View Vacancy - Programme Officer (LVA20.338)

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Note: Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassies in Riga and Tallinn are part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

We are now looking for a Programme Officer to help run, co-ordinate and support a range of programme activity, in support of a regional Portfolio Manager. The successful candidate will also manage some activity themselves which will be regional in scope but based in Latvia.

Our successful candidate will work on the UK’s cooperation with a range of governmental and non-government partners.  Our programme work supports public service and independent media, social cohesion, upholding universal values and access to reliable information.

An eye for detail and an ability to prioritise effectively will be key to success in this role. You will need to be able to produce work to a high standard under some pressure.

Experience in programme, project or contract management would be a significant advantage, though job-specific training will be available. Advising on financial planning and an ability to write and report effectively in English form part of the role.

The regional nature of the team means that an ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors across international borders is essential. Some important administrative responsibilities will also fall under your remit.

Depending on regional restrictions travel across the three Baltic states will be an important and regular part of the job, offering good opportunities to understand the region, and our network. There will also be opportunities to travel to London. Please note a level of security clearance is a requirement, and some checks will be carried out prior to final appointment.

Our Embassies are dynamic, welcoming international working environments with staff from a range of backgrounds and experience.  We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including contract and programme management training, and broader learning linked to our International Academy. 

In case you are interested, this vacancy is also open for Tallinn (EST20.337)

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

Programme and contract management - 45%

  • Ensuring that clear, timely and accurate monthly / quarterly financial and narrative reports are gathered from project partners and appropriately handled;
  • Regular liaison with project partners;
  • Supporting partners in flexing activities to meet new challenges, and ensuring value for money;
  • Attending events and visiting project activities across the Baltic, to support monitoring and evaluation.

Stakeholder Engagement and co-ordination - 30%

  • Managing and coordinating a regional Board process, including minute taking, tracking actions and setting the agenda;
  • Setting regular engagement with senior internal and partner government stakeholders;
  • Finding opportunities for cross-programme synergy across the portfolio.

Planning and Administration - 20%

  • Forward planning on travel and other duties for a small programme team;
  • Organisation of programme related visits.

Professional Development and Learning - 5% including opportunities to deepen contract, programme management, and international expertise through FCDO’s International Academy and other HM Government training opportunities.

  • Fluent English;
  • Relevant Bachelors / University degree;
  • At least two years relevant experience, including work in international programmes, or in an international context;
  • Knowledge and experience of Baltic societies and politics, international security, media, culture, or education policy;
  • Ability to manage conflicting priorities in a busy international environment;
  • Excellent administration skills;
  • Budget management experience;
  • Fluency in Estonian and Russian or Latvian and Russian;
  • Contract, Project or Programme management skills/qualifications or relevant experience;
  • Experience of organising international visits.
1 October 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
40
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Latvia
Riga
British Embassy
1
EUR
1,762.83 gross
1 November 2020

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal, with a 3 month probation. Working time is 40 hours per week (gross).

British Embassy Riga provides all its employees the following benefits:

  • Two additional annual leave days on top of those mandated by law;
  • A combination of Latvian and UK public holidays - 14 working days-off per year;
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance that among other benefits also includes dental care and sports.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Riga are subject to terms and conditions of service that are in line with the employment laws in Latvia.

Visa/Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Latvia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary after 31st December 2020.

Additional Information (due to Covid 19):

  • You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption;

  • Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action;

  • Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

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.