Head of Non-Formal Education

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. British Council Payband 7 Contract Type : 6-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) Location: Amman, Jordan Closing Date: 3rd June 2026 Salary: 1,610 JOD Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) legal right to work in Jordan at the time of application. Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance is not provided. Role Purpose Lead the strategic development, positioning, and delivery of the British Council’s youth and civil society portfolio in Jordan. The role focuses on strengthening youth engagement ecosystems, building high-value partnerships, and positioning the British Council as a leading actor in youth development, civic engagement, and inclusive participation Role Context * This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). * CE brings together our portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. Our portfolio is delivered through a set of globally led programmes that locates our work and impact within our strategic framework. These programmes deliver our key performance indicators and impact ambitions. * All programme management roles deliver activities and projects within this global programme and strategic framework. Our programmes are funded by the British Council’s grant in aid, through partnerships and external clients. Main accountabilities Leadership and Management * Lead the youth and civil society portfolio at country level * Provide strategic direction for programme design and partnerships * Ensure alignment with national priorities and donor agendas * Along with Head of NFE Egypt and Head of NFE Iraq, and under the guidance of Director Youth and Civil Society, MENA, provide leadership and expertise across the region for the Global Programme. Relationship and Stakeholders: * Leads and manages strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, donors, civil society organisations, and partners, positioning the British Council as a leading actor in youth and civil society development. Commercial and Financial Management * Manage and control the agreed budget, expenditure and income against plans, ensure accuracy of reports and ensure sound financial management and analysis across the portfolio through monthly finance reviews and quarterly business reviews. * Ensure timely and accurate planning and forecasting, timely reporting of risks, including financial and identify opportunities and mitigation actions. Programme Management * Ensures that every project/programme is compliant with all internal policies and processes (for example safeguarding, EDI, supply chain management, social value and conflict sensitivity). * Contributes to development of, owns and delivers, the Programme Management Plan * Identifies risks in a project or programme and puts together mitigation strategies with SRO. * Responsible for data management including timely data entry, quality assurance of data, undertaking basic analysis of monitoring data, and developing progress reports. * Undertakes programme-specific data collection as needed and works with colleagues to identify indicators and tools for data collection, quality assures all data, and undertakes basic analysis. * Supports the design of results-based programmes, including development of basic M & E plans and results frameworks. * Undertakes lessons learned and action-reporting and shares learning for future design. * Manages finance, procurement, compliance and reporting on a project/programme. * Works closely with sources of digital skills and expertise to ensure high quality digital inputs on programmes and projects. Business Development * Supports the development and management of relationships with strategic clients and partners. * Applies due diligence requirements to potential partners. * Coordinates research in country/regional context, such as analysis of client and partner trends and opportunities. * Manages network of associate advisors, consultants and partners. * Embeds effective processes, standards and tools to support pipeline and consultant/partner relationship management. * Manages or supports the development of high-quality bids/ proposals. * Participates in contract negotiations with partners and clients, and prepares agreements such as non- disclosure, pre-bid, contract and partner and consultant agreements. * Ensures timely reporting and communication on externally funded contracts/grant funded initiatives. * Participates in programme and project reviews and closure activities, helping to ensure learning is embedded in the development of new business. * Supports product development in line with NFE Global Programme, contextualised to region and country. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) * To actively contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of your own biases, and taking action to mitigate against these. Ensuring people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people’s well-being and mental health. * Understand the British Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it applies to your role and make time for learning and development relating to EDI and anti-racism. Role specific knowledge and experience: Minimum / Essential Requirements * Foundation level Project Management qualification (in-house training or evidence of CPD in this area could be considered) or relevant work experience. * Experience of civil society within the Jordanian context and the specific challenges within this space. * Experience of managing multi country or large in-country programmes that have met project closure and audit standards. * Knowledge and/or experience of working with at least two types of funding sources within a structured compliance regime. * Experience of client management, partner management and/or contract management. * Experience of managing a wide range of stakeholders. * Experience of managing projects or managing aspects of programmes. * Experience in spotting risk in a project or programme and putting together successful risk mitigation with SRO. * Understanding of MEL principles * Experience of managing teams. * Experience of conducting lessons learned reviews/After action reviews to inform future programme design and management. * Business development Desirable Requirements * Experience of youth programming. * Experience of programming to support women and girls in their engagement in public life. * Significant experience managing projects/programmes * Experience of managing dispersed teams, consultants and partners. Additional Requirements Role could require some domestic and international travel as required by the programme and some out of hours and evening work responding to or driven by programme/portfolio needs Language Requirements The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. C1 proficiency in English is required. 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