The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for an Education Policy Advisor on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2025. There is a possibility of extension of the contract depending on performance and operational requirements.

The jobholder will lead the further development of the UK-Saudi education partnership, working with the British Council and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This will entail supporting visits by UK Ministers, the UK International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith, and senior officials. The jobholder will also identify and develop opportunities for practical bilateral collaboration on education. 

Duties and responsibilities

• Track and develop deep expertise on UK and Saudi education policy and systems.
• Advise the British Embassy in Riyadh and UK Government on education, with specific reference to Saudi Arabia.
• Coordinate UK Government engagement on education in Saudi Arabia.
• Collaborate with UK Government colleagues to shape and organise regular remote and in-person engagement by UK Ministers, Sir Steve Smith, and senior officials with Saudi partners.
• Spot and take forward opportunities for UK and Saudi Arabia to exchange expertise and experience on education policy, including curriculum development, early years education, teacher training, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and vocational training.
• Support the British Council in enabling UK and Saudi higher education institutions to pursue common initiatives, e.g., centres of excellence.
• Work closely with Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Council, and Department for Education (DfE) colleagues to support them in identifying and pursuing opportunities for British business in the education sector.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Leadership – Show pride and passion for public service. Create and engage others in delivering a shared vision. Value difference, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.

Eligibility:

• The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
• The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• Excellent relationship development and management skills, capable of operating at all organisational levels. Experience of developing relationships and building influence with multiple stakeholders in public and private sectors.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication. Able to simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Team player who is capable of working on their own initiative and manage others.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).