Finance and Compliance Manager at the British High Commission (BHC)

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: Finance and Compliance Manager (Internal Advert)

Grade: C4 (L)
Location: Abuja
Job Category  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Job Subcategory: Finance
Start Date: 10th October, 2016.

Job Descriptions (Roles and Responsibilities) 

• The British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, is looking for a confident and proactive Finance and Compliance manager to maintain oversight of, and standards in, a £29m p.a programme portfolio across West Africa. This role is based in Abuja. Some travel might be required.
• This role presents an exciting opportunity to support UK foreign policy priorities in West Africa by ensuring compliance with HMG financial, risk management and audit requirements. It would suit anyone who wishes to apply strong financial, risk-management and stakeholder engagement skills in a fast-moving and challenging context. 
• The position is offered on a renewable contract basis until 31/3/18, subject to continued funding which will be confirmed at the beginning of each financial year.

Main Purpose of the Job

• The main purpose of the job is to work with a wide range of Nigerian, HMG and international actors to monitor, report on and improve finance and risk management across a £29m West Africa programme portfolio.
• This will require a range of activity, including establishing and communicating HMG requirements; strengthening systems to monitor spend and compliance; improving regional capacity; providing advice; and leading procurement, due diligence and audit processes directly as appropriate.
•  The programme is funded through the UK’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). This is a global fund which brings together the UK’s contribution to multilateral peacekeeping, security and defence activities in countries at risk of instability. The fund is managed by the FCO. The West Africa Programme portfolio is wide-ranging and fast moving, including a range of programme interventions in support of more secure and peaceful countries in the region.

The Main Duties will include:

• Maintain a clear overview of financial and compliance performance across the West Africa CSSF portfolio, proactively ensuring compliance with all financial, risk management and audit requirements, escalating any identified risks and identified areas for improvement;
• Ensure programme management cycle principles and best practice are applied to support delivery of projects in line with annual milestones and targets;
• Provide accurate and timely financial and compliance reports for decision makers, presenting information in a clear and accessible way;
• Improve regional capability on finance, procurement and risk management by sharing guidance, tools and training opportunities;
• Provide advice on specific finance, procurement and risk management issues across the region;
• Ensure due diligence and audit processes are applied to protect programme funds; and
• Implement procurement, due diligence and audit processes directly and in a timely manner as appropriate;
• Manage relationships with contractors, implementers and partners professionally and effectively to ensure value for money, and to minimise fraud, inefficiency and waste;
• Proactively facilitate the sharing of information between FCO and partners; and
• Provide management and leadership to one programme administrator.

Essential Qualifications and Experience 
Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration or equivalent.

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in programme/project management & administration.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Strong programme and project cycle management skills and experience. This will include evidence of successful programme/project/other financial management and application of sound procurement principles and financial planning and budgeting. The candidate will be able to master, or demonstrate an ability to master quickly FCO’s financial and programme management systems;
• A strong understanding of systems and tools for financial planning and budgeting (including excel), and results monitoring;
• That they are articulate, are competent in drafting high quality written communication , and have excellent attention to detail;
• The ability to engage effectively with technical level staff in government and other donors, that they are effective at networking and building relationships and able to negotiate with others;
• The skills to effectively prioritise work, ensure timely processing of tasks, effective time management, and the ability to demonstrate initiative;
• Experience of working with commercial suppliers, multi-lateral agencies, civil society, Government and development partners to identify problems/obstacles and develop/implement practical solutions.
• The ability to work as part of a team to deliver results, be a self-starter and able to take and see through delegated decisions.
• The post holder will have line management responsibilities and if so will need to demonstrate an ability to manage staff effectively

Required Competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Delivering Value for Money, Delivering at Pace

Remuneration
Starting monthly salary: N 704,848

Application Closing Date
14th September, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
• Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
• Successful candidates not resident in Country will be personally liable for costs and arrangements to relocate, including accommodation and work permits.  
• Complete the application form in full as the information provided will be used for screening purposes.
• Check your application and attachments before you submit your application, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.