View Vacancy - CPK - Prosperity Project Manager (China Financial Services Programme), B3(L)

In November 2015, the UK Government announced a £1.3bn Prosperity Fund to promote the economic reform and development needed for growth in partner countries. As well as supporting inclusive growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development, the Fund also seeks to improve trade links between partner countries and the rest of the world, including the UK. The Prosperity Fund China portfolio consists of a number of sector-focused programmes. The multi-million pound China Financial Services Programme will soon complete procurement and start delivery running from 2019 until 2022.

The overall impacts the Programme is seeking to achieve are: (1) a more effective regulatory environment for financial services to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in China; and (2) increased trade and investment cooperation between Chinese and international (including UK) business. Through these the Programme will meet the primary objective of sustainable, inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and gender equality, as well as secondary benefit of increased international and UK trade and investment.

In partnership with an external delivery partner, the Programme will deliver a series of Technical Assistance Activities through a combination of competitive grants disbursed to third-party experts, a set of smaller and more short-term activities and ad hoc advisory activities in support of overall Programme delivery.

This is a unique opportunity to work on the programme at the heart of the UK-China bilateral financial and economic relationship. China is undertaking a series of fundamental and complex reforms across its financial system. The UK is recognised as a global leader in financial services and holds particular strength in financial regulation. The China Financial Services Programme represents the key tool for UK engagement on these issues with China.

The Project Manager will support the delivery, management and monitoring of the Programme and sub-projects. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate project and budget management, communicating, collaborating and influencing skills and certain level knowledge of financial policy issues. The role will report to Programme Manager of China Financial Services Programme, and work closely with DIT Financial and Professional Services Team, Economic and Trade Policy Team and other strands of Prosperity Team, and liaise with other relevant sections including British Consulates nationwide to ensure successful delivery of this programme.  

The successful candidate will support gender equality act compliance and support the Prosperity Fund’s policy and guidance on gender equality, economic empowerment and inclusive growth for all.

Procurement, finance and contract management (50%)

• Assist with the procurement process, including drafting and reviewing Terms of Reference and evaluating tender documentation and contracts.
• Deliver accurate budgeting, forecasting, and invoicing information
• Monitor and evaluate projects on a regular basis, including ongoing financial and contractual management and monitoring of risks and significant outcomes.  Take responsibility for co-ordinating and delivering project evaluations, assessing progress against project deliverables and policy impact;

Programme Monitoring, Reporting, Evaluation and Learning (MREL) (30%)

• Support periodic reviews, audits, and regular reporting of projects.
• Work with Portfolio-level MREL specialists to ensure the programme aligns with HMG standards and best practice and effectively deliver value for money.

Programme and project management (20%)

• Ensure the effective implementation of projects, including management of relationships with implementing partners.
• Support the development of relationships with internal and external stakeholders and provide support to Programme suppliers.
• Work with China Prosperity Fund portfolio colleagues, FCO policy and DIT colleagues to ensure alignment with Prosperity Fund standards and guidelines.
• Work with the Head of Programme Delivery and Programme Manager and relevant governance boards to ensure successful overall programme delivery.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a programme or project management role, including in the design of projects, defining specific outputs, outcomes and indicators, evaluating and monitoring projects, and managing risks.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent budget and project management skills.
• Sound working knowledge of basic software, including Word and Excel.
• A university degree in finance, economics, trade or public policy areas OR relevant professional experience.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese, both spoken and written.