HE Programme Manager

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: Lead on strategy, planning and delivery of the country Tertiary Education portfolio including delivery of British Council global programmes - student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education and science partnerships, and non-formal education - and client-funded programmes, ensuring they achieve impact targets. Support business development and income generation, contributing to successful delivery of country and global income targets, with support from Country Director and the global team. Manage stakeholder relationships and demonstrate expertise on behalf of the British Council and the UK in the sector, positioning the organisation favourably with government representatives, clients, partners, researchers and technical experts. Build market knowledge and insight about the local education context and share this internally and externally. Embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) into all aspects of this work so that our people and partners experience a culture that promotes respect, inclusion and diversity, and benefits everyone. Role Accountabilities: This role is responsible for leading the country’s Education/Tertiary Education strategy and annual planning, ensuring alignment with global British Council priorities, local stakeholder needs, and broader cultural engagement objectives. Working closely with the Country Director, government partners, and British Embassy or High Commission colleagues, the role develops strategic partnerships, strengthens internal collaboration, and leverages digital tools and channels to maximize programme impact, reach, and sustainability. It also builds sector knowledge and research insights to support the UK education sector’s engagement with the country and region. A key part of the position is providing leadership and oversight for the Education/Tertiary Education portfolio, including programme design, implementation, quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and risk management. The role ensures compliance with British Council standards, manages budgets and resources effectively, incorporates Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles into all activities, and uses technology to improve programme delivery. It may also involve direct line management, acting as the Senior Responsible Officer for designated projects, and ensuring projects achieve agreed outcomes and impact measures. The role has a strong business development and stakeholder engagement focus. It identifies funding and partnership opportunities, develops relationships with donors, clients, consultants, universities, government bodies, and other sector stakeholders, and contributes to the preparation of competitive, evidence-based proposals and contracts. It also supports negotiations, due diligence processes, financial reporting, and the management of externally funded programmes, while maintaining the British Council’s reputation as a trusted and high-quality partner. Additionally, the role serves as a sector expert and ambassador, representing the British Council through networking, research, thought leadership, events, publications, and policy engagement. It promotes an inclusive, anti-racist organisational culture, embeds gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion across programmes, and ensures staff, partners, and beneficiaries are treated equitably and supported effectively. Role specific knowledge and experience Essentials * Bachelor’s degree is required * In-depth understanding of Education sectors of Nigeria and of the UK, and of bilateral priorities. * Experience of delivering externally funded projects or programmes. * Direct experience of client-funded contract pursuit. * Experience of overseeing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) within projects and incorporating lessons learned from MEL into programmes and strategy. * Experience of building mutually beneficial relationships with diverse stakeholders including multilateral agencies, donors, government officials, Education/Higher Education leaders, academics, researchers, alumni and students. * Knowledge and experience of embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in programmes Desirables * Ability to analyse relevant equality issues and identify opportunities to address these in the portfolio. * Knowledge of international mobility trends of Nigerian students seeking tertiary educational opportunities. * Knowledge of transnational educational trends in Nigeria, including academic and research partnerships of local public and private educational institutions. Important Information * British Council Pay Band: 7 * Department: Cultural Engagement * Contract type: FTC for 2 years * Working location: Nigeria * 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: 11 August 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