View Vacancy - Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network (CTEN) Sub Saharan Africa Support Officer(34/22 NR)
Main purpose of job:
The successful candidate will act as Sub-Saharan Africa Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network (CTEN) Support Officer. They will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the network across all of Sub Saharan Africa (16+ countries), including handling central commissions and briefing requests, convening a major annual regional CTEN conference, managing the administrative budget for the network, and acting as executive assistant to the Head of the Network (including diary planning and assistance with travel arrangements). They will also provide wider programme support to teams across the regional network as needed, surging in where teams have gaps or are facing additional demands.
The jobholder will also work to strengthen the profile of the CTEN network by leading on communications, information collation and sharing of best practice, and by organising L&D events (bi-monthly presentations and Q&A on CT topics). Moreover, they will assist the CTEN Regional Officer by supporting the implementation of country CT plans.
This is a critical role for the CTEN network, as it is the ‘engine’ behind the smooth running of the network. It would suit someone who works well independently, can build productive networks across multiple countries and government departments, can put in place and manage strong systems and monitoring mechanisms, and can provide a high level of executive support to the SMS1 head of the network. It provides an opportunity to support a high profile foreign policy priority by helping tackle terrorism in line with international human rights standards. The successful applicant will have an interest in security issues and be able to work in a fast-paced environment and deal responsibly with sensitive information.
Roles and responsibilities :
- Put in place and run a system to manage central commissions from London, coordinating inputs, tracking replies and submitting responses within deadlines. To include putting in place and implementing a system to manage regular financial and narrative reporting from Posts in line with CSSF/CTPF requirements (15%);
- Act as Secretariat for CTEN Sub Saharan Africa management meetings, setting up schedules and meeting arrangements, preparing and circulating agendas and background papers in advance, providing meeting records and following up on actions (10%);
- Set up and manage the annual regional CTEN Conference (50+ participants from across Sub Saharan Africa and London, and external participants) including handling logistics, venue, agenda, presentations, and follow up (15%);
- Promote the CTEN by enhancing its communications strategy, including coming up with ideas on how best to do it (e.g. via periodic newsletters) (5%);
- Support the Regional Officer’s work on implementing a regional Daesh CT strategy, including facilitating information sharing between Posts on IS matters, organise regional IS workshops, sharing of CT best practice, etc. (20%);
- Build and maintain productive relations across the CTEN network, maintaining a network ‘map’ of key contacts, and providing support as needed, including arrangements for CTEN visits to partner countries, and programme management support where needed – e.g. during CT programme officer breather breaks/gaps, or periods of additional demand such as CT crises. (This may require occasional travel to other Posts. The officer will undergo CTPF programme management training and CT crisis training for this role (10%);
- Acting as Executive Assistant to the SMS1 Head of the CTEN – who travels frequently and extensively – including effective diary management, and facilitating travel requirements. This includes identifying and acting on urgent commissions that arise on behalf of the Hub Head during their absences, flagging issues to the Hub Head that need their immediate attention while travelling, and delegating workstreams to others in the network as appropriate. This is a significant responsibility given the periods of Hub Head absence, and will require a sufficient level of experience, sound judgment, and security awareness (15%);
- Oversee and manage the CTEN Sub Saharan Africa Travel and Administration budgets (approx. £100,000), including forecasting requirements, approving and monitoring spend (5%);
- Manage recruitment into the network, monitoring start/end dates for CTEN roles across the Network, ensuring that job descriptions are submitted in good time for recruitment boards, and setting up recruitment panels (5%)
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
- Oversight of CTEN Admin budget and regional travel budget (£100,000)
- Oversight of CTEN annual conference budget
- Security clearance (existing or ability to be cleared to DV/SC)
- Demonstrated ability to put in place strong organisational systems
- Experience in setting up and managing meetings and/or events
- Sufficient knowledge and experience of public sector to be able to manage work commissions
- Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems
- Ability to plan ahead and prioritise effectively
- Excellent IT and communication skills
- Ability to produce clear and accurate work with attention to detail
- Ability to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
- Strong team work/willingness to support colleagues when under pressure and able to contribute to cross-team working
- A flexible and proactive approach
- Previous experience of working in a large organisation or network
- Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or managing a network
- Previous experience as a project officer or in managing public sector resources
Learning and development opportunities:
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office offers all its employees the opportunity to pursue a City and Guilds Diploma through the Diplomatic Academy. The Regional Learning and Development Team visit Nairobi regularly to provide training courses to further personal development. There will be opportunities to develop other skills and experience on the job, including CT-specific courses, programme officer and crisis management training, mentoring and job-shadowing, as well as the opportunity to take on wider corporate voluntary roles within the BHC
Working patterns:
This role is open to applicants willing to cover a full time position (36.25 hours per week) as well as applicants who wish to work part time (from a minimum of 70% of full time hours - equivalent to 25 hours per week - based on a prorated salary). This will be discussed & finalised upon appointment of a successful candidate.
The role will also allow for a flexible working scheme during the normal office working hours. The job holder will be able to discuss and decide working hours/days following the appointment.
The role is based at the British High Commission offices in Nairobi, and working from home may be allowed with line manager approval.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The successful applicant will need to obtain security clearance - this is likely to be easier for UK, US, EU, 5EYES, and Commonwealth nationals.
Members of staff are entitled to paid annual leave, which is earned, from the day they commence employment. Entitlements are as follows:
Grade EO - 30 days
In addition to annual leave, the BHC normally observes no fewer than 9 and no more than 14 Kenyan and British public and religious holidays in a year. These vary from year to year and are at the discretion of the High Commissioner. A list of holidays is published each
- Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
- Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
- The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.
- It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit.
- Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
- Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles. Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
- Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
