Head of HE

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 HE leads the British Council's Education/Tertiary Education portfolio in the UAE, delivers programmes across student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education and science partnerships, and non-formal education. The role drives programme delivery, business development, stakeholder engagement, market insight, and income generation while embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across all activities. The role sits within Cultural Engagement (CE), which leads the British Council's global work across Arts, Education, English & School Education, and Research. The Education portfolio is delivered through three key strands: * Student Mobility & Internationalisation – supporting UK student recruitment, alumni engagement, and international education partnerships. * Tertiary Education Partnerships – developing higher education, TVET, and science partnerships to strengthen inclusive and globally connected education systems. * Non-Formal Education – empowering young people and underrepresented communities through skills development, leadership, and social cohesion programmes. The role contributes to the successful delivery of the British Council's Education strategy in the UAE, ensuring high-quality programme delivery, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business growth. Main Accountabilities Strategy & Planning Lead the country Education/Tertiary Education strategy and annual plan, aligned with global, country and HMG priorities. Build cross-functional collaboration and integrate digital solutions to maximise portfolio impact and sustainability. Leadership & Programme Management Lead delivery of the Education/Tertiary Education portfolio, ensuring high-quality programme management, governance, compliance, financial performance, risk management, MEL, and EDI. Provide technical leadership, line management (where applicable), and act as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for relevant projects. Business Development Drive business development and income generation by building partnerships, identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, managing contracts, and ensuring due diligence and effective reporting. Stakeholder Management and market positioning Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, universities, partners, funders, researchers and other key stakeholders, representing the British Council and strengthening its reputation through thought leadership and external engagement. Market Knowledge & Research Develop market intelligence on the local education sector, commission research, and provide strategic insights to inform programmes, policy, and UK sector engagement. Commercial & Financial Management Manage programme budgets, business performance, financial reporting, and contribute to business planning to ensure sustainable portfolio delivery. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Champion an inclusive and anti-racist culture, embedding EDI and social inclusion across all programmes, partnerships, and ways of working. Qualifications & Work Experience Qualifications/Education * Degree and/or equivalent experience * Project management or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience Work Experience Essentials * In-depth understanding of Education sectors of the UAE 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 UAE-based students seeking tertiary educational opportunities. * Knowledge of transnational educational trends in the UAE, including academic and research partnerships of local public and private educational institutions. 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