Career Opportunity: Director, English and School Education (Nigeria) at British Council - MY NGO JOBS

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Job ID: 47611

Pay Band: SMP

Contract Type: 2-year Fixed Term

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Leading Educational Transformation in Nigeria

In a rapidly globalizing world, access to quality English language instruction and robust school systems is the cornerstone of sustainable development. As Nigeria continues to position itself as a continental leader, the intersection of cultural relations and educational opportunity has never been more vital. The Director of English and School Education will serve as a visionary leader, driving systemic change that empowers millions of learners and builds enduring trust between the UK and Nigeria through world-class educational standards.

Job Summary

The Director of English and School Education is responsible for the strategic leadership and commercial success of the British Council’s education portfolio in Nigeria. The successful candidate will oversee a diverse range of contracts and programs, ensuring they achieve significant social impact while maintaining financial sustainability and operational excellence in alignment with global organizational frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Market Positioning

Corporate Alignment: Translate global education strategies into high-impact local programs that address the unique needs of the Nigerian education market.
Thought Leadership: Build and leverage influential networks with government ministries, international donors, and academic experts to position the British Council as a premier educational partner.
Insight Analysis: Oversee the collection and analysis of sector-specific data to identify emerging trends, competitor landscapes, and investment opportunities.

Business Development & Commercial Management

Growth Strategy: Drive an income-generating business model by leading the development of high-quality bids, tenders, and commercial proposals.
Financial Accountability: Manage the portfolio’s financial performance, overseeing budgets, income targets, and cost-efficiency while mitigating risks to ensure KPIs are met.
Stakeholder Stewardship: Lead high-level account management for key partners, ensuring that commercial relationships translate into measurable educational outcomes.

Leadership & Technical Oversight

Inspirational Leadership: Model the organization’s values while managing a large, diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and inclusion.
Technical Consultancy: Apply advanced sector expertise to solve complex challenges within the English language and school education sectors.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all programs meet the highest global standards for impact and quality, sharing best practices between Nigerian, regional, and global teams.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

Education: An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an education-related field.
Leadership Record: Proven experience leading large-scale education programs, particularly those focused on capacity building and teacher development.
Program Design: A track record of designing education initiatives in Nigeria that deliver inclusive outcomes for both boys and girls.
Bid Management: Expertise in leading proposals for international development programs in partnership with Federal and State Ministries of Education.
Stakeholder Management: Advanced experience engaging with multilateral agencies, donors, and high-level government officials.
Language: Mastery of English at CEFR C1/C2 level.

Desirable Attributes

Master’s Degree in ELT, Educational Technology, or International Development.
Professional English teaching or Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2) certification.
Deep understanding of Nigerian language-in-education policies and digital teacher-training models.

Why This Role is Critical

The Director of English and School Education is the primary architect of the British Council’s educational legacy in Nigeria. By managing a sustainable and profitable portfolio, you ensure that the organization has the resources to scale its impact, reaching millions of students who rely on English as a gateway to global opportunity. Your leadership will directly influence national policy and classroom practice, making you a key figure in the UK-Nigeria bilateral relationship.

Benefits of Joining the British Council

Global Prestige: Lead a major portfolio within the UK’s international organization for cultural relations, founded in 1934.
Vast Reach: Be part of an organization that connects with over 500 million people annually.
Professional Autonomy: Take ownership of a high-priority country portfolio with the backing of a global network of experts.
Competitive Package: We offer a competitive senior-level salary (SMP band) and benefits designed for top-tier international professionals.

About the Organization

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s premier international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We are dedicated to building connections and trust between the people of the UK and the rest of the world through the power of arts, culture, education, and the English language. Operating as a charity governed by Royal Charter, we work in over 100 countries to change lives by creating opportunities for millions of people face-to-face and online. In Nigeria, we serve as a vital partner in the country’s development journey, fostering mutual understanding and shared success.

Application Instructions

How to Apply: Qualified leaders are invited to submit their applications via our global careers portal using the Job ID 47611.

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Please ensure your application demonstrates your experience in large-scale education program design and government-level stakeholder engagement.

Tips for Applicants

Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: While this is an education role, the British Council values “income-generating” success. Highlight your experience in winning bids or managing profitable contracts.
Highlight Stakeholder Success: Provide specific examples of how you have influenced a Ministry of Education or a major donor to achieve a project goal.
Align with Values: Review the British Council’s “Values and Behaviours.” Ensure your cover letter reflects your commitment to equity, diversity, and cultural understanding.