View Vacancy - DXB - Programme Manager, Gulf Strategy Fund C4(L)

The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Programme Manager for the Gulf Strategy Fund for a fixed-term contract for one (1) year.

The Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) is a revised programme fund that supports the delivery of the UK’s Gulf Strategy. Embassies in GCC countries are provided with funding allocation to deliver projects in the region that support the Embassy’s implementation of the Gulf Strategy and the Embassy’s country business plan (CBP).

The Programme Manager based in the UAE will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects in the Security, Prosperity, and other pillars of the Gulf Strategy Fund. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) based in Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Consul-General (DCG) based in Dubai, the jobholder will be required to help coordinate and drive project development, liaise with the GSF Programme Team in the UK, and act as board secretariat.

COVID-19 has driven changes to the operating context for the GSF Programme and the UAE country business plan. As a result, the Programme Manager will also be responsible for supporting the wider Post transition out of COVID-19 programme structures and back into a new ‘BAU’; for aligning the GSF spend with updated business plan objectives, as they are reshaped; and for helping to align the GSF Programme Board with other post governance mechanisms, ensuring they are all well-supported and operating coherently.

The jobholder will be responsible for the delivery of the programme of projects in collaboration with colleagues in British Embassies and Consulates across the Middle East and with Whitehall stakeholders, including the FCO MENA and PMO leads. The jobholder will also work particularly closely with National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Department for International Trade (DIT), and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) teams.

Duties and responsibilities:

- Programme Management of Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) projects

• Support and finalise programme board review and approval of country objectives and funding, post-COVID-19 outbreak
• Design, monitor, and improve governance, strategic oversight, and risk management by programme board
• Engage project teams to ensure funded activity adapts to the new context and proceeds as planned; is monitored robustly (including progress indicators and targets, financial planning, and narrative reporting); delivers impact on time and to budget; and is effectively evaluated.
• Work closely with the Mission’s teams to ensure that funded activity is continually linked well to wider policy objectives, including by providing wider support to Policy Officers working on the thematic priorities of the Programme. Advise project leads on public communications and narratives (in consultation with the Press Team)
• Review activities across the Programme against objectives on a regular basis and plan for future activities and funding
• Act as the main point of contact for queries, information, and updates on the Programme
• Work closely with the GSF Team in London to deliver all necessary Programme documentation, reporting, and thematic work to deadlines
• Demonstrate effective oversight of programme and risk management, project monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms
• Coordinate and keep up to date and consistent the Post’s Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) and other human rights assessments relevant to GSF projects
• Understand and review how the GSF spend and governance aligns with and supports delivery of the country business plan (CBP) objectives, including as we update the CBP and transition out of our COVID-19 programme structures

- Financial management of projects

• Support monitoring of the delegated programme budget
• Maintain accurate records on project allocations, monthly spend, and forecasted spend
• Provide financial reporting back to Senior Management on a regular basis
• Monitor programme spend, including taking responsibility to deliver against allocation per project. Support project leads to achieve spend targets

- Monitoring and evaluation

• Develop monitoring and evaluation plan against clear objectives agreed with project leads
• Track activity of projects against agreed timelines. Support monitoring and evaluation of programmes at key stages for the programme board chair
• Lead on analysis on impact that projects across the programme are having on relevant policy objectives, working in partnership with post policy and thematic leads
• Regular reporting of project progress to the programme boards and wider teams

- Team support and learning and development (L&D)

• Act as the Secretariat to the Mission’s Programme Board; prepare papers for Board meetings, provide advice, monitor follow-up actions, support the chair of the Board; improve coherence with post Strategy, Management, and People Boards
• Ad hoc support to policy officers working on wider UK policy on the Programme’s thematic priorities, including around busy negotiations, events, VIP visits, and other major policy initiatives and campaigns
• Develop an understanding of the FCO Programme Management Procedures and guidelines as well as FCO Internal Audit and UK National Audit Office (NAO) requirements, and provide advice on compliance of the Programme
• Ensure skills of team members are best utilised within the team as well as wider Chancery. Provide guidance and support as necessary.

The above list is not exhaustive and the job holder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key competencies required:

• Achieving Commercial Outcomes - Maintaining an economic, long-term focus in all activities. Having a commercial, financial and sustainable mind-set to ensure all activities and services are delivering added value. Identifying economic, market, and customer issues and using these to promote innovative business models, commercial partnerships, and agreements to deliver greatest value; and ensuring tight commercial controls of finances, resources, and contracts to meet strategic priorities.
• Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Providing the focus and energy to drive activities forward through others and encourage staff to perform effectively during challenging and changing times.
• Leading and Communicating - Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Establishing a strong direction and a persuasive future vision; managing and engaging with people with honesty and integrity, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
• Collaborating and Partnering - Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Encouraging collaboration and building effective partnerships including relationships with Ministers.

• Demonstrated experience in project management, delivery, and evaluation, and experience managing large budgets
• Must be a proven self-starter with the ability to drive delivery of outcomes and overcome obstacles, especially when working with and through others
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Excellent relationship development and management skills, capable of operating at all organisational levels. Experience of developing relationships and building influence with multiple stakeholders in public and private sectors. Recognises the importance of developing a strong professional network.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• At least a bachelor’s degree.