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. We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people. We connect. We inspire. British Council Payband 7 F Contract Type - Indefinite Contract Location - Venezuela Closing date - 16th Nov at 11:59 pm VEN time Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) legal right to work in Venezuela at the time of application. Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided. About the Role The Head of English and School Education (ESE) will lead the British Council's English and School Education portfolio in Venezuela, providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight of programme delivery. The role is responsible for the successful development, delivery, and growth of contracts, grants, and partnership-funded programmes that improve the quality of English language teaching, learning, and assessment. The postholder will drive business development, ensure high-quality and compliant programme implementation, and contribute to the wider global ESE network by sharing expertise, insights, and best practice. About Us The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. In Venezuela, we work across English, Education, Arts and Culture to build connections, create opportunities, and strengthen collaboration between the UK and Venezuela. Working in a dynamic and evolving environment, we partner with ministries, educational institutions, donor organisations, and local communities to deliver programmes that improve access to quality education, strengthen skills development, promote cultural exchange, and support inclusion. Our English and School Education Work Our English and School Education portfolio supports improvements in teaching and learning across formal and non-formal education systems. Our work is delivered through three key programme areas: English Connects * Professional development opportunities for teachers, teacher educators and school leaders * Online resources, events and professional communities School Systems * Language policy and practice * Foundational learning * Teacher professional development * Education technology * Girls' education and equitable access Empowerment * English language, digital and core skills programmes * Support for girls and young women, displaced people, marginalised youth and disabled people What You'll Do Lead and Inspire Teams * Lead and develop the in-country English and School Education team * Provide strategic and operational direction * Foster an inclusive and high-performing culture * Collaborate with regional and global colleagues Build Partnerships * Develop and maintain relationships with government stakeholders, donors, academic institutions and sector partners * Represent the British Council in local and international forums * Strengthen existing partnerships and identify new opportunities Grow the Portfolio * Identify and develop new business opportunities * Lead or contribute to proposals, bids and partnership agreements * Support contract negotiations and partner engagement * Monitor market trends and funding opportunities Deliver Impactful Programmes * Oversee programme quality, compliance and performance * Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) * Drive continuous improvement and knowledge sharing * Act as Project Director or Senior Responsible Owner when required Provide Sector Leadership * Apply evidence-based approaches to English language teaching and teacher development * Contribute to research, publications and sector events * Promote innovation and thought leadership in education Manage Resources * Monitor programme budgets and financial performance * Produce performance and impact reports * Support business planning and forecasting activities What We Are Looking For Essential Experience * Experience managing teacher education programmes for English language teachers * Experience delivering donor-funded or externally funded projects and programmes * Experience designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks * Experience working with government bodies, donors, multilateral agencies and academic institutions * Experience building and managing strategic partnerships Desirable Experience * Experience supporting client-funded contract development and bid management * Experience managing online teacher education programmes * Experience contributing to research, conference presentations and publications in English language teaching Skills and Knowledge You will bring: * Strong expertise in English language teaching and education * Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills * Experience leading complex programmes and multidisciplinary teams * Strong business development capability * Financial and commercial awareness * Excellent communication and influencing skills Qualifications Essential * Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field and/or Diploma ELT (TEFL-Q) * Recognised English teaching qualification Desirable * Online teaching qualification * Project management qualification Language Requirement A high level of written and spoken English proficiency is essential, as British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Our Values We are looking for people who demonstrate our values: * Open and Committed * Expert and Inclusive * Optimistic and Bold Additional Information Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory pre-employment and ongoing background checks. Join Us This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of English and School Education in Venezuela, working with partners across government, education and international development to create meaningful and sustainable impact. Apply now and help us build connections, understanding and opportunity through education. 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