Head of Unit for Research

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. Lead the strategy, planning and delivery of the country Education/Tertiary Education portfolio, including student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education and science partnerships, and non-formal education, ensuring impact and income targets are achieved. Lead business development and income generation, build strong senior stakeholder relationships, and represent the British Council and UK expertise with government, clients, partners, researchers and technical experts. Build market knowledge and insight on the local education context, sharing expertise internally and externally, while embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across all areas of work. Lead the development and delivery of the country Education/Tertiary Education strategy and annual plan, aligned with global and country priorities. Oversee high-quality programme and project delivery, ensuring compliance with British Council standards across planning, reporting, evaluation, finance, risk and EDI. Provide technical expertise to programme and contract design, ensuring quality, impact and effective risk management. Lead business development and income generation, identifying opportunities, developing proposals and supporting bids and contract negotiations. Build and manage strategic relationships with government, clients, donors, partners, education leaders, academics, researchers, alumni and students. Represent the British Council and UK sector expertise through networking, conferences, publications and external forums. Manage portfolio finances, income and expenditure, business performance and reporting. Champion EDI and embed inclusive practices across Education/Tertiary Education programmes and partnerships. Essential In-depth understanding of the Education sector in the UK and bilateral priorities. Experience delivering sizeable externally funded projects or programmes. Direct experience of client-funded contract pursuit and delivery. Experience developing and overseeing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), using insights to strengthen programmes and strategy. Proven experience building mutually beneficial relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government, donors, multilateral agencies, Education/Higher Education leaders, academics, researchers, alumni and students. Desirable Knowledge of international mobility trends of Mexican students seeking tertiary education opportunities. Knowledge of transnational education trends in Mexico, including academic and research partnerships with local public and private institutions. Education Project management qualification or equivalent work experience. Hybrid working – Candidates are expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week. Excellent written and spoken English. The nature and level of checks will depend on the role and applicable local laws. 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. Mexico Contract Type
- 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.