Head of Arts State of Palestine

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role Purpose:

As the Head of Arts, you will be the British Council’s senior Arts representative in the country, shaping our Arts and creative industries portfolio and building strong external partnerships.

You will lead the planning and delivery of activities across our global Art in Action and Creative Growth programmes, providing expert sector insight and strategic direction. You may lead a specialist Arts team and will work closely with country leadership, Global Arts and Cultural Engagement colleagues to drive impact, collaboration and new income opportunities.

You will champion the UK’s diverse Arts and creative industries, strengthen UK–country cultural connections, and identify opportunities for collaboration across markets and programmes.

Role Accountabilities:

Leadership & Management

• Lead the country Arts portfolio, ensuring high standards of quality, impact, programme management and compliance.
• Lead and support a specialist Arts team, where applicable, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Ensure effective financial management, governance and risk compliance.
• Embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racist practices across programmes and organisational culture.

Strategy & Planning

• Lead planning and development of the country Arts portfolio, aligned with global Arts and country priorities.
• Contribute to global Arts strategy and identify opportunities for growth and collaboration.
• Oversee the design, development, delivery and closure of projects and programmes.
• Leverage digital products, services and channels to increase portfolio impact and sustainability.

Sector/Subject Expertise

• Provide expert knowledge and insight on Arts and creative industries to shape relevant, high-impact programmes.
• Maintain strong understanding of UK Arts, creative industries and relevant HMG priorities.
• Represent the British Council as a credible authority on Arts and creative industries.
• Identify opportunities for UK artists and creative organisations to collaborate with local peers.

Relationship & Stakeholders

• Build and maintain a diverse network across the Arts and creative industries, including artists, organisations, creative hubs and sector bodies.
• Develop strategic partnerships that enable artistic collaboration, cultural exchange and creative economy opportunities.
• Represent British Council Arts with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships across Cultural Engagement to align and deliver strategic objectives.

Brand & Market Positioning

• Champion and promote the diversity and excellence of the UK Arts and creative industries.
• Strengthen the British Council’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality and valued cultural partner.
• Translate market and customer insights into relevant, demand-led programmes aligned with British Council and FCDO priorities.
• Support communications that showcase the impact and success of the country Arts portfolio.

Business Development

• Contribute to business and partnership development, identifying opportunities aligned with country, Arts and Cultural Engagement priorities.

Programme Management

• Ensure global Arts programmes are tailored to local needs and delivered effectively with global programme teams.
• Oversee portfolio finances and use financial insight to support sound decision-making.
• Manage delivery partners, consultants and team members, ensuring accountability and effective supply chain management.
• Oversee contractual obligations, governance, procurement, grants, due diligence and compliance.

Qualifications:

Essentials

• Degree or proven relevant experience
• Project management or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience

Experience:

Essentials

• Specialist knowledge of current trends, practices and developments in the Arts and creative industries in the country.
• Experience managing national Arts and/or creative industry projects.
• An active and up-to-date network of diverse Arts and creative industry contacts.
• Experience maintaining effective internal and external programme/project governance structures.

Desirables

• Understanding and appreciation of current Arts trends and practices in the UK and Palestine.
• Experience managing international Arts projects.

Language

The British Council's systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English and Arabic is required.

Important Information:

Location- Palestine

Contract Type- IDC (Indefinite Contract)

Pay Band- 7

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.

Closing Date & Time for Applications-

6th Novemeber 2026 11:59 PM IST - 22nd Novemeber 2026 (Indian Standard Time)

6th Novemeber 2026 11:59 PM IST - 22nd Novemeber 2026 9:29 PM PSST (Palestine Standard Time)

Additional Job requirements Details:

• Jerusalem (candidate must have Jerusalem ID) or Ramallah based
• Occasional evening and weekend work in line with security requirements
• Occasional travel outside Palestine as required.

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