Job Description

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Purpose

The Global Lead, Recruitment Quality and Partnerships provides strategic leadership for the British Council’s work with education agents and counsellors as part of the International Student Mobility (ISM) programme. The role leads the development and delivery of initiatives that promote high-quality, ethical international student recruitment, including oversight of the Agent Quality Framework (AQF). Working closely with colleagues across the ISM programme, government and sector partners, the postholder drives collaboration, leads a global team, and strengthens the UK’s reputation as a trusted study destination.

Main Accountabilities

Strategy and Planning

Lead the strategic direction and evolution of the Recruitment Quality and Partnerships pathway within the International Student Mobility (ISM) programme. Translate programme strategy into innovative delivery approaches, shape new opportunities for growth, and provide expert input to programme planning and external positioning.

Programme Management

Take overall accountability for pathway delivery, performance and quality, ensuring effective management of budgets, risks and governance. Use monitoring, evaluation and learning to drive continuous improvement and maximise impact.

Relationship and Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong partnerships across the UK education sector, government and delivery organisations. Provide technical leadership on international student recruitment quality, champion the Agent Quality Framework (AQF), and strengthen confidence in ethical recruitment practices.

Leadership and Management

Lead and inspire a globally dispersed team, providing clear direction, coaching and support while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Contribute as a member of the Tertiary Education and Science global leadership team and provide leadership across the wider ISM community.

Insight, Analysis and Problem Solving

Use evidence, sector intelligence and delivery insight to inform strategy and continuous improvement. Work collaboratively across the ISM programme to align activity, identify opportunities and develop a coherent approach to international student mobility.

Business Development

Support the financial sustainability and growth of the programme by developing partnerships and funded opportunities that align with strategic priorities. Work with business development colleagues to identify and deliver commercially viable opportunities that promote high-quality, ethical international student recruitment.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in all aspects of leadership, decision-making and delivery. Create an inclusive environment where people feel valued and supported, and ensure EDI principles are embedded across partnerships, programmes and ways of working.

Knowledge & Experience

Experience

Essential:

• Extensive applied experience of international student mobility, international higher education and related sector and policy environments.
• In-depth understanding of international student recruitment ecosystems, including agents, counsellors and intermediaries.
• Significant senior-level experience of sector engagement, partnership working and stakeholder relationship management.
• Experience of strategy development, pathway or portfolio leadership and performance oversight.
• Applied knowledge of monitoring and evaluation, including use of evidence to shape delivery, quality improvement and advocacy.

Important Information

Location: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London (if you are based in Manchester, you are still encouraged to apply)

Working Arrangement: This position is open to flexible working arrangements including home working

Contract Type: Indefinite

Pay band: Grade 9/D

Right to Work Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in the location in which the role is based.

Languages: Written and verbal proficiency in English is required

Closing date for applications: 23:59pm, Thursday 23 July 2026 (British Summer Time, BST)

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org