Head of Policy and Insight, China

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.

This role will be offered on long‑term strategic international assignment terms which includes visa and transfer support and benefits such as assignment allowances, housing, utilities, and schooling. Please note Visa approvals are beyond the British Council’s control so any job offer will be subject to securing the required right to work. The full International Assignment package is offered at the discretion of the British Council and may not be available to candidates who are currently already based in another location but have significant connections to the host location. Applications for locally hired candidates are welcome but if successful will not qualify for the international assignment package and will continue local terms and conditions of service.

Role Purpose

Operating at the intersection between cultural relations and the wider UK‑China relationship, this is a new role that focuses on translating on‑the‑ground experience from British Council delivery of Education and Culture programmes into policy insight and inputs, mainly intended for xHMG stakeholders at post.

Main Accountabilities

• Support the Country Director Function and sector leads in delivering pro‑active and engaged leadership on Education and Culture across the UK embassy.
• Develop high‑quality written policy analysis / products on Education, Culture, and soft power trends relevant to xHMG (and sectoral) interests in China.
• Pro‑actively draft and coordinate briefs, submissions, diptels, and updates in line with embassy policy processes and rhythms.
• Maintain active and influential working‑level relationships across Embassy teams (Political, Economic, DBT, Science & Innovation, Outreach, Comms) and with sector‑relevant contacts within the diplomatic community.
• Support engagement with the embassy on strategic comms.
• Align policy outputs with British Council sector leads in country, drawing on their expertise.
• Liaison with government relations colleagues in the UK where HQ needs China content for their stakeholders.
• Provide insight, briefing and support for high‑level visits.

Role Specific Skills

• Strong stakeholder / relationship management skills across institutional boundaries.
• Advanced analytical capability, including interpretation of complex political and regulatory environments.
• Excellent drafting skills, including policy‑focused written products.
• Ability to translate sectoral expertise into cross‑government policy relevance.

Minimum / Essential Requirements

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience developing internationally‑focused policy analysis and written products for UK government audiences.
• Experience working in complex international or government‑adjacent environments.
• Experience developing new policy related products or approaches.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in / with UK higher education sector, preferably in a policy role.
• Experience working in China and / or on China‑related policy not essential but highly desirable.

Additional Job Requirements

• International Assignment – 2 years.
• UK nationality required.
• Regular domestic/international travel.
• Attendance at some evening or weekend events.
• This role will require security clearance at Developed Vetting (DV) level.

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 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.