Head English & School Education (LEB)

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.

Role

Lead and grow the English and School Education portfolio in Lebanon, shaping high-impact programmes, policy engagement and strategic partnerships that strengthen teaching, learning, and assessment. Provide technical leadership and sector expertise across English language education, teacher development and education reform, while securing and managing donor-funded and client-funded opportunities. Drive quality, innovation, and sustainable growth through collaboration with government, donor and education stakeholders, while advancing inclusive education solutions and contributing to lasting educational outcomes.

Role Accountabilities

Leadership and Management

• Leading and developing the ESE team, working with country, regional and global stakeholders to deliver ESE strategy, policy and practice.
• Ensuring effective people management, compliance with organisational standards, and adherence to funder requirements, policies and contractual obligations.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Building and maintaining strong relationships and professional networks across UK and local ELT and education sectors.
• Representing the British Council with ministries, donors, multilateral agencies, academic institutions and sector leaders to influence education policy and practice.

Business Development

• Developing strategic client, partner and consultant relationships, applying due diligence, market insight and effective pipeline management.
• Leading the identification, design and pursuit of donor-funded and client-funded opportunities, including proposal development, contract negotiation and partnership agreements.
• Embedding learning from programme delivery, research and MEL into future business development opportunities.

Brand and Market Positioning

• Leading the development of marketing and communications materials aligned to British Council brand standards.
• Enhancing visibility and engagement through consistent, high-quality positioning.

Sector / Subject Expertise

• Embedding evidence-informed ELT and teacher development approaches into project design, content and resources.
• Providing technical leadership in English language education and teacher development, informing country strategy and programme quality.
• Leading or contributing to research, thought leadership, publications and conference presentations, and representing the British Council in national and international education forums.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Monitoring business performance through income, cost, impact and portfolio reporting.
• Managing programme and project budgets while supporting business planning activities.

Programme Management

• Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting to ensure quality delivery, informed decision-making and achievement of programme outcomes.
• Driving continuous improvement through risk management, lessons learned, knowledge sharing and project leadership.

Product Development

• Developing teacher education content strategies and designing programmes aligned to organisational standards.
• Advising on integrating ESE content into delivery models using evidence-based approaches tailored to local needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Fostering an inclusive and anti-racist culture that promotes equity, wellbeing and psychological safety.
• Embedding the British Council's EDI and anti-racism commitments through accountability, learning and everyday practice.

Qualifications

Education

• Postgraduate qualification in related field and/or Diploma ELT (TEFL-Q)

Professional Qualifications

Essential

• English teaching qualification
  
  

Desirable

• Online teaching qualification
• Project management qualification

Role specific skills

• Demonstrated capability in developing and implementing quality standards for English and education programmes.
• Proven ability to plan, manage and disseminate global thought leadership outputs, including publications.
• Strong capability in building and managing relationships across the UK sector.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated capability in managing teacher education projects for English language teachers.
• Proven ability to deliver externally funded projects and programmes.
• Strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), with the ability to apply insights and learning to inform programme delivery and strategy.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including government ministries, donors, multilateral agencies, academic institutions and implementing partners.

Desirable

• Demonstrated capability in supporting client-funded contract pursuits and funding opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage online teacher education projects and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong contribution to research initiatives, conference presentations and publications within English language teaching.
  
  

Important Information:

Language Requirements: Proficient written and spoken English and Arabic
Pay Band: 7 F
Department:  English and School Education
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 years)
Location/Country: Beirut, Lebanon
Working Arrangement: Onsite

Closing Date: 01 October 2026 at 11:59 PM IST and 01 October 2026 at 09:29 PM EEST

Background Checks: Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory background checks, both before appointment and periodically during employment, as required. The nature and level of checks will depend on the role and applicable local laws.

Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 

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