Job Description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Context

The Head of Arts is the senior Arts representative in Indonesia, leading the delivery of Arts and Creative Industries programmes funded through British Council grants, partners, and client funders. The role oversees the global programmes Art in Action and Creative Growth, leads engagement with ASEAN and the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) programme, manages the in-country Arts team and key stakeholders, provides sector expertise to the Country Director, and contributes to the country leadership team and the Global Arts Management Team.

Cultural Engagement (CE) delivers global Arts, Education, English and research programmes through commercial and Grant and Partnership Funded (GPF) portfolios. The Arts portfolio is delivered through Art in Action (creative collaboration and cultural exchange) and Creative Growth (creative economy and sector development). Indonesia is a strategic UK partner, with strong alignment on culture, education, and the creative economy under the UK–Indonesia Strategic Partnership. As ASEAN's first country with a dedicated Ministry of Creative Economy, Indonesia plays a key role in regional collaboration. The post leads engagement with ASEAN through the ACE programme, supporting the UK–ASEAN Plan of Action.

Main Accountabilities

Leadership & Management

Lead the day-to-day management of the country Arts portfolio, ensuring global standards in programme and contract management. Provide specialist sector expertise, line manage the country Arts team, and act as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for designated programmes. Monitor portfolio performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), and reporting against Cultural Engagement (CE) and FCDO KPIs, while championing EDI, anti-racism, and continuous professional development.

Strategy & Planning

Lead strategic planning for the country Arts portfolio, contributing to the global Arts strategy and overseeing the design, delivery, and closure of programmes. Drive the use of digital products and channels to maximise portfolio impact and sustainability in collaboration with marketing and digital teams.

Sector expertise

Provide expert leadership on the Arts and Creative Industries sector, using market insight to shape global Arts programmes aligned with country needs, UK Arts, FCDO, and wider HMG priorities. Represent the British Council as a trusted sector leader and develop partnerships that strengthen collaboration between UK and local creative industries.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, government, ASEAN, partners, and creative sector stakeholders to identify new opportunities, strengthen UK cultural engagement, and support the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) programme. Represent the British Council at senior external and cross-government forums, while fostering collaboration across Arts, CE, and the wider organisation to deliver strategic objectives

Brand and market positioning

Promote the UK Arts and Creative Industries sector and the British Council’s value proposition in-country. Use market insights to shape demand-led programmes aligned with CE and FCDO priorities and support internal and external communications to showcase portfolio impact.

Business development

Develop strategic client and partner relationships to identify business opportunities, manage the country pipeline, and lead the development of high-quality funding proposals. Ensure compliance with legal, finance, procurement, contract management, and reporting requirements, while promoting portfolio impact to support future opportunities.

Programme management

Lead the country programme management plan, overseeing portfolio delivery, finances, risk, procurement, grants, due diligence, and contractual obligations to ensure effective programme delivery and compliance.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

Qualifications & Education

• Essentials
  • First Degree
  • Foundation level project management qualification
• Desirable: First degree in subject relevant to the programme of work

Work Experience

Essentials

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in arts and creative industry in the country
• Experience of leading impactful high value national/ international arts projects
• Active and up-to-date network of diverse sector contacts
• Experience of leading teams and championing inclusion and diversity of thought
• Experience of maintaining effective external and internal programme/project governance structures
• Experience of building partnerships with a diverse range of arts and culture stakeholders in country - including governmental and funding partners (trusts, foundations, institutional donors)

Desirable

• Understanding and appreciation of current arts trends and practices in the UK

Important Information

• Language requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required
• British Council Pay Band: 8/E
• Department: Cultural Engagement
• Contract type 12-month Fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal.
• Working location: Indonesia
• Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country Candidates should ensure they have natural legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided.  
• Closing Date: 11 August 2026 (23:59 ICT)

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