Head of Arts Senegal
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 Context
The Head of Arts is the senior lead for Arts and Creative Industries in-country, representing the organisation externally and leading the planning and delivery of Arts programmes. They provide strategic sector expertise, manage key stakeholder relationships, and may lead a small Arts team. Working closely with the Country Director, Global Arts colleagues, and country leadership, they drive collaboration, share best practice, influence decision-making, and identify opportunities for multi-country programmes and income generation.
About Cultural Engagement (CE)
Cultural Engagement (CE) is one of the British Council’s two global strategic business units, delivering Arts, Education, English & School Education, and Research programmes worldwide. The Arts team delivers impact through two global programmes: Art in Action, which supports international artistic collaboration, and Creative Growth, which strengthens creative economies through sector development and partnerships.
Regional Context
Leads the British Council’s Arts strategy across Francophone Africa.
Works in a resource-constrained creative sector alongside major cultural organisations.
Operates in complex political and funding environments requiring strong partnerships and adaptable delivery.
Supports creative economy initiatives focused on youth employment, economic development, and fundraising.
Main Accountabilities
Leadership & Management
Leads the day-to-day delivery of the country Arts portfolio, ensuring programme quality and compliance with global standards. Manages a small Arts team and oversees financial performance and governance. Embeds Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and anti-racist practices across programmes and ways of working.
Strategy & Planning
Leads planning and delivery of the country Arts portfolio aligned with global strategy. Contributes to global Arts strategy and oversees the full programme lifecycle. Drives digital integration to maximise programme impact, reach, and sustainability.
Sector Leadership
Provides expert Arts and Creative Industries insight to shape programmes aligned with local, UK sector, and HMG priorities. Represents the British Council as a trusted Arts leader, building strategic relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners. Creates opportunities for collaboration between UK and local arts and creative sectors.
Relationship & Stakeholders
Builds and maintains strategic relationships across the arts, creative, cultural, and institutional sectors. Represents the British Council Arts internally and externally, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange. Works across Cultural Engagement to align partnerships and deliver strategic objectives.
Brand and market positioning
Promotes the UK arts and creative industries while strengthening the British Council’s reputation and mission. Provides market insights to shape relevant, demand-led programmes aligned with British Council and FCDO priorities. Contributes to communications that showcase the impact of the country Arts portfolio.
Business development
Contributes to business and partnership development for the portfolio, aligning with country, Arts and CE priorities, systems and processes.
Programme management
Leads delivery of country Arts programmes tailored to local needs in collaboration with global teams. Oversees portfolio finances, contracts, procurement, grants, governance, and compliance. Manages delivery partners, consultants, and supply chain performance to ensure successful programme delivery.
Experience
Essentials
Specialist knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in arts and creative industry in the country
Experience of managing national arts/ creative industry projects
Active and up-to-date network of diverse arts sector
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