View Vacancy - Projects & Finance Assistant

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)
Political

The British Embassy in Bahrain has a vacancy for the position of Projects & Finance Assistant, Grade A2(L).

Main purpose of the job:

The Embassy’s Programmes Team manages and leads on the delivery of a portfolio of projects supporting Bahraini-led reform through a package of UK technical assistance. As Projects & Finance Assistant, the successful candidate will assist the team by providing quality administrative and financial support, working with the Programmes Manager, Project Officers, and in close liaison with colleagues in the Embassy, Partners Across the UK Government, and local and international stakeholders.

Roles and responsibilities:

- Project Management:

  • Work with Projects and Finance Manager to draft all contracts the Programmes Team may have to comply with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) tendering process and procurement guidelines.
  • Jointly manage existing projects to include regular review meetings with implementing partners and local stakeholders.
  • Actively manage risks and put in place mitigation with UK implementing partners, escalating as appropriate.
  • Liaise closely with implementing partners to agree contracts, payment schedules, and effective systems for project monitoring and evaluation, quality assuring project documents. Identifying and recommending corrective action as required.
  • Developing tools and reporting templates for implementers.
  • Respond flexibly and actively to evolving priorities and needs.
  • Encourage contact and networking between project partners, organising and attending project-related events as required.

- Finance

  • Ensure implementers work to Post’s requirements on accurate invoice and payment processes.
  • Contracting; set up new suppliers, reviewing invoicing; ensure consistent and timely accounting is achieved.
  • Preparing and submitting monthly financial and quarterly narrative and financial reports for Embassy projects by managing and maintaining accurate spreadsheets and project files.

Resource managed:

  • Management of Programme Funds.

Key competencies required:

  • Delivering Value for Money - Efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services. Seeking out and implementing solutions which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay. Making decisions based on evidenced information and following agreed processes and policies, challenging these appropriately where they appear to prevent good value for money.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care.
  • Managing a Quality Service - Valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. Effectively planning, organising, and managing time and activities to deliver a high quality, secure, reliable and efficient service, applying programme and project and risk management approaches to support service delivery.
  • 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. Ensuring tight commercial controls of finances, resources, and contracts to meet strategic priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication and including report writing in English. Accurate typing and proofreading skills.
  • Budget management experience.
  • Project skills.
  • Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
  • Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
  • Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
  • Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
  • Arabic language.
  • Knowledge of Bahraini government system.
25 July 2021
Administrative Officer (AO)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
35
Middle East & North Africa
Bahrain
Manama/Bahrain
British Embassy
1
BHD
877
1 September 2021

A monthly salary package of BHD 877 as well as private medical insurance, a leave entitlement and training package. Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate.

This is a Full Time, Fixed Term position until 31 March 2022, renewable by mutual agreement.

Working hours are 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 07:30 AM until 2:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday. The Embassy operates a flexible working policy which entitles staff to work more flexibly as long as the core hours of 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM are worked, subject to Line Manager approval.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 3-month probationary period and will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy as soon as possible. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks.

To apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

  1. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including three references.
  2. A covering letter stating why you feel you have the necessary skills to perform well in the above role.
  3. Please provide examples of performance in each competency on the Competency Based Questions section of the online application form.

 Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Bahrain local time) on 25 July 2021.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

 

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for interview/ assessment will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.

 

The British Embassy Bahrain is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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.