Application deadline: 17 April 2023
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 12 months
Region: Africa
Country/Territory: Mali
Location (City): Bamako
Type of Post: British Embassy
Salary: XOF 1,295,407 basic before Malian taxes plus XOF 103, 000 guaranteed allowances (non-taxable) per month
Start Date: 1 June 2023

The British Embassy in Bamako is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy was established in 2015 and since then has expanded rapidly in line with UK defence, development and humanitarian priorities in Mali. We work closely with partners and the UN Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, to promote a return to stability in the country. Supporting the Malian people through development, stabilisation and humanitarian policy and programming is at the centre of the UK’s mission in Mali. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Deputy Development Counsellor.

The Deputy Development Counsellor sits in the Development Team, working closely with the Development Counsellor to represent the UK in Mali on all development and humanitarian issues, in particular on health, education, women and girls, climate and environment, food security and livelihoods. This involves advising on policy and programming priorities, monitoring and evaluating existing programmes, and engaging with a range of stakeholders. The role works with technical specialists and programme managers based in Dakar, Senegal and in London. You will join an existing network of Deputy Development Counsellors across the Sahel, who can offer support and guidance.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work at the heart of development and humanitarian issues at a time when needs have never been greater in Mali. You will have the opportunity to influence the UK’s priorities in Mali, providing vital input on the local context to inform the UK’s decisions and strategic engagement in the region. You can expect to work closely with the wider embassy team, as well as with UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs and the international community. You will also be required to build effective relationships with the Malian government and civil society.

Roles and responsibilities:

Policy and strategy: Providing analysis and input to inform the UK government’s policy on development and humanitarian assistance in Mali and helping to deliver the UK government’s strategic approach to the Sahel. Engaging international and national stakeholders, including Malian government and civil society, to understand latest priorities, trends and concerns related to development and humanitarian issues. Leading on a specific thematic priority which could include climate change, women and girls, health or education for example.

Programme engagement: Mapping and maximising the impact of UK aid funding in Mali, ensuring value for money and coherence in UK programming. Providing support to manage and monitor UK development and humanitarian programmes in country. Engaging with donors and multilateral organisations to coordinate interventions and leverage support. Using local insights and information to provide constructive feedback on existing UK programmes, and to provide advice on future programmes.

Communication and collaboration: Ensuring maximum visibility and impact from UKAid funding, including raising the profile of UKAid in Mali, with international and national partners. Building effective relationships and influencing key stakeholders on specific issues, especially the Malian government, UN agencies, IFIs and other donors, in line with UK priorities.

Deputising for the Development Counsellor and wider embassy support: At times stepping in for the Development Counsellor, representing the UK at diplomatic meetings and events. As a full member of the Embassy team, contributing to making the Embassy a friendly and supportive working environment.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience :

· Strong oral and written communication skills in English and French.

· Experience, knowledge and interest in peace, conflict and development issues in the Sahel.

· Highly organised and detail-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work at pace on multiple priorities at the same time.

· Strong critical thinking skills – an ability to think independently, critically analyse information and draw out conclusions.

· Good communication skills and ability to take initiatives.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

· Excellent team working skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

· Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation approaches.

· Experience working with/ for donors and/ or UN agencies and/or IFIs.

· Minimum 2 – 4 years experience or qualifications in project management.

· Proven ability to work with finances and budgets.

Required behaviours:

Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Working Together

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Learning and development opportunities: There is a wealth of Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities available to help staff pursue their professional development. The successful applicant will be required to undertake a number of mandatory trainings and will have access to a range of L&D opportunities both in-house and overseas.

Working patterns: Working hours are from 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 12:30 on Fridays (35.5 Hours). Arrangement is possible for flexible working hours in agreement with the Line Manager.

Additional information:

The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Bamako are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Mali.
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.
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.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN ENGLISH ONLY.