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 Head of English and School Education will support the development and delivery of a strategic portfolio of partnerships, programmes, and contracts across mixed funding streams and business models. They will ensure an overall balance of impact and financial sustainability, deliver country outcomes, and support the Country Director to ensure that benefit is achieved in country and for the UK and is suitably communicated.

The role holder with lead the English and School Education (ESE) portfolio of School Systems, Empowerment, and English Connects. They will lead contracts and programmes in-country, providing technical sector expertise, overseeing business development, and delivering quality, compliant implementation of programmes and contracts.

The role holder will share knowledge, expertise, and best practice from the country with the global ESE teams and externally.

Role Accountabilities:

This role is responsible for leading the English and School Education business in a country by turning the British Council’s global strategy into local action plans that deliver both impact and financial success. The person works closely with local and global leaders to analyse market trends, performance data, and opportunities, then develops annual business plans, sets targets, monitors progress, and takes corrective action when needed. They also ensure projects create meaningful benefits through partnerships and contribute to our wider strategic objectives.

A key part of the role is providing strong leadership to the team. This includes setting a clear vision, developing staff capabilities, managing performance, and creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment. The role also involves building relationships with governments, educational institutions, partners, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities, strengthen the British Council’s reputation, and support long-term growth.

Where appropriate and in line with the Cultural Engagement integrated income plan, the individual leads business development activities such as reviewing and approving proposals, making investment and contracting decisions, negotiating partnerships, and ensuring opportunities align with overall strategic goals. They oversee market research, competitor analysis, monitoring and evaluation processes, and use insights to improve programmes and business performance. They also represent the British Council in external forums, provide expert advice, and help influence education policies and practices.

Additionally, the role is accountable for financial and commercial performance, including reporting on income, expenditure, results, and impact against targets. A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism is essential, ensuring all colleagues feel valued, supported, and treated fairly while promoting a positive workplace culture.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Essentials

• University degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or discipline
• Experience in a leadership role which involves oversight and accountability for leading and/or developing and delivering capacity building education programmes

• Proven track record and strong experience in designing and managing English language-focused education programmes in the country where this role is based which deliver outcomes for all boys and girls
• Experience of leading proposals/bids for international development education programmes which deliver results in partnership with national / federal Ministries of Education.
• Good evidence of designing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies and stakeholder management of diverse groups of stakeholders (including multilateral agencies, donors, government officials, partners, academics)
• Established credibility in the field of English language education including evidence of thought leadership within the sector

Desirables

• Demonstrable understanding of broader education policies and issues as relevant to the country context
• Able to plan and manage dissemination of global thought leadership outputs, such as publications
• Experience of designing and leading teacher education projects, including online

Important Information

• British Council Pay Band: 8
• Department: Cultural Engagement
• Contract type: Two year fixed term contract renewable upon agreement 
• Working location: Jordan
• Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: Candidates should ensure they have the legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided. 
• Closing Date: 27 September 2026 (23.59 IST)

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.

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