The British Council is hiring a Head of Arts Nigeria to lead its arts and creative economy strategy in one of Africa’s most dynamic cultural markets. Based in Lagos, this senior leadership role will shape the British Council’s arts programming, partnerships, and policy engagement across Nigeria.
With a legacy spanning 90 years, the British Council builds connections and trust between the UK and countries worldwide through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. The Head of Arts Nigeria will play a pivotal role in strengthening UK–Nigeria cultural collaboration while expanding the creative economy ecosystem.
Job Overview
Job Title: Head of Arts Nigeria
Organisation: British Council
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Department: Arts
Pay Band: 8
Contract Duration: Two (2) Years Fixed Term
Application Deadline: 18 February 2026 (23:59 South Africa Time / 22:59 UK Time)
Work Rights: Applicants must have legal right to work in Nigeria (no visa sponsorship provided)
Role Purpose
The Head of Arts Nigeria will:
Set and deliver the strategic direction for the Nigeria Arts programme
Provide leadership and governance for arts and creative industries initiatives
Strengthen UK–Nigeria partnerships in the creative economy
Contribute to the broader objectives of the British Council’s global Arts programme
This role blends strategic leadership, creative economy policy engagement, programme governance, stakeholder management, and income generation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute Nigeria’s arts and creative industries strategy
Create operational plans aligned with British Council global arts priorities
Identify and unlock new opportunities in Nigeria’s creative sector
Support enterprise development and creative economy policy engagement
2. Business Development & Stakeholder Management
Generate new external income streams to expand programme impact
Build and maintain relationships with key players in:
Arts and cultural institutions
Creative industries
Government agencies
Private sector partners
3. Operational Management & Governance
Deliver financial and non-financial performance targets
Lead risk management and programme governance
Provide monthly and annual performance assurances
4. Staff Leadership & Line Management
Lead and manage country arts colleagues
Strengthen team capability and delivery performance
5. Thematic & Regional Leadership
Represent Nigeria within the British Council’s regional and global arts network
Provide thought leadership on creative economy issues
Support the Director Programmes and Country Director in overall operational management
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Degree or higher education qualification in arts, culture, heritage, humanities, or related field
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Strong knowledge of:
UK creative sectors
Nigerian creative industries
Demonstrated expertise in arts programme management
Specialism in the Creative Economy
Experience managing:
Large teams or small organisations
Consultants and partner organisations
Proven track record in raising funding for arts and creative economy projects
Desirable Criteria
Innovative use of digital and social media for audience engagement
Experience working with large and medium organisations
Experience delivering arts work in multiple Sub-Saharan African countries
Why This Role Matters
Nigeria’s creative industries — from film and music to design, digital content, and visual arts — are among the most dynamic on the continent. This position offers the opportunity to:
Shape UK–Nigeria cultural diplomacy
Influence creative economy policy
Support enterprise development in Nigeria’s arts sector
Build sustainable cross-border partnerships
For senior professionals working at the intersection of arts leadership, policy, and international collaboration, this is a high-impact regional leadership opportunity.
Equality, Inclusion & Safeguarding
The British Council is committed to:
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Disability Confident recruitment practices
Safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults
Appointments involving vulnerable groups will require appropriate safeguarding checks in line with legal and institutional standards.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in Nigeria at the time of application.
Closing date: 18 February 2026
Application should be made via the Link
Applicants experiencing technical issues can contact: askhr@britishcouncil.org