Empowerment Lead, English & School Education – British Council UK
The British Council is seeking an experienced Empowerment Lead, English & School Education to support the growth and development of its global Empowerment programme. This is a senior programme and education role based in the United Kingdom, offering an opportunity to contribute to international education initiatives supporting young people affected by conflict, displacement, crisis and disadvantage.
The position is offered on an indefinite contract and carries a salary of £40,179 to £47,418, with an additional £3,300 London Market Allowance for eligible employees based in London.
About the Role
The Empowerment Lead will help develop the strategy for the British Council’s global Empowerment programme while providing advice and support to country teams.
The programme uses English language and related life skills development to help young people build resilience, broaden their horizons and strengthen their agency and voice.
It works with young people who may have experienced displacement, conflict or crisis, as well as those from disadvantaged or isolated communities.
The programme is delivered through partnerships between the British Council and external organisations around the world.
The successful candidate will work with the Empowerment and wider English and School Education team to develop strategy, innovation and programme delivery across both formal and non-formal education settings.
Key Responsibilities
The Empowerment Lead will contribute to global programme planning and support country teams as they design activities, establish targets and deliver against programme objectives.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting global programme planning and implementation
- Reviewing progress against programme targets
- Contributing to monthly and quarterly reporting
- Supporting continuous programme improvement
- Planning learning, development and capacity-building activities
- Developing impact narratives aligned with strategic priorities
- Supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting
- Contributing to business development strategy
- Coordinating follow-up to the Global Refugee Forum
- Supporting the development of relevant teaching and learning resources
The role will also contribute to strengthening the overall Empowerment programme offer.
Education and Sector Expertise
The successful candidate is expected to become a recognised internal expert and adviser in areas such as education in emergencies, education and socioeconomic disadvantage and support for marginalised learners.
The role involves helping design and implement Empowerment projects across countries and providing guidance to country teams.
The successful candidate will also help build the British Council’s reputation and impact in language education and work supporting disadvantaged communities.
External representation is another important part of the position. The Empowerment Lead may represent the British Council with partners, practitioners and professional or academic audiences, including through research and conference presentations.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Strong relationship-building skills are essential for this position.
The successful candidate will develop trust-based relationships with practitioners, education organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.
The aim will be to strengthen the British Council’s Empowerment work, secure support for programmes and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The role also requires experience managing stakeholder engagement strategies and relationships with development and education partners.
Required Experience and Skills
Applicants should demonstrate strong experience designing and managing international development programmes.
Relevant experience may include:
- Emergency education
- Working with refugee or displaced learners and teachers
- Gender or disability programmes
- Employability skills for disadvantaged groups
- International education programmes
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership management
Candidates should also have experience managing dispersed teams and strong programme and project management capabilities.
Other important skills include presentation and communication, evidence-based decision-making, problem-solving, educational research, relationship management and supporting organisational or behavioural change.
Salary and Benefits
The position is offered on an indefinite contract with a salary of £40,179–£47,418.
Employees based in London may receive an additional £3,300 London Market Allowance.
Benefits include:
- 32 days of annual leave plus public holidays
- Civil Service Pension
- Supportive working environment
- Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives
Eligibility and Application Deadline
This opportunity is UK-only. Candidates must already have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom when applying.
The British Council will not provide visa sponsorship, relocation assistance or mobility support for this position.
The closing date is Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time, with interviews planned for early December 2026.
Key Details
Job Title: Empowerment Lead, English & School Education
Organisation: British Council
Location: United Kingdom
Contract: Indefinite
Salary: £40,179–£47,418
London allowance: £3,300
Department: Cultural Engagement
Pay band: 8
Closing date: 22 November 2026
Work eligibility: Existing UK right to work required
This opportunity is particularly suited to experienced international development and education professionals with expertise in education in emergencies, refugee education, disadvantage, partnerships and global programme management.
