Head of Arts Nigeria

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.

Head of Arts Nigeria

Role purpose:

To set, enable and deliver the strategic direction, leadership, and governance of our Nigeria Arts programme and contribute to the objectives of the British Council Arts programme.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:  

Strategic Leadership

• Be responsible for delivering our strategy in arts and creative industries work in Nigeria, developing programme vision, operational plans for the country arts and creating new opportunities in the sector.


• Support enterprise development, creative economy policy and creative economy leadership through cocreation and codelivery between UK and Nigeria.

Business Development and Stakeholder Management

• Develop new opportunities for external income that extend the impact of our work


• Creating relationships with key players in the creative sector and the private sector

Operational Management and Governance

• Be accountable for financial / non-financial targets and risk management for our Arts Programme.


• Manage the governance and accountability of the Nigeria Arts providing month and annual assurances.

Staff Leadership and Line Management

• To provide management to country colleagues responsible for delivering our work in arts.

Thematic and Regional Leadership

• Represent Nigeria and provide thought leadership on all our work in the arts


• Be an active and constructive member of the programme leadership team in Nigeria and support the Director Programmes and Country Director to provide overall management of the operation.

Requirements of the role:

• Degree or Higher Education qualification in relevant arts, cultural, heritage, or humanities field.


• Written and Spoken English at Proficiency Level


• Strong knowledge of UK creative sectors and creative sectors in Nigeria  


• Sector knowledge in the field of arts and programme management with a strong Creative Economy specialism


• Experience in managing a large team or a small organisation


• Experience of commissioning and managing consultants and partner organisations


• Experience Raising funding for arts and creative economy projects

Desirable:

• An innovative approach to the use of digital and social media to connect audiences.


• Experience of working with both large and medium organisations


• Experience in delivering arts work in more than one country in Sub Saharan Africa  

Closing Date:  Applications will close at 23:59 on 18 February 2026 South Africa Time / 22:59 UK Time

***We request that applications be submitted in English

You must have the legal right to work in the country at the time of application.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 

Important Information:

Department: Arts

Contract Duration: Two (2) Years Fixed Term

Pay band: 8

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

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 [email protected]