Director Programmes

About the British Council and Role Overview

The British Council fosters peace and prosperity by building meaningful connections and mutual understanding between the UK and countries worldwide through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity, operating in over 200 countries. The Director Programmes role is based in Uganda and supports the development, execution, and evaluation of Non-Formal Education (NFE) projects and programmes. The role contributes to the global NFE portfolio by leading a portfolio of British Council and externally funded projects with a focus on strategic alignment, high-quality delivery, and achieving financial and non-financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Non-Formal Education strategy in Uganda, ensuring it aligns with the global NFE strategy as well as with British Council’s Cultural Engagement business plans.
• Manage and provide leadership to the in-country NFE team, overseeing programme development, delivery, impact assessment (including monitoring, evaluation, and learning), and financial sustainability.
• Guide technical aspects of the NFE portfolio, ensure resource planning meets portfolio demands, and promote a culture focused on evidence-based delivery and continuous learning.
• Drive business development by managing strategic client and partner relationships, securing new income opportunities, and maintaining a strong pipeline for NFE projects in Uganda.
• Lead negotiation and structuring of local partnerships to safeguard the British Council’s interests.
• Enhance the British Council’s reputation and visibility with government, clients, and partners, identifying new business opportunities.
• Provide expert insight and sector knowledge to inform corporate responses to public consultations and represent the British Council in external forums.
• Ensure robust financial management, budget adherence, and compliance with corporate quality standards and delegated authorities.
• Embed and promote policies related to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, data privacy, cyber security, and other corporate compliance areas within the NFE work globally.
• Contribute to fostering an inclusive, anti-racist culture and support colleagues' wellbeing and mental health.

Experience and Educational Requirements

• Possession of a Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Project management qualification (such as a recognized PPM certification) is preferred.
• Strong technical expertise in non-formal education with the ability to develop proposals aligned to client and partner needs.
• Experienced in programme and project management with a strong grasp on compliance and quality assurance.

Additional Information

• Work location is Uganda with a full-time onsite contract of indefinite duration.
• The role falls under pay band 8 within the Cultural Engagement Department.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in Uganda and proficiency in English both written and verbal is mandatory.
• Closing date for applications is 3rd September 2026, 09:29 PM Uganda Time.

Equality, Diversity, and Safeguarding

The British Council commits to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all community sectors, guaranteeing interviews for disabled candidates meeting the minimum criteria. The organisation is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable groups, adhering to UNCRC guidelines and completing thorough background checks where applicable. Adjustments for participation and engagement are available upon request.