Head English & School Education
Date: 14 Aug 2026
Location: Mexico City, Americas, MX, Mexico
Company: British Council
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 Purpose
The Head of English and School Education will lead the development and delivery of a strategic portfolio of partnerships, programmes and contracts across mixed funding streams and business models, balancing impact and financial sustainability while delivering country outcomes and benefit for the UK.
The role will lead the English and School Education (ESE) portfolio across School Systems, Empowerment and English Connects, providing technical sector expertise, overseeing business development and ensuring high-quality, compliant programme and contract delivery.
The role holder will also share country knowledge, expertise and best practice with global ESE teams and external stakeholders.
Role Accountabilities
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Lead the strategy, planning and delivery of the English and School Education portfolio in country, aligned with global and organisational objectives.
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Develop and monitor annual business plans, targets and commercial performance, identifying opportunities and taking corrective action where required.
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Provide inspiring leadership and manage, motivate and develop the ESE team while promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Lead business development activities, including bids, tenders, proposals, contract negotiations and partnership opportunities.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with government, education-sector stakeholders, partners, clients and UK institutions.
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Represent the British Council’s expertise and thought leadership in English and School Education through relevant external forums and networks.
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Oversee programme quality, monitoring, evaluation and learning, using insight and data to inform strategy and decision-making.
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Provide specialist advice and apply advanced sector knowledge to address complex issues across English and School Education.
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Monitor income, costs, results and impact against KPIs and ensure effective financial management.
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Work collaboratively across the British Council to identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and maximise impact for the country and the UK.
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Champion equality, diversity and inclusion and contribute to an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture.
Experience
· Essential
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Significant leadership experience in English and School Education.
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Proven experience in developing and delivering education programmes, partnerships and contracts.
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Strong experience in business development, including bids, tenders and partnership negotiations.
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Experience managing teams, stakeholders and strategic relationships across diverse groups.
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Strong understanding of English language education and the wider education sector.
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Experience using data, monitoring and evaluation to inform strategy and programme development.
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Experience managing commercial and financial performance against agreed targets.
· Desirable
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Experience working with government ministries, donors, NGOs or international education partners.
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Experience in international development or education programmes.
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Experience of teacher education, online learning or education technology.
Education
Relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree in English language, education or a related subject.
Work Mode
Hybrid working – Candidates are expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week.
Language
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Excellent written and spoken English.
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 & Right to Work- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is based at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Visa sponsorship, immigration support and relocation assistance are not provided for this role. Applications are welcome from candidates currently based in the recruiting country and other British Council country offices, provided they meet the right-to-work requirement.
Important Information
Location- Mexico
Contract Type- IDC
Pay Band- 8
Closing Date- 27th August 23.59 IST
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