The British Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Arts Programme Manager to join its Arts and Culture team in Nigeria. Based in Abuja, this two-year fixed-term position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major cultural initiatives, strengthen UK-Nigeria creative partnerships, and support the delivery of impactful arts programmes across the country.
As the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, the British Council works in over 100 countries to build connections, understanding, and trust through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.
Job Overview
Position: Arts Programme Manager
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Organization: British Council
Contract Type: Two-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Pay Grade: 7
Annual Gross Salary: NGN 30,426,883
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
Applicants must have the legal right to work in Nigeria. Visa sponsorship is not available. Successful candidates located outside Abuja will receive relocation support.
About the Role
The Arts Programme Manager will support the Head of Arts in implementing the British Council Nigeria’s Arts and Culture portfolio. The role involves managing multiple programmes, overseeing operational delivery, ensuring compliance with organizational standards, and contributing to preparations for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028.
The successful candidate will work closely with local and international stakeholders, creative sector partners, government agencies, and British Council teams to deliver high-impact cultural initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Planning and Delivery
- Lead the implementation of multiple arts and culture programmes across Nigeria.
- Develop operational plans, timelines, milestones, and delivery frameworks.
- Monitor programme performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Ensure successful programme closure, audits, and lessons-learned reviews.
Leadership and Team Management
- Manage project teams, officers, and interns.
- Support staff development and performance management.
- Coordinate delivery across multiple locations in Nigeria.
- Deputize for the Head of Arts when required.
Stakeholder and Partnership Management
- Manage relationships with partners, suppliers, grantees, and creative organizations.
- Engage government ministries, cultural institutions, and industry stakeholders.
- Represent the British Council at sector events and industry forums.
Business Development
- Identify and secure partnership opportunities and co-funding arrangements.
- Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain partner intelligence and funding pipelines.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to safeguarding, procurement, anti-fraud, data protection, and diversity policies.
- Conduct due diligence and supply chain management activities.
- Identify and mitigate programme risks.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Analyze programme performance data.
- Produce impact reports, case studies, and stakeholder updates.
Financial Management
- Manage programme budgets and financial forecasts.
- Conduct regular financial reviews.
- Monitor grants, contracts, and partner expenditures.
Eligibility Requirements
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in Arts, Culture, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- More than three years of experience managing arts and culture projects or programmes in Nigeria.
- Experience managing large-scale or multi-country programmes.
- Knowledge of structured funding and compliance environments.
- Strong stakeholder, contract, and client management experience.
- Experience managing teams and project risks.
- Understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.
Desirable Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Project management certification or equivalent professional development.
- More than five years of experience in the arts and culture sector.
- Knowledge of the UK creative industries.
- Understanding of arts funding opportunities in Nigeria.
- Experience supporting cultural festivals, bilateral cultural seasons, or showcase programmes.
Skills Required
- Programme and project management expertise.
- Budgeting and financial management skills.
- Risk assessment and compliance management.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Data analysis and reporting skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and project management tools.
- Ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
Why Join the British Council?
Nigeria’s creative economy continues to expand rapidly, driven by sectors such as film, music, literature, and digital arts. The British Council plays a leading role in supporting creative growth, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to major initiatives, including preparations for the UK–Nigeria Season of Culture 2028, while helping shape the future of arts and culture partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications before 25 June 2026 through the British Council careers portal.
Only applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and possess the legal right to work in Nigeria will be considered.
