Academic Director Speaking Tests

We 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. We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people. We connect. We inspire. Pay Band: 8 Country/Location: Tokyo, Japan Department: Global Assessment Contract Type: Indefinite Closing Date: Monday, 30 November 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8) Role Purpose We are seeking an experienced Academic Director – Speaking Tests to provide academic leadership and strategic direction for the development, production and delivery of tablet-based English-speaking assessments in Japan and other markets. The successful candidate will lead and develop a specialist team responsible for test and item development, production and deployment to tablet devices, ensuring sufficient capacity, quality and scalability to meet current contractual commitments and anticipated business growth. Key Responsibilities Academic Leadership and Team Management * Lead, manage and develop the academic team responsible for test development, item production and tablet deployment for ESAT-J Years 1, 2 and 3, delivered on behalf of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. * Build and maintain the team's capacity and capabilities to support existing programmes, future government clients and the expansion of tablet-based speaking assessments into new markets. * Ensure robust academic quality assurance processes and the timely delivery of high-quality assessment materials. Test Development and Delivery * Oversee the end-to-end processes for test development, item production and deployment to tablets, ensuring that assessments meet agreed academic standards, specifications and delivery timelines. * Lead and manage academic development and production processes for BCT-S in collaboration with Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and other university clients. * Drive improvements in efficiency, scalability and operational effectiveness while maintaining assessment quality and integrity. Research and Assessment Validity * Collaborate with British Council colleagues, external consultants and academic researchers to strengthen the evidence base supporting the validity and reliability of tablet-delivered speaking assessments. * Contribute to internal research initiatives and support commissioned research projects, including facilitating appropriate access to assessment data and research sites. * Ensure that research findings inform ongoing test development, quality assurance and product improvement. Government and Client Stakeholder Management * Build and maintain effective working relationships with senior government officials, education authorities and institutional clients, particularly within complex and highly regulated public-sector environments. * Demonstrate confidence, diplomacy and resilience when engaging with demanding government stakeholders, managing competing expectations, navigating bureaucratic processes and constructively challenging client requirements where necessary. * Represent the British Council with authority and credibility in high-stakes client discussions, balancing academic integrity, contractual obligations and operational feasibility while maintaining productive long-term relationships. Strategic Leadership and Business Growth * Serve as a member of the British Council Japan senior leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, operational decision-making and organisational priorities. * Provide academic expertise and operational guidance to support the commercial growth and long-term success of the British Council's English language teaching, learning and assessment portfolio in Japan. * Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, government agencies, universities and external partners to identify opportunities for product development, innovation and market expansion. Qualifications & Experience * Education * Essential: Master’s degree in Assessment or similar, or significant experience in Assessment Development. If no Master’s degree, a willingness to pursue an MA in Language Assessment. * Desirable: Publications or Conference Presentations in the area of Language Assessment. * Educational Assessment development and item bank management experience. * Project management experience. * Engagement with senior government policy makers and officials on Assessment Development. * Line management and team development experience * Proven experience of managing complex relationships with government or public-sector clients, including senior officials operating within formal bureaucratic and decision-making structures. * Strong negotiation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills, with the confidence to manage difficult conversations, challenge unrealistic expectations and protect academic and operational standards. * Demonstrated political and cultural sensitivity, sound judgement and the ability to remain composed and effective under sustained stakeholder pressure. * Role specific skills: Sector expertise * Demonstrated experience in leading language test development and item production activities Professional services expertise * Demonstrated experience working in a client facing role providing expert guidance to the client within test development or education sector projects Product Development * Experience working across different phases of the test development cycle * Experience working on new test development and test revision * Experience working with and managing consultants (academic services, item writers, QA editors etc) Further Information Language proficiency: Native-level Japanese proficiency, including the ability to negotiate, present complex academic and technical matters, and communicate confidently with senior government officials in formal meetings and written correspondence. Excellent English proficiency, both written and spoken, sufficient to operate effectively in an international professional environment. Benefits: * 21 days of Annual Leave * Salary structure includes 14 months of basic salary paid through the year (inclusive * of the Summer Bonus which is paid in June and Winter Bonus which is paid in December) * Non-consolidated bonus (if applicable) * Comprehensive health and insurance package – includes Medical insurance: Full Social and Labour Insurance cover (Industrial Injury Insurance, Health Insurance, Employees’ Pension Insurance and Employment Insurance) * Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development. Right to Work: Locally recruited Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work. Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices, provided they already have the legal right to work in the role location and are willing to relocate. Please note that any relocation costs and associated formalities will be the responsibility of the candidate. Possible Changes to Your Duties: You may be assigned to different duties designated by the British Council to meet operational demands. Possible Changes to Your Place of Work: You may be transferred to a different workplace designated by the British Council to meet operational demands. 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 we 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 and 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