Regional Head of Higher Education Programs, SSA Job Vacancy at the British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organization dedicated to fostering cultural relations and educational opportunities across the globe. Our core mission is to create mutual understanding and positive connections between the people of the UK and countries worldwide. By building partnerships and supporting global growth, we work to improve lives through education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

With a reach that spans over 100 countries, the British Council impacts millions of lives every year. We connect people through arts, culture, education, English language, and civil society initiatives. Each year, our work impacts over 20 million people face-to-face, while more than 500 million individuals engage with our online platforms, broadcasts, and publications. As a UK charity governed by Royal Charter, founded in 1934, the British Council continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of global relations.

We are currently recruiting for the role of Regional Head of Higher Education Programs, SSA.

Job Title: Regional Head of Higher Education Programs, SSA

Location: Lagos
Work Type: Hybrid
Pay Band: 8
Department: Education
Contract Type: Three (3) Years Fixed Term Contract (Renewable)

About the Role

The British Council’s mission is to build connections, promote understanding, and foster trust between the people of the UK and those in other countries. By empowering individuals, we support their journey to acquire skills, confidence, and the networks necessary to transform their lives and shape a better world. We do this through educational programs, including English learning, university collaborations, and globally recognized qualifications.

In this key role, the Regional Head of Higher Education Programs, SSA will lead and manage the delivery of a wide range of higher education programs across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), driving our international objectives and helping expand the impact of our work. This includes leading multi-country, large-scale initiatives funded through grants or in partnership with other organizations. The role requires exceptional leadership, program management skills, and the ability to drive strategic educational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Management:

   • Lead and manage large, geographically dispersed teams focused on the delivery of complex, high-impact programs.
   • Build program management capacity across teams and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) principles within program delivery.
   • Serve as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) when needed, ensuring the successful execution of multi-country initiatives.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Manage key relationships with funding partners, clients, and internal stakeholders at the program level.
   • Ensure effective supply chain management and hold partners, consultants, and team members accountable.

3. Business Development & Market Intelligence:

   • Collaborate with senior leadership to further develop and expand ODA-funded higher education programs in SSA, with a particular focus on the Innovation African Universities (IAU) program.
   • Identify opportunities within the higher education sector, liaising with other organizations and funders to share insights and strategies.

4. Financial and Commercial Oversight:

   • Ensure that programs adhere to all financial standards, managing budgets and reporting to stakeholders effectively.
   • Monitor and manage project profit and loss accounts, achieving financial targets while maintaining positive cash flow.

5. Program Management and Compliance:

   • Ensure all programs comply with corporate standards of quality, safeguarding, EDI, and social impact.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and re-design results-driven programs, continuously improving impact.
   • Oversee risk management processes, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and reported effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

• Qualifications: Project management certification or equivalent qualification.
• Experience:
  • Extensive experience in leading large programs, particularly multi-country projects.
  • Proven ability to manage senior relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners.
  • Experience with risk management, including identifying and mitigating risks in complex programs.
  • Strong track record of managing diverse, dispersed teams and presenting program outcomes to external audiences.
  • Expertise in financial management and compliance with various funding regulations.
• Knowledge:
  • Experience in developing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks and data collection mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the higher education sector in Africa and the UK.

Additional Information

• Language Requirements: C1 level proficiency in English.
• The role may require domestic and international travel and occasional evening or out-of-hours work depending on program needs.
• Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the country of application.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply through the following link:

Click here to apply

Application Deadline: 6th February, 2025; 21:59 UK Time / 23:59 South Africa Time

Conclusion

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an international organization at the forefront of global educational and cultural initiatives. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on education in Africa, we encourage you to apply.

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