Head of Business Operations Team Jordan

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Head of Business Operations, Jordan

Location:  Jordan
Contract Type: Two (2) Year Fixed-Term Contract

Remuneration: 1610 JOD Gross Per Month

Interviews tentatively on 07 and 08 July 2025. 

Closing date: 02 July 2025 at 21:59 UK Time

Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in Jordan at the time of application.  We are unable to support with visa sponsorship and relocation.

Role Context - About The Team:

The British Council in Jordan operates in a dynamic and complex context, delivering a broad range of cultural engagement programmes, teaching, and examinations services. As a Super Priority country in the MENA region, the office plays a vital role in advancing the British Council’s global strategy and impact in the Levant. With ongoing transformation across the organisation, there is an increased focus on ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, and an inclusive workplace culture. The Head of Operations is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Country Director and working as part of the Country Leadership Team (CLT). The postholder is responsible for shaping and delivering an effective operational strategy that supports the successful implementation of the Country Plan.

Role Purpose - The Job:

The Head of Operations will lead the British Council’s business operations in Jordan, driving efficiency, compliance, delivery and inclusivity in line with organisational values. Working closely with the Country Director and Country Leadership Team, the postholder will shape and implement the operational strategy, deliver a long-term plan for operational excellence, and foster a high-performing, values-driven culture. The role also holds visible leadership responsibilities in safeguarding, risk management and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), ensuring a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for all staff and partners.

Main Accountabilities:

Leadership and Representation

• Serve as a core member of the Country Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and fostering an inclusive, accountable leadership culture.
• Represent British Council Jordan externally as required, building trusted partnerships and maintaining the organisation’s reputation for professionalism and values-driven leadership.
• Participate in regional operational discussions or initiatives on behalf of Jordan as required.
• Deputise for the Country Director when they are out of the country

Country Planning and Analysis

• Lead the delivery of the internally focused priorities and projects of the Jordan Country Plan, with accountability for performance metrics related to office culture, operational efficiency, and compliance.
• Support Business Leads in delivering office-wide performance and compliance commitments through coordination and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Establish and maintain fit-for-purpose governance structures to monitor progress against the Jordan Country Plan (JCP), ensuring transparency, accountability, and staff engagement.

Operations Management

• Lead strategic and day-to-day operations in Jordan ensuring timely delivery of compliant, efficient, and responsive support systems.
• Resolve complex operational challenges and ensure policy changes are assessed for local impact and implemented effectively.
• Champion the ‘One British Council’ approach in Jordan.
• Act as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for critical country-level projects or contracts when agreed with the Country Director.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Ensure sound financial management, including robust forecasting, expenditure controls, and alignment of budget planning with strategic goals.
• Monitor and report against office expenditure targets and support Business Leads to deliver long-term financial sustainability.
• Maintain high standards of financial compliance, including sign-off responsibilities, cash management, contingency planning, and internal audits.

Change and Risk Management

• Champion the risk management for Jordan operations and monitor JCAD and ensure timely completion of risk registers (ERMF)
• Lead on risk management through oversight of office focal points in Safeguarding IGRM, Business Continuity, and Incident Management.

Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Leadership

• Provide oversight and strategic guidance to safeguarding and EDI working groups and ensure reporting, and learning are consistently applied.

Requirements Of The Role:

Minimum/essential

• Proven experience in leading country-level operations in a multi-functional environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, compliance, and inclusive culture.
• Experience in strategic planning and designing governance structures.
• Strong financial management capabilities, including planning and cost control.
• Ability to collaborate with senior leadership and business leads in a matrix structure.
• Experience in staff development, performance management, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Experience overseeing audits, business continuity, and risk mitigation.

Desirable:

• Experience working with both public and private sector organisations.
• Experience in the international development or cultural relations sector.
• Familiarity with British Council systems and processes.
• Understanding of the Jordanian regulatory and operational context.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org