Head English & School Education

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 British Council is seeking an experienced education leader to lead our English and School Education portfolio in Senegal and the Francophone Region. As a member of the Country Leadership Team, you will drive the growth, impact and sustainability of our education portfolio, leading strategic partnerships, programme delivery and business development across government, donor, institutional and private-sector stakeholders. You will play a key role in shaping the future of education partnerships while contributing to the British Council's global mission of creating opportunities and building connections through education. Role Accountabilities * Lead the English and School Education strategy and portfolio in Senegal and Francophone Africa. * Build and manage strategic relationships with ministries, donors, development partners, educational institutions and the private sector. * Identify and develop new partnership, funding and business opportunities. * Lead high-quality delivery of education programmes and contracts. * Manage portfolio performance, budgets, income and impact. * Lead, coach and develop a diverse and high-performing team. * Represent the British Council at senior-level education sector engagements. Essential Experience * Significant leadership experience within education, international development or a related sector. * Proven experience engaging and influencing senior government stakeholders, donors and decision-makers. * Experience developing strategic partnerships, securing opportunities, funding or business growth. * Experience leading complex programmes, portfolios and multidisciplinary teams. * Demonstrable financial and budget management experience. * Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. Desirable * Experience in English language education, school education or teacher development. * Experience working with international donors or development-funded programmes. * Knowledge of the Senegalese or wider African education landscape. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a strategic leader who combines education sector expertise with strong partnership-building, stakeholder management and business development capabilities. You may come from government, international development, donor-funded programmes, higher education, NGOs, education consultancy, EdTech or the private sector. Why join us ? This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of education partnerships and programmes in Senegal while contributing to the British Council's mission of building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. You will play a key role in influencing education policy and practice, developing strategic partnerships and delivering programmes that create lasting impact for learners, educators and institutions. Important Information * British Council Pay Band: 7 * Department: Cultural Engagement * Contract type: Indefinite * Working location: Senegal * 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: 15th November 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. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org