Head of Arts, Nigeria and Regional Lead, SSA Creative Economy at the British Council - Abuja or Lagos

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. These connections lead to an understanding of each other's strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Head of Arts, Nigeria and Regional Lead, SSA Creative Economy

Location: Abuja or Lagos
Duration:  Fixed Term Contract ending March 2025
Pay band: 8
Department: Cultural Engagement  
Contract Type: Locally Engaged  

Role Purpose

• The post holder will set, enable and deliver the strategic direction, leadership, and governance of our Nigeria Arts programme, Regional Shared Creative Economy Programme and contribute to the objectives of the British Council Arts Programme across Sub Saharan Africa.

Main Opportunities / Challenges for this Role
The Head of Arts will:

• Hold primary responsibility for our arts programme and arts strategy in Nigeria and will be responsible for the arts portfolio there working closely to identify new partners with whom to deliver the strategy. 
• Contribute to shaping our regional approach to engagement of Creative Economy Policy.
• Give priority to raising (co) funding and developing partnerships to scale up the Creative Economy programme
• Significant knowledge and experience of the arts in Nigeria is a requirement as is a deep understanding of Creative Economy and models that make this work in a Nigeria and regional / global context.
• Regular attendance at evening and weekend events are a normal part of the job

Requirements
Essential:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• 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
• Demonstrable experience managing a large team or a small organisation
• Experience in delivering arts work in more than one country in Sub Saharan Africa  
• Experience of commissioning and managing consultants and partner organisations
• Proven experience raising funding for arts and creative economy projects

Role Specific Skills:
Required candidate will need to possess:

• Proven leadership of ambitious arts and creative economy projects with a range of partner organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with tight deadlines
• Strong knowledge and use of Monitoring and Evaluation skills
• Partnership development and fundraising
• Managing relationships with stakeholders

Desirable:

• Degree or HE qualification in relevant arts, cultural, heritage, or humanities field
• An innovative approach to the use of digital and social media to connect audiences.
• Experience of working with both large and medium organisations.

Application Closing Date
27th September, 2021, 23:59 South Africa time.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: All applicants should have a pre-existing legal status to live and work in Nigeria.