Head of Business Development NFE

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 

Drive meaningful impact through the growth and strategic development of the Non-Formal Education (NFE) portfolio. Shape and deliver income generation and partnership strategies that secure new funding and expand programmes such as Youth Connect, while achieving financial and impact targets through opportunity identification, proposal development, and donor engagement. Strengthen programme and contract management by embedding global standards and compliance processes, building capability, and supporting the successful delivery of the NFE portfolio and strategy.

Accountabilities

Leadership and Management

• Driving the NFE business development strategy and aligning priorities with organisational goals.
• Building strategic partnerships and managing resources, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Leading proposals, contracts, performance monitoring, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Business Development and Contract Management

• Developing opportunities, strengthening pipelines, and managing proposal processes.
• Ensuring governance, approvals, consultant engagement, and contract compliance.
• Applying lessons learned and collaborating with stakeholders to maximise business growth.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Building and strengthening internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Enhancing coordination, engagement, and account management practices.
• Addressing challenges and creating opportunities to improve stakeholder outcomes.

Operations

• Supporting communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams.
• Maintaining accurate operational, workforce, and programme information.
• Managing risks, issues, evidence, and compliance requirements.

Market Positioning

• Strengthening organisational reputation and sector presence.
• Supporting market research, analysis, and strategic insights.
• Promoting thought leadership and organisational credibility.

Sector Expertise

• Applying sector knowledge to programme design and business development.
• Contributing to consultations, responses, and external engagements.
• Strengthening the organisation’s position as a sector leader.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Managing portfolio finances and delivering against financial targets.
• Monitoring budgets, costs, timelines, and profitability.
• Reporting on financial performance, results, and impact.

Internal Information and Knowledge Management

• Managing knowledge and information to support delivery and growth.
• Maintaining accurate and accessible communication resources.
• Promoting effective knowledge sharing across teams.

Learning and Continuous Improvement

• Strengthening programme and contract management capabilities.
• Driving learning, knowledge sharing, and best practices.
• Supporting professional development and continuous improvement.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Championing an inclusive, anti-racist, and equitable culture.
• Embedding EDI principles across programmes and operations.
• Promoting ongoing EDI and anti-racism learning and development.

Role Specific Skills:

• Stakeholder engagement and client management
• Proposal management, understanding of business planning principles and processes
• Good skills and knowledge in programme delivery, management and evaluation of full cost recovery contracts.

Qualifications

Education: Degree and/or equivalent experience

Professional Certification

Project management or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Strong knowledge of the youth and skills sectors.
• Understanding of commercial tendering and proposal management.
• Experience delivering externally funded projects/programmes.
• Experience in competitive tendering, proposal writing, and business development, with a track record of winning new business.
• Experience managing MEL and applying learning to programmes and strategy.
• Experience engaging with multilateral agencies, donors, government officials, and academics.
  
  

Desirable

• Able to lead digital events on Microsoft Teams, ensuring compliance with corporate, accessibility, and safeguarding standards.
• Ability to assess equality issues and identify opportunities to address them across the portfolio.

Important Information:

Language Requirements: Proficient written and spoken English and Burmese
Pay Band: 7
Department: Education
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 years)
Location/Country: Yangon, Myanmar
Working Arrangement: Onsite
Closing Date: 02 September 2026 at 11:59 PM IST and 03 September 2026 00:59 AM MMT

Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.   

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 [email protected]