View Vacancy - SIN - Prosperity Fund Regional Portfolio Officer, B3(L) (Internal Vacancy)
The UK Government’s £1.2bn Prosperity Fund aims to promote economic growth in developing countries. The Prosperity Fund Programme Office in Singapore has oversight and management of four Prosperity Fund Programmes: Low Carbon Energy, Economic Reform, Future Cities, and Healthcare; which are now moving from design into implementation and delivery. Working across the six biggest SE Asian countries until 2023, these official development assistance (ODA) programmes aim to reduce poverty in the region and create opportunities for international business, including for UK companies. The Low Carbon Energy Programme will focus on green finance and energy efficiency. The Economic Reform Programme will work on the overarching business environment (e.g. regulatory reform, transparency) and financial services. Future Cities will focus on up to 9 cities and cover transportation, urban planning and resilience. The Healthcare programme will focus on non-communicable diseases and healthcare provider quality through education/training and digital health. The Programme Office also has a role engaging with other global programmes that look to operate in SE Asia – e.g. Global Trade Programme.
We are recruiting for a Regional Portfolio Officer for the Singapore Programme Office, working to the Head of Prosperity Fund SE Asia. The successful candidate will be part of the Singapore Programme Office, a team of four headed by the Head of Prosperity Fund SE Asia, which also includes two Regional Programme Managers.
Portfolio Co-ordination: The successful candidate will have day to day responsibility for the Singapore Programme Office’s Secretariat functions, working directly with the Head of Prosperity Fund SE Asia and the British High Commissioner to Singapore (as the Senior Responsible Owner of the programmes) to ensure effective governance. The Officer will lead on regional communications (internal and external) and developing learning & development requirements for Prosperity Fund staff in the region.
Financial Management: The Regional Programme Officer will assist the Head of Prosperity Fund SE Asia by managing programme finance for the two SE Asia programmes, working closely with the two Regional Programme Managers to ensure robust financial management of Prosperity Fund programmes in the region, and report financial progress to stakeholders in London, programme Working Groups and Steering Boards in the region.
The post will be based in the British High Commission in Singapore, a vibrant, international organisation, committed to diversity and staff development. This is a challenging and exciting opportunity to play a critical role in a high-profile and strategic development initiative in South East Asia on behalf of the UK Government, which aims to have a positive impact on economic development and trade, as well as strengthening the relationship between the UK and South East Asia.
We are looking for a pro-active, engaged individual to support the delivery of these programmes through effective financial management and strong collaboration with UK diplomatic missions in the region.
Portfolio Co-ordination
- Governance: Day to day responsibility of the Singapore Programme Office’s Secretariat functions, working with the Programme Director and the British High Commissioner to Singapore (as the Senior Responsible Owner of the programmes) to ensure effective programme governance, including for example maintenance of the core programme documents.
- Communications: Lead the regional communication strategy for the 2 SEA programmes, including co-ordinating production of regional communications tools and assisting Posts with producing country Communications Plans.
- Learning & Development: Champion the learning and development of Prosperity Fund colleagues in the region, including by organising regional workshops, identifying learning needs and partnering with FCO Diplomatic Academy to build capacity.
Financial Management
- Ensure robust financial management of Prosperity Fund programmes in the region, by embedding financial best practices on budgeting, forecasting and accruals.
- Partnering with regional programme managers on programme spend forecasts, providing financial input to discussions on alternative programme spend
- Timely and accurate reporting of programme financial position to stakeholders in London, Programme Working Group and Steering Boards.
- Monitor and oversee programme spend against forecasts, reporting issues to the Programme director as required
- Validate programme transactions, including by challenging and rectifying suspicious transactions
- Day to day management of programme finances, collaborating with finance colleagues in the UK and the regional finance hub in Manila
- Provide advice to programme managers in the region on financial best practices and guidance
- Guide programme managers in UK diplomatic missions in the region with their management of team admin budgets, by providing regular updates and guidance
- At least 2 years experience working in a programme environment, ideally in a development context
- At least 2 years experience working with finance in the public sector
- Understanding of ODA/International development
- Good people skills
- Effective communication skills
- Team player driven by values
- Experience of working with Southeast Asian countries, ideally in a regional context
- Experience/knowledge of UK ODA programmes
- Project or programme management related accreditation
- Experience of working on learning and development
- Knowledge of relevant policy areas
Normal working hours are 37.5 per week: 8.30am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. There will be a requirement for occasional and limited out of hours work around major events and visits.
BHC Singapore supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This particular role allows for flexibility in start and end times, working compressed hours, working remotely on one or a couple of days in a week, and the possibility of a job share arrangement, subject to agreement with management.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. This is a locally engaged position subject to local laws and terms. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks.
Should the successful candidate require a permit to work in Singapore, the British High Commission will apply and sponsor the appropriate pass on their behalf.
All applications must be received before 11:55PM (Singapore Time) on 26 July 2018.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
