CSSF Nigeria Programme 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 vacant position below:

Job Title: CSSF Nigeria Programme Manager

Ref Id: 12/19 ABJ
Location: Abuja
Grade: C4 (L)
Type of Position: Permanent
Start Date: 1st June, 2019
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory: CSSF - Conflict Stability and Security Fund

Main Purpose of Job
The job holder will work directly to the Deputy Head of CSSF Nigeria, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programmes which work towards a more stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Nigeria. The CSSF portfolio in Nigeria will be worth approx £25m in the next financial year and covers a range of security and stabilisation programmes, including on Security and Justice Reform (SJRP), and in the North East and Delta regions of the country.

The CSSF Nigeria team works to and is co-located with the West Africa team, which oversees approx. £36m p.a. programmes across the region (with Nigeria inclusive). The CSSF Nigeria programme is delivered by partners from a range of different government departments and each overseen by a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). 

The job holder will be required to coordinate programme management across a range of CSSF programmes, including those implemented by other government departments, as well as, in collaboration with the head of the team, to strengthen the strategic links between CSSF and other programming in Nigeria.

The post-holder will be responsible and accountable for:

• Advise SROs on all ongoing programme management milestones/requirements, including follow-up of annual reviews, and be responsible for keeping this up to date and tracking progress through the delivery plan and work plan.
• Lead on the CSSF Nigeria annual review or programme monitoring visits and contribute to the assessment of how the portfolio is being managed.
• Analyse and challenge partner performance across the range of core programme management tasks such as risks, results and finances.
• Maintain close contact with implementing partners (including OGDs) to ensure a shared understand of risk management for the programme. Maintain and monitor risk registers, proactively highlighting and escalating concerns, risks and issues to appropriate level and to ensure that all key risks identified are actioned and monitored routinely.
• Ensure receipt of quarterly reporting, including analysing and challenging performance against planned activities.
• Ensure Due Diligence Assessments (DDA) and/or refreshes for all programmes are up to date and recommendations in consultation with the programme SROs are implemented within agreed timelines .
• Engage FCO implementing partners at least once a month to understand their latest spend and activity plans for the current and future months, challenging assumptions and flagging risk to the team where necessary.
• Be the primary point of contact on all Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) related issue for CSSF Nigeria. Collate MEL needs for the portfolio (including other thematic areas such as gender, human rights, etc) with constant engagements with SROs and liaise with the West Africa Third Party Monitoring (TPM) contractor on action plans.
• Review all invoice submissions to ensure VfM before approving payments
• On Comms, with the support of programme assistant, work with SROs, communications staff of implementing partners, and the Press Team in the BHC to produce relevant communications products, including case studies and stories, which may be required at short notice for communications needs
• Hold PRISM responsibilities for FCO projects managed.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience in programme management
• Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 
• Financial management experience
• Conflict/Security experience.
• This role requires the jobholder to have some experience in financial management.

Required Competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service.

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• There are a wealth of L&D opportunities available through the Diplomatic Academy, as well as lots of on the job learning opportunities, attending CSSF professional development, conferences and training
• Nigeria is one of HMG's highest priorities in Africa. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country (c180m), its largest economy and the world's twelfth largest oil producer. One in five Africans are Nigerian. Two thirds of Nigeria's cl 80m people live on under $1.25 a day. By 2050 its population is expected to grow to around 440m
• Set against these opportunities, Nigeria faces enormous challenges, including major security threats (from instance from Boko Haram in the north-east, and insecurity in areas such as the Niger Delta), huge corruption, tensions over land, resources and jobs, and a fragile economy. These challenges affect the Nigerian government's ability to deliver effectively on security, development and prosperity - in a country which is home to a quarter of Africa's extreme poor. Nigeria has the potential to be major force for development across the continent. It has a strong influence on African politics, peace and security, and trade through ECOWAS/AU, and is a major contributor to peacekeeping
• Abuja is one of the largest and most important HMG missions in Africa, with a large High Commission, high profile DFID office and other departments and UK military represented. The CSSF team is expanding and dynamic, sitting at the heart of the Mission.

Remuneration
Starting Monthly salary: N812, 470/month.

Application Closing Date
12th April, 2019.

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

Additional Information

• Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening. Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to:
  • Obtain the relevant permit
  • Pay fees for the permit
  • Make arrangements to relocate
  • Meet the Costs to Relocation
• The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
• 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.
• 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 Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates
• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.