POSITION : Programme Officer
SECTION : BE Bamako
GRADE : B3
POSITION TYPE : Fixed Term Contract
SALARY : XOF 825,000 PER MONTH
Main purpose of job:
The Programme Officer will play a central role in setting up and running a new programme office responsible for managing the UK’s Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) in the Sahel.
Roles and responsibilities:
Working together with the Depuy Head of Mission Bamako and the West Africa Regional Conflict and Stability Team based in Abuja, the Programme Officer will manage and oversee a GBP 4m per annum programme promoting a secure, safer and more stable Sahel, and supporting wider UK interests in the region.
The Programme Officer will be responsible for the management and financial control of projects within the Sahel CSSF Programme. Amongst other varied duties, this role includes; leading on monthly and quarterly reporting; gathering, preparing and narrating financial data for use by the Programme Office, the Local Strategy Board and other stakeholders; assessing and understanding project spending profiles and managing projected expenditure against planned forecasts. Review regular project monitoring reports to inform risk management, derive management information for the Local Strategy Board.
Programme management: Assist Deputy Head of Mission with management and oversight of programme activities, with specific focus on Monitoring and Evaluation of projects, and drawing on a strong reporting background. Opportunities to input on analysis of conflict issues in West Africa
Financial management: Carry out accurate monthly and quarterly monitoring of actual and forecast spend of the programme, through liaison with project leads. Summarise and report information to local management and wider stakeholders. Create robust systems and look for continuous improvement of reporting and quarterly returns processes. Evaluate proposed project budgets and assist implementing partners in the creation and maintenance of robust financial planning and reporting procedures. Manage and account for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA spend across project portfolio. Provide narrative reporting to account for variances and trends, and to inform risk management.
Project payments and administration: In liaison with West Africa CSSF Team and implementing partners, assist in invoicing and administrating procurement processes. Lead on use of PRISM software, including creation of supplier sites, requisitions and Purchase Orders.
Administrative support: Support the Bamako Programme Office, for example circulating documentation, organising seminars, taking a record of meetings and decisions or making flight and hotel bookings.
Key competences required:
Changing and improving
Collaboration and partnering
Delivering value for money
Delivering a quality service
Language requirements:
Language: English and French
Level of language required: English (operational) and French (extensive)
Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Essential on arrival:
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and French.
• Previous experience and / or qualifications in project / programme management; specifically a strong M&E/reporting background.
• Highly organised, able to take initiative and to work accurately within deadlines and with limited supervision.
• Proficient with MS Office applications, particularly Excel
• Attention to detail and be comfortable working with figures and financial processes.
Desirable:
• Knowledge of the Prism accounting system
• Previous experience and / or qualifications in financial management.
• Good customer service skills, for dealing with implementing partners and project leads.
• Knowledge and interest in peace, conflict and security issues in Africa
Learning and development opportunities:
The successful applicant will be required to undertake mandatory Prism eLearning, as necessary, and will also have access to a range of Learning and Development opportunities (in-house and overseas training, e-learning, coaching etc.). There may also be the opportunity to travel occasionally within West Africa.
NOTE:
All applicants must be legally able to work in Mali with the correct visa/status or work permit.
The British Embassy in Bamako is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
Staff members recruited locally by the British Embassy in Bamako are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Mali employment law.
Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.
To Apply
All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English, by email to: Recruitment.Africa@fco.gov.uk
Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent 24 months of appraisal evidence (i.e. two full appraisals, or however many abridged appraisals, minutes etc to make up two years’ worth of evidence) to the same email address.
All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 02/15 BMK, and position you are applying for.
Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 02/15 BMK, and position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
The closing date is 10 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.