What we do:

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

Head of Education, Scotland.

Salary: Payband 8. Starting at £38,820-46,203. For candidates with exceptional skills, knowledge and experience (specific to the role) the British Council may consider a moderate broadening of the advertised pay range.

What we’ll offer you:   In addition to a competitive salary and excellent civil service pension contributions, the British Council offers:
•    32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
•    3 days volunteering leave
•    Opportunities to grow and develop in the role with continuous professional development

Department: International Operations, UK Regions (Global Network).
Contract type: Indefinite (Permanent) contract.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland.

Closing Date: 1st October 2023 at 23:59 UK Time.

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.

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

There is no relocation or sponsorship support.

The Role:

As Head of Education, you’ll report to the Director Scotland and provide stakeholder management & strategic leadership across our Education portfolio. You’ll play an important role in delivering on our ambition to work for all four nations of the UK.

This is a visible and influential role in our Edinburgh operation, providing insight and understanding on policy developments, building lasting and meaningful relationships with partners and stakeholders, and ensuring we deliver on our commitments in and for Scotland.

About The Team

British Council Scotland is part of the UK & External Relations team, which represents and serves all parts of the UK, the interests and distinctiveness of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Devolved Administrations and broad networks of stakeholders in each country. Reporting to Director UK & External Relations, we are part of the Deputy Chief Executive’s team andwork in collaboration with colleagues across the global network and Cultural Engagement to align our ambitions internally, so that we can deliver externally.

Over the last 20 years, devolution has taken decision making and accountability closer to the people of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In addition to our strategic alignment with FCDO and HMG priorities, we are committed to supporting the relevant international ambitions of elected Governments in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh. We  factor all of this in at beginning of the choices we make, the value we seek to create and the partnerships we build.

Accountabilities /Responsibilities:

Product/Programme/Service delivery

▪    Leads smaller project or significant strand of larger project. Ensures Project Management Plan is in place and leads annual work plans for team; deploys resources efficiently and cost effectively to deliver required income, impact and profitability targets
▪    Liaises closely with regional and SBU colleagues (and/or the external customer as necessary) to clarify and agree targets in terms of quality/revenue/margin/volume/impact/time/cost

Relationship and stakeholder management 

▪    Develops and maintains excellent relationships and communication with internal and/or external customers to build a clear understanding of their needs and experiences, to inform and enable continuous improvement in the quality of service/programme/product delivery.

Risk & compliance

▪    Uses standard corporate protocols, combined with previous experience and detailed knowledge of the local social/political/security context, to assess a range of risks in to service/product/programme delivery.  Ensures appropriate contingency plans are in place and implemented promptly to manage delivery safely and effectively in challenging or high-risk circumstances.
▪    Investigates any reported instances of non-compliance with agreed corporate risk management policies (e.g. safeguarding, security policies, financial protocols, anti-fraud measures, information management), and takes appropriate remedial action, including escalation to more senior colleagues as required

Analysis & reporting

▪    Uses management information, analysis and personal operating experience to identify and make recommendations on improvements to ways of working, processes, procedures and/or resources that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Commercial and or finance management
▪    Proposes annual budgets and undertakes detailed resource planning to enable cost effective, high quality in-year delivery of operational activities

Requirements of the role:

•    Knowledge of and passion for Scotland’s Education Higher sector and Education more broadly.

•    Managing risk – Develops the culture: Has a track record of analyzing potential risks, promoting risk awareness, and holding others to account for their practices.

•    Commercial and business development – Plans and deploys resources:  Negotiates and agrees the resources for a defined area as part of forward planning, monitoring progress and adjusting resources or priorities to meet goals.

•    Communicating and influencing – Uses influencing techniques:   Uses formal and informal negotiating and motivation techniques to influence others’ behavior and persuade them to think and act differently, while respecting difference of view and culture.

Closing Date:   Applications will close on 1st October 2023 at 23:59 UK Time.

Additional Information:

Interviews will be held around the middle of October 2023.