Head of Data and Measurement

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Job Title:  Head of Data and Measurement

You must have the legal right to work in the stated location. We will not be providing Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is not provided. 

Role Purpose: 

The Head of Data and Measurement plays a strategic leadership role within the British Council’s Learning and Assessment Research (LAR) hub, helping shape the organisation’s evidence-based thought leadership in English language teaching, learning and assessment. Working alongside the Research Engagement & Dissemination and Artificial Intelligence hubs, the postholder drives the research agenda for LAR and contributes to the wider English Language Research (ELR) ambition of supporting global educational reform through high‑quality, impactful research.

Leading a team of language assessment experts, the role oversees major research and development projects, guides the ELR data strategy, and provides expert input to the design and enhancement of assessment products. The postholder also delivers their own specialised quantitative research and collaborates with colleagues and partners worldwide. This position is suited to an experienced researcher with a strong publication track record, deep engagement in the language assessment community, and proven strategic vision.

Main Accountabilities:

In this role, you will strengthen the British Council’s research and development capability by leading data and measurement expertise across English language assessment. You will oversee data management for assessment products, optimise use of existing tools, and support global teams in applying LAR hub insights. You will also enhance the British Council’s international profile through high‑quality publications, conference contributions and active engagement with global language assessment associations, advising on data requirements across tenders and procurement.

You will play a central role in shaping ELR strategy—designing research frameworks, overseeing data for grants and awards, and leading operational planning for all data‑related research activity. Working closely with specialists in JEDI and monitoring and evaluation, you will embed these principles across all projects. As a people leader, you will guide and develop a specialist data team, model the organisation’s values, manage resources and budgets, and drive innovation in assessment design, technology and measurement.

You will provide high‑level consultancy and analysis for both internal and external stakeholders, including Ministries of Education and global partners, ensuring robust measurement principles underpin all research and reform initiatives. You will oversee the development and validation of assessment products, manage key strategic relationships across the British Council and the wider sector, and actively participate in international networks to strengthen the organisation’s influence. The role also includes line management of LAR hub researchers and coordination with ELR hub leads, Test Production teams, and cross‑functional working groups.

Essential Core & Role Competencies

Minimum / Essential: 

Please ensure your CV and application clearly demonstrate the following core and role competencies

• PhD (completed or near submission) in educational measurement, statistics, data science, computational linguistics, language learning/assessment, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong experience conducting quantitative research in an educational context, ideally in English language learning and/or assessment.
• Proven ability to communicate research effectively, both in writing and through presentations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing research programmes or developing assessment/learning products aligned to strategic goals.

Desirable:

• Experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including English language learning and assessment research communities, international academic associations, and external partners.

Important Information: 

• British Council Pay band: SMP 
• Department:  English and Exams 
  Contract type: IDC 
• Closing Date: Saturday 7th March, (23:59 GMT) 
• Location: UK

It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment

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