Programme Manager at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Manager, North East Nigeria Programme

Job ref.: 09/20 ABJ
Location: Abuja
Grade: C4 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 12 months
Start Date: 6th April, 2020
Type of Post: British High Commission
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory: CSSF – Conflict Stability and Security Fund

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

• The Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) West Africa team, British High Commission Abuja is looking for a confident and proactive programme manager to manage the circa £6m p.a. Conflict Management and Stabilisation projects which form part of the North East Nigeria Programme.
• The CSSF is a global cross-UK government fund which brings together the UK’s contribution to stability, security and defence activities in fragile and conflict affected countries and countries at risk of instability.
• Nigeria is one of HMG’s highest priorities in Africa, and the crisis in the North East is one of HMG’s highest priorities in Nigeria. The drivers of the conflict are diverse and complex, and the resulting humanitarian and security impacts are severe. Ministerial interest remains high.
• The job holder will work to the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) of the North East (NE) Nigeria Programme and be based in Abuja.
• This role presents an exciting opportunity to support UK foreign policy priorities in NE Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin (LCB). It would suit anyone who wishes to apply strong programme management, risk management and stakeholder engagement skills in a fascinating, fast-moving and challenging context. You will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• This role will play an integral role in delivering UK HMG’s policy in NE Nigeria, driving the UK’s strategy to tackle the complex humanitarian and security crisis, as well supporting the SRO and LCB lead to develop our political influence across the region.
• The job holder will work with colleagues across different embassy departments, and the wider region, to ensure a coordinated approach that maximises UK impact.
• This is an exciting opportunity to shape and promote long term stability and good governance in NE Nigeria, through leading the delivery of key policy objectives and effective programme management.

Role and Responsibilities

• This new position will be varied and high profile, in one of the UK’s largest overseas Missions. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a number of key FCO disciplines including programme management, reporting and fusion working.
• The successful candidate will be at the heart of the UKs approach in NE Nigeria, collaborating across departments, and working in a fusion style with humanitarian, stabilisation, DDR and public safety and security colleagues to help the UK address peace and security, including strengthening the role and voice of women, preventing sexual violence and abuse, protecting children in armed conflict, preventing mass atrocities and countering violent extremism.
• You will develop a sound understanding of existing programmes across the mission, which work towards a more stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Nigeria. This work will involve elements of project management, policy liaison, influencing and communications. It would suit someone who has an understanding of protection and conflict issues.
• The post holder will need to work in a fast-paced and changing environment and be willing to support other team members and priorities as needed.
• You will contribute to wider Post and Regional priorities as part of a collegiate cross-HMG team. You will be at the heart of the fused approach to delivering the strategy, working particularly closely with DFID, MOD, FCO political team, Regional Affairs, CSSF and CT / CVE teams. Understanding their priorities and how to make the most of those relationships will be essential early on.
• Through strong communication skills and a genuine interest in the people you meet, you will develop a network able to inform your reporting as you build your analysis for readers in London and across the region.
• You will have contacts across Nigerian Government at Federal and State level, as well as with traditional, community and religious leaders, other diplomatic missions as well as international organisations.
• You will need sound judgement, as well as the ability to process large amounts of information and think strategically to deliver at pace, with impact, in this demanding role.

Your key responsibilities will include:
Programme management of Component 2 (Conflict Management and Stabilisation):

• Provide support to deliver overarching programme objectives.
• Inputs into submissions for programme documents within agreed timelines.
• Provide quality assurance on adherence to good CSSF programme management and reporting, ensuring compliance with CSSF rules.
• Lead and / or provide quality assurance on Due Diligence Assessment (DDA) and / or DDA refresh within agreed timelines; ensure recommendations are captured in work plans and monitor implementation throughout the project lifecycle in consultation with the SRO and the rest of the project team.
• Contribute, as required, to the development of programme risk management strategies and delivery chain maps. Identify and escalate programme risks to the SRO / CSSF Team in line with CSSF risk categories and agreed escalation procedures.
• Participate in annual review and programme monitoring visits to review progress, lead on the assessment of how the programme is being managed.
• Lead on organising quarterly reporting and performance management e.g. through monthly / quarterly meetings with Implementing Partners, with minutes drafted on agreements reached and actions taken / to be taken with agreed points for reviewed.
• Ensure programme extensions and closures are in line with CSSF rules.
• Effectively manage the financial resources for CSSF managed programmes to achieve VFM, transparency, accountability, ODA and FY targets, throughout the project cycles and in compliance with CSSF Rules.
• Work closely with implementing partners / SRO / PO / Team to set annual financial forecast targets within the Component. Challenge implementing partners work and financial plans and related assumptions to ensure forecasts are realistic.
• Supporting the SRO with reshaping of the strategic approach in the North East
• Supporting the SRO with governance of the North East operation, bringing together all government departments and facilitating regular information sharing and joint planning
• Developing connections and contacts across Nigeria to broaden understanding of NE conflict

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Strong grasp of programme management
• Understanding of conflict, peace and security issues, ideally in an African context
• An understanding of systems and tools for financial planning and budgeting (including excel)
• Be articulate, competent in drafting high quality written communication, and have an excellent attention to detail.
• Effective at networking and building relationships and able to negotiate with others.
• Able to work as part of a team to deliver results, be a self-starter and able to take and see through delegated decisions.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Experience of successful cross-government working in the UK and ideally overseas
• Experience of working with commercial suppliers, multi-lateral agencies, civil society, government and development partners to identify problems/obstacles and develop / implement practical solutions

Required competencies:

• Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Delivering Value for Money, Delivering at Pace

Starting Monthly Salary
N827, 892

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• There are a wealth of learning and development opportunities available through the Diplomatic Academy, as well as lots of on the job learning opportunities, attending CSSF professional development, conferences and training. The CSSF is extremely supportive of ongoing professional development and open to creative ideas for interesting learning and development.

Application Closing Date
13th March, 2020