View Vacancy - Programme Manager, UK-India Tech Partnership, UK Trade Economics and Prosperity, British Deputy High Commission Bangalore

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 identity, 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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Technology, Information and Digital Transformation

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Main purpose of job:

In April 2018 Prime Ministers Modi and May declared a strategic UK-India Tech Partnership. This is a world first, and we are putting a team together to turn their vision into a reality that supports jobs, innovation and growth in both the UK and India.

As an initial strand of work, the UK had dedicated £9m to nurturing new ‘tech clusters’ in India by promoting links with international counterparts and centres of excellence, including the UK. We are starting with the AI/Data Science cluster in Karnataka, and we’ll be building new partnerships in three ways:

• Offering Innovative Challenge Funds to consortia of Indian and international researchers which address tech research and development gaps in the sector.

• Enhancing Cluster Connectivity by facilitating missions of researchers and business leaders to India, and from India to the UK, promoting formal academic exchanges, and providing intra-cluster support services.

• Building Business Growth by setting-up landing pads abroad for Indian start-ups and spin-out companies; facilitating thematic roundtables on market challenges and opportunities; offering supported, tailored exchange; showcasing Indian innovation; and providing opportunities to win investment.

You will support the Cluster Team Lead by providing programme management expertise and oversight to support delivery of varied and innovative projects under these themes. In particular, you will be responsible for overseeing the the innovation grant fund (£4.5), ensuring that the consortia of Indian and international scientists who win the grants are meeting their obligations and that the fund is achieving its aims.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new team in ‘start-up’ mode on a well-funded and innovative programme that has been prioritised at the most senior levels of the Indi an and British governments. Many of the big decision on substance and timing have yet to be taken. We are looking for energetic, tenacious and creative people to join the team and take those decisions with us. The contract is 2 years, as per our programme rules, but will likely be extended for the duration of the programme (2.5 years).

The perfect candidate

Our ideal programme manager will have at least three years’ experience in technical programme management, with previous personal responsibility for financial management of at least 10 crore. You will have proficiency in standard project management and financial management software. You will be able to defend decisions with reference to the overall strategic aims of the programme, drive stakeholders towards hitting agreed milestones, while maintaining forensic control over every penny of expenditure, as befits a publically funded initiative.   You will be as passionate about the future of digital tech as you are about a perfectly populated GANTT chart.

How the job fits in to the rest of the team

You will be working in our Banaglore office to a senior Eco-system Head of Development and alongside an Eco-system manager. Both are specialists in AI/Data Science’s sector and its their role to create and deliver ideas for partnerships. Your job is to take sure they do this in a way that is coherent with the strategic aims of our funding source, and compliant with its rules (while contributing your own ideas as appropriate). You will also work to the senior programme manager who sits in Delhi -along with the Tech Partnership team senior leadership – who has overall responsibility for the programme and will guide you in your work.    

The Karnataka Clusters team has a sister team in Maharashtra focused on Future Mobility. Some knowledge sharing with your equivalent in Pune would also be appropriate.  

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Programme management

The Programme Manager is responsible for effective co-ordination of one of the Tech Cluster programme in Bangalore including oversight of any risks and issues arising.

  • Ensure that programme delivery is in line with UK principles, standards and guidance – ensuring all compliance activities are undertaken. This includes implementation of the programme in line with FCO systems and processes, the UK-India Tech Partnership Programme business case, Due Diligence Assessments and ensuring Value for Money is demonstrated.
  • Working with policy leads provide quality assurance to ensure the delivery of new products or services from projects is to the required standard, on time and within budget, in accordance with the programme plan and programme governance arrangements.
  • Working with the Procurement Group, to ensure timely and well managed procurement of services to deliver one TCs programme in line with FCO systems and guidance.
  •   Working with policy leads and the Senior Programme Manager, ensure high quality stakeholder management and communications with all delivery partners to drive delivery and ensure appropriate flow of information and advice.
  • Working with the Cluster Team Leader, Senior Programme Manager and policy leads, to manage risks including by maintaining an up-to-date risk register and developing strategies for risk mitigation.
  • Coordinate Monitoring, Reporting, Evalution and Learning (MREL) functions for the Cluster team, working with the UKTEP MREL specialist and with independent MREL service providers

  • Ensure that data is passed efficiently between internal and external partners, and is inputted effectively to the MREL tool Prospero.

  • Ensure that learning is fed back into the programme and to the Senior Programme Manager to inform course correction and adaptive programming, and outcomes are properly captured.  

  • Regularly review partner reporting, in co-ordination with Policy Leads and the Senior Programme Manager.

  • Critically appraise progress, troubleshooting programme issues and escalating delivery risks as appropriate.

  • Monitor project delivery through meetings with project stakeholders.

  • Lead the production of annual reviews and project completion reviews for one TCPs to quality standards and agreed deadline.  

Financial Management

  • Working closely with the Prosperity Fund Portfolio team, manage one TCs programme's budget on behalf of the SRO, monitoring expenditure and costs against delivered and realised benefits as the programme progresses.
  • Ensure timely and accurate allocation and forecasting of one TCs programme budget and financial management in line with FCO PPM (Programme and Project Management) benchmarks and quality standards.
  • Ensure that the Cluster team is consistently practicing sound financial management using appropriate tools and practices.
  • Ensure that delivery partners are meeting expected standards on delivering Value for Money.

Communication

  • Working with the Senior Programme Manager and TP Deputy Head, co-ordinate proactive progress reporting on programme progress, emerging risks and lessons learned, for the SRO, relevant Programme Boards and Teams in the BHC and in London.
  • Deliver proactive and timely communication of results to internal customers and external stakeholders, including drafting impact stories and other communications products matched to audience, diplomatic telegrams, letters etc.

Prosperity Fund

The cross-government Prosperity Fund (PF) was established under the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) with the primary aim of supporting growth in recipient countries and thereby reducing poverty. As such, it represents a key component of the prosperity pillar of the UK Aid Strategy. But the Fund uniquely focuses on promoting growth in ODA-eligible middle income countries, which are home to nearly 70% of the world’s poor and where the development challenges remain significant, but at the same time are important business partners and drivers of prosperity. By delivering high impact, strategic multi-year programmes, across high opportunity countries, regions and sectors, the Fund will help create opportunities for international business, including UK companies. As the UK leaves the EU, an even more outward-looking global Britain investing and trading with the fastest growing markets will become increasingly important.

Around 25 multi-year programmes have so far been endorsed by the Ministerial Board. These cover trade, anti-corruption, infrastructure, business environment, health, future cities, education, financial services, energy and outward investment. For more information, see the Prosperity Fund Annual Report 2016/17. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Responsibility for up to 9 million GBP FCO Prosperity Fund Tech Partnership programme between 2019-20 and 2021-22.   

  • Post-graduate degree in a relevant subject;
  • At least three years’ experience of programme and financial management of large programmes (>10 crore) preferably in the international development field
  • Skilled in standard programme and financial management software
  • Experience of working with third party delivery partners.
  • Ability to work autonomously and proactively.
  • Experience of scientific grant management
  • Experience of tech or digital sectors, particularly in India.
15 November 2019
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term
40
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
Bangalore
British Deputy High Commission
1
INR
102,429
1 December 2019

Salary Details:  

For BHC candidates, the Local BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.For other than BHC candidates, Basic Salary will be INR 102,429.

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work forces are women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best. 

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

We place a strong emphasis on learning and development.You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build up programme knowledge and expertise and gain exposure to working across government. You will have access to existing and new Project & Programme Management L&D as well as wider job-relevant L&D and support for your own personal development. You may have the opportunity to participate in annual reviews to assess the performance of PF programmes. 

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

In your role as Programme Manager, Tech Clusters you are required to ensure Gender Equality Act compliance and support PF ambitions on women’s economic opportunities, inclusive growth and poverty reduction through your department / team.


Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):


We place a strong emphasis on learning and development.You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build up programme knowledge and expertise and gain exposure to working across government. You will have access to existing and new Project & Programme Management L&D as well as wider job-relevant L&D and support for your own personal development. You may have the opportunity to participate in annual reviews to assess the performance of PF programmes.

To Apply: 

Please note applications without (a), (b) will not be considered.

A.     Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form

‘‘Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, and check for the eligibility clause if on probation, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 15 November 2019 midnight.

Please Note:

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references,medical,educational and professional.

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.