Arts Programme Manager Job at British Council Nigeria

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Arts Programme Manager Job at British Council Nigeria

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation dedicated to fostering cultural relations and educational opportunities worldwide. Through its work in education, arts, culture, English language development, and civil society engagement, the organisation builds meaningful connections between the UK and communities across the globe. Operating in more than 100 countries, the British Council reaches millions of people annually through both in-person programmes and digital platforms.

As part of its commitment to strengthening cultural partnerships and creative development in Nigeria, the organisation is seeking an experienced professional to fill the position below:

Job Title: Arts Programme Manager

Location: Nigeria

Employment Type: Contract

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Department: Brand & Marketing

Role Overview

The successful candidate will support the implementation and growth of the British Council's Arts and Culture portfolio in Nigeria. The role involves overseeing programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, financial management, compliance, and strategic planning. The Arts Programme Manager will also play a significant role in preparations for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028 while supporting the Head of Arts in driving impactful cultural initiatives across the country.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Management and Delivery

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of multiple arts and cultural programmes across Nigeria.
  • Develop operational plans, timelines, milestones, and delivery frameworks aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Monitor programme performance and implement corrective actions when required.
  • Support the implementation of major cultural initiatives, including preparations for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
  • Ensure programme closure activities, audits, and lessons-learned reviews are completed effectively.

Leadership and Team Development

  • Provide leadership and guidance to programme teams across multiple locations.
  • Manage project managers, officers, and interns while supporting professional development and performance improvement.
  • Promote collaboration, inclusion, and adherence to British Council values.
  • Represent the Head of Arts at meetings, governance forums, and stakeholder engagements when required.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

  • Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, cultural institutions, creative industry stakeholders, and development partners.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers, grantees, consultants, and delivery partners.
  • Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and sector engagements.
  • Contribute to discussions that strengthen Nigeria's creative and cultural economy.

Business Development

  • Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and co-funded projects.
  • Support proposal development, partnership negotiations, and contract management activities.
  • Maintain records of partnership opportunities and funding pipelines.

Compliance, Risk and Safeguarding

  • Ensure all projects comply with safeguarding, procurement, data protection, anti-fraud, and equality requirements.
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation plans across programmes.
  • Oversee due diligence, supplier onboarding, and supply chain compliance activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

  • Support the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
  • Produce impact reports, case studies, and programme performance updates.
  • Collect, analyse, and validate programme data to support decision-making.
  • Promote evidence-based learning and continuous programme improvement.

Financial Management

  • Manage programme budgets, expenditure tracking, and financial forecasting.
  • Coordinate grant and contract payments while ensuring accurate reconciliations.
  • Support monthly and quarterly financial reviews with relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field.
  • At least three years of experience managing arts and culture programmes in Nigeria.
  • Experience managing complex projects, partnerships, contracts, and stakeholder relationships.
  • Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks.
  • Experience working with multiple funding sources and compliance requirements.
  • Strong project management, budgeting, reporting, and risk management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365, project management tools, and data analysis applications.
  • Experience leading and managing geographically dispersed teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional project management certification or relevant continuous professional development training.
  • More than five years of experience within the arts and cultural sector.
  • Experience supporting international festivals, cultural seasons, or large-scale creative programmes.
  • Understanding of the Nigerian arts funding landscape and creative industries ecosystem.
  • Knowledge of the UK creative sector and cultural partnerships.
  • Master's Degree in Cultural Policy, Creative Industries, International Development, or a related discipline.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Gross Salary: NGN 30,426,883

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the British Council recruitment portal.

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: 25th June, 2026 (21:59 UK Time).

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