Head of Arts UAE

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Role Context: The Head of Arts is the senior lead for Arts and Creative Industries in-country, representing the organisation externally and leading the planning and delivery of Arts programmes. They provide strategic sector expertise, manage key stakeholder relationships, and may lead a small Arts team. Working closely with the Country Director, Global Arts colleagues, and country leadership, they drive collaboration, share best practice, influence decision-making, and identify opportunities for multi-country programmes and income generation. The role sits within Cultural Engagement (CE), which leads the British Council's global work across Arts, Education, English & School Education, and Research. The Arts portfolio is delivered through two global programmes: * Art in Action – connecting UK and international artists and creative organisations, fostering collaboration, expanding market access, and addressing global challenges through the arts. * Creative Growth – strengthening the creative economy through advocacy, sector development, skills, innovation, and sustainable growth initiatives. Main Accountabilities: Leadership & Management Leads the day-to-day delivery of the country Arts portfolio, ensuring programme quality and compliance with global standards. Manages a small Arts team and oversees financial performance and governance. Embeds Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racist practices across programmes and ways of working. Strategy & Planning Leads planning and delivery of the country Arts portfolio aligned with global strategy. Contributes to global Arts strategy and oversees the full programme lifecycle. Drives digital integration to maximise programme impact, reach, and sustainability. Sector Leadership Provides expert Arts and Creative Industries insight to shape programmes aligned with local, UK sector, and HMG priorities. Represents the British Council as a trusted Arts leader, building strategic relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners. Creates opportunities for collaboration between UK and local arts and creative sectors. Relationship & Stakeholders Builds and maintains strategic relationships across the arts, creative, cultural, and institutional sectors. Represents the British Council Arts internally and externally, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange. Works across Cultural Engagement to align partnerships and deliver strategic objectives. Brand and market positioning Promotes the UK arts and creative industries while strengthening the British Council's reputation and mission. Provides market insights to shape relevant, demand-led programmes aligned with British Council and FCDO priorities. Contributes to communications that showcase the impact of the country Arts portfolio. Business development Contributes to business and partnership development for the portfolio, aligning with country, Arts and CE priorities, systems and processes. Programme management Leads delivery of country Arts programmes tailored to local needs in collaboration with global teams. Oversees portfolio finances, contracts, procurement, grants, governance, and compliance. Manages delivery partners, consultants, and supply chain performance to ensure successful programme delivery. Qualifications & Work Experience: Education/Qualifications * Degree and/or equivalent experience * Project management or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience Work Experience Essentials * Specialist knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in arts and creative industry in the country * Experience of managing national arts/ creative industry projects * Active and up-to-date network of diverse arts sector contacts * Experience of maintaining effective external and internal programme/project governance structures Desirables * Understanding and appreciation of current arts trends and practices in the UK * Experience of managing international arts projects Important Information: * Language requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required * British Council Pay Band: 7/F * Department: Cultural Engagement * Contract type: FTC 2 years (renewable) * Monthly gross salary: Basic salary 12,089 AED and Housing Allowances 6426 AED * Working location: UAE * Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: This role is open to candidates who are currently based in the UAE. Visa sponsorship is available where required. Please note that relocation support is not provided. * Closing Date: 12 August 2026 (23:59 ICT) 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