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
Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of the British Council's Non-formal Education (NFE) portfolio in Nigeria by providing technical expertise and managing a portfolio of internally and externally funded programmes. The role ensures strategic alignment, high-quality delivery, and achievement of financial and non-financial targets while supporting the growth of the NFE portfolio.
The role sits within Cultural Engagement (CE), which delivers programmes across Arts, Education, English and research globally. Education focuses on student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education partnerships, and Non-formal Education (NFE). This role leads the NFE strategy in Nigeria, overseeing a mixed portfolio of Grant and Partnership Fund (GPF) and British Council-funded programmes that contribute to Education priorities while embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of programme delivery.
Main Accountabilities
Strategy & Planning
Lead the design and implementation of the NFE strategy for Nigeria, ensuring alignment with global NFE, CE, and British Council strategies. Support delivery of the global NFE portfolio and identify opportunities aligned with partner and funder priorities.
Leadership & Programme Management
Provide leadership and operational management of the Nigeria NFE team and portfolio. Ensure high-quality programme delivery, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluating and Learning), financial sustainability, and effective resource planning. Build internal capability through knowledge sharing and L&D (Learning & Development) opportunities.
Business Development & Partnerships
Lead business development and manage a sustainable pipeline of grant-funded and commercial opportunities. Build and manage strategic partnerships, develop high-quality proposals, and deliver agreed financial and impact KPIs. Negotiate and manage strategic partnerships to support programme growth and sustainability.
Commercial & Financial Management
Oversee budgets, profitability, compliance, and financial performance across the NFE portfolio. Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with corporate quality standards.
Sector Leadership & External Engagement
Provide technical leadership and represent the British Council in the NFE sector. Strengthen the organisation's reputation through thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.
EDI & Governance
Embed EDI, anti-racism, safeguarding, data privacy, and corporate compliance across all NFE activities. Foster an inclusive, accountable culture that supports wellbeing, continuous learning, and effective risk management.
Qualifications and Work Experience
Qualifications & Education
Role Specific Skills
Important Information
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
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We uniquely combine the UK’s deep expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language, our global presence and relationships in over 100 countries, our unparalleled access to young people and influencers and our creative sparkle.
We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit: http://www.britishcouncil.org
