteeing that partners and suppliers adhere to the British Council’s established requirements.
MEL specialists are tasked with overseeing, assessing, and enhancing organizational performance through systematic data collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. They design and implement frameworks to track progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Key responsibilities include conducting evaluations, managing performance metrics, and reporting findings to stakeholders to inform evidence-based decision-making. Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills are essential, along with proficiency in relevant methodologies and tools. Experience in data visualization and a commitment to transparency and integrity are also critical for success in this role.
Provide assistance in designing results-focused programs, which involves creating Monitoring & Evaluation plans and results frameworks that align with global program theories of change.
Conduct programmed-specific data collection, perform quality assurance on all collected data, and execute basic analysis to support informed decision-making and reporting.
Craft compelling internal and external reports, case studies, and impact narratives showcasing the portfolio’s significance to stakeholders across the UK, Nigeria, and globally.
Integrate monitoring, evaluation, and impact storytelling seamlessly into the team’s operational framework from the outset of program development.
Responsible for overseeing financial planning, analysis, and reporting ensuring the organization’s fiscal health and compliance with regulatory standards. Duties include budget development, expense monitoring, financial forecasting, and variance analysis to optimize resource allocation. Must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and expertise in interpreting complex financial data. Requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CPA or CFA preferred. Experience in financial management, strategic planning, and risk assessment is essential for success in this role.
Oversee the designated portfolio budget, expenditures, and revenue in alignment with established plans, maintaining precise forecasting and reporting accuracy.
Conduct monthly financial assessments and actively participate in quarterly strategic business reviews in collaboration with the Head of Arts and Finance team members.
Ensure robust financial oversight of all grants, contracts, and partner agreements, with a focus on the punctual disbursement of tranches and precise reconciliation of partner expenditures.
Minimum/essential
We are seeking candidates who meet the following qualifications for this position. The ideal applicant will possess a [specific degree or certification, if applicable], along with [X years] of relevant experience in [industry/field]. Proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies] is essential, and strong problem-solving skills are a must. Additionally, excellent communication abilities—both written and verbal—are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Candidates should demonstrate a keen attention to detail and the capacity to work efficiently under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy. Familiarity with [industry-specific regulations, standards, or practices] is strongly preferred.
A relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the fields of Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline—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 will bring a proven track record of delivering impactful initiatives.
Proven track record in overseeing multi-country or extensive in-country initiatives that have successfully fulfilled project closure protocols and undergone rigorous audit assessments.
Proficiency in managing funding from at least two distinct sources within a regulated compliance framework, such as grants-in-aid, partner co-financing, FCDO allocations, trusts and foundations, or corporate sponsorships, is required.
Proven expertise in managing client relationships, cultivating strategic partnerships, and overseeing contract lifecycle processes is required.
Skilled in engaging and overseeing diverse stakeholders, such as government entities, delivery partners, sector organizations, and creative professionals.
Proven ability to assess program risks and collaborate effectively with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) to implement robust mitigation strategies.
Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, including those operating in remote or geographically distributed settings.
Proficiency in MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) principles, results frameworks, and theories of change is necessary.
Conducting lessons learned reviews and after-action reviews to inform future program design is an area of expertise.
Desirable
A Master’s degree in a field such as the creative industries, cultural policy, or international development is required.
A fundamental project management certification (internal training or documented continuous professional development in this domain will also be deemed acceptable).
With a minimum of five years of demonstrated expertise in project or program management within the arts and culture sector, the successful candidate will possess proven leadership capabilities.
Proficient understanding of the UK creative sector, including its drivers of growth and opportunities for collaboration.
Possesses a clear comprehension of the funding ecosystem within Nigeria’s arts and culture domain.
Demonstrates a proven track record of expertise and influence within Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.
Proven track record in assisting with bilateral cultural seasons, festivals, or high-profile showcase programs.
A strong command of industry-specific competencies is essential for this position. Expertise in relevant tools, techniques, and methodologies is required to perform effectively. Candidates must possess problem-solving abilities to address challenges efficiently. Familiarity with current trends and best practices in the field is also necessary. Strong communication skills are expected to collaborate with team members and stakeholders. Attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning are key attributes.
Skilled in converting strategic objectives into actionable operational plans within a diverse portfolio encompassing arts and culture initiatives.
Exceptional proficiency in project and program management, encompassing strategic planning, financial oversight, proactive risk mitigation, and comprehensive reporting mechanisms, is essential.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both written and verbal communication, enabling the creation of concise reports, strategic briefings, and professional documents tailored for partner engagement.
Demonstrated proficiency in financial literacy alongside exceptional skill in handling budgets comprising multiple revenue streams.
Proficient in digital tools, with demonstrated expertise in Microsoft 365, project management software, and fundamental data analysis techniques.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
