Senior Academic Advisor

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 This role plays a pivotal part in the design and delivery of English and School Education projects and programmes in-country, drawing on expertise in English language education and education policy and implementation across a range of contexts to help shape the design of new projects, programmes and partner- or client-funded contracts. The postholder demonstrates thought leadership and sector expertise on behalf of the British Council, representing the organisation at external meetings, events and in publications to strengthen credibility within the sector. The role also leads on and contributes to research and resources that inform project design and implementation and supports the technical design of bids to win externally funded contracts for clients and partners, including the FCDO, EU, Ministries of Education and various foundations, contributing to English and School Education income targets and the British Council's financial sustainability. The English and School Education team delivers programmes across Pakistan through policy engagement, research and insight, capacity building, and technical assistance for assessment and curriculum, working closely with UK and international partners, federal and provincial Ministries of Education, and education and donor agencies. The team focuses particularly on women and girls, building English, digital and other life skills, and delivers high-profile programmes for the UK Government and UNICEF. British Council Pakistan is one of the organisation's top 12 global operations, with offices in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Role Accountabilities Strategy and Planning Contributes to the business planning process by supporting the country team with project planning and technical design, and provides colleagues in the ESE team at country and, where appropriate, global level with technical knowledge and expertise, contributing to and supporting strategy development. Contributes to developing effective impact narratives related to ESE portfolio themes, aligned to the strategic vision and corporate evidence map. Leadership and Management Assumes the role of Team Leader and/or Technical Leader on new contract or partnership initiatives as required, supporting contract and partnership pursuit activity and increasing conversion or win rates for ESE, and line manages relevant roles in the ESE team. Brand and Market Positioning Supports quality assurance and impact evaluation of in-country projects, and develops reports, presentations and audio-visual content for internal and external audiences that showcase ESE and wider British Council capabilities and impact. Elevates the visibility, reputation and brand of the British Council and the UK with clients, partners and governments, positioning the organisation as a preferred partner and advisor in related English and school education sectors. Business Development Conducts market and academic research and scoping exercises as required, and contributes to a bank of ESE data, including trends in English and professional development within the country and data on the competitor and partner landscape. Participates in the associated insight analysis process, making recommendations that inform and support strategy discussions at all levels. Programme Management and Product Development Applies areas of expertise to build capability, embed and share good practice, and improve performance, making authoritative professional recommendations about the focus and content of research plans and programmes. Supports the country team to deliver impact, meet financial targets and ensure global standards are met, including compliance with project management standards, contractual obligations and corporate policies. Relationship and Stakeholder Management Actively networks and builds trusted relationships with internal and external clients and partners to promote the organisation's impact and interests, and builds a network among local, UK and international communities to develop new innovations, research and insight and potential partnership opportunities that benefit ESE, the British Council and partner strategic aims. Professional Services/Sector Expertise Provides technical input into country initiatives and into proposals, bids and contracts, and delivers up-to-date, well-informed briefings on current and emerging matters relating to English language education, English within multilingual contexts, educational technology and other relevant specialist areas. Represents British Council expertise in support of English for education systems through presentations, publications and participation in policy dialogues, and collaborates with colleagues to identify and articulate the role of teacher development in improving learning outcomes in English language-focused contexts as part of education system reform. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Consistently creates an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of personal bias and taking action to mitigate it, and supporting colleagues' wellbeing, particularly through periods of significant change. Takes accountability for putting the British Council's approach to EDI and anti-racism into practice, engaging visibly with related learning and development. Knowledge & Experience Education Essential: * Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (education, English language, or education and international development) Desirable: * Project management qualification * Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning qualification Experience Essential: * Experience of research and consultancy in English and education * Experience analysing and advising on the role of English within multilingual education contexts * Experience of analysing complex data and writing academic and policy-related reports * Experience of writing successful technical bids and proposals for funded projects * Ability to apply knowledge and experience of school system improvement to the design and delivery of education programmes that contribute to SDGs 4 and 5 * Knowledge of the international evidence base informing school and basic education issues in low- and middle-income countries * Experience of commissioning, applying and disseminating educational research Important Information * Location: Pakistan * Contract Type: Indefinite (Internal/External) * Pay band: 8 * Department: Cultural Engagement * Right to Work Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in the location in which the role is based * Languages: Written and verbal proficiency in English is required * Closing date for applications: 11.59 PM IST, 30 August 2026 11.29 PM Pakistan Time (PKT), 30August 2026 --- 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