View Vacancy - Project officer - AO, Colombo

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)
CSSF (Conflict, Stability and Security Fund)

"Note: It is mandatory for all applicants to complete the online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and competency questions. The applications which completed all required fields will only be thoroughly reviewed by us. Forms that are incomplete in any aspect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’

Main purpose of job:    

To support the delivery of Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) projects (budget of £3.7m for FY22-23) by providing sound financial and budgetary management, setting up suppliers, clearing payment invoices and requisitioning, financial forecasting and accurate financial administration including budget monitoring and tracking. The role will afford experience of programme delivery in peacebuilding initiatives and afford significant scope for learning and development in this thematic area. 

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Managing project finances including meeting financial spend deadlines both internally and externally by demonstrating a strong understanding of project financing and the importance of ensuring value for money.
  • Providing accurate and timely quarterly financial reports on project activity, including forecasting future expenditure / financial profiling, and preparing updates for London to meet financial reporting obligations requirements.
  • Ensuring programme guidelines for the management of project records such as grant agreements, proposals and financial / audit requirements are met through effective information management.
  • Adhering to guidelines such as prepayment guidance, Official Development Assistance (ODA) return guidance and flagging potential risk of under / overspends to Deputy Programme Managers and Policy leads.
  • Provide administrative support at the project level, where required. For example, supporting due diligence reviews, preparation of contracts or key documents, providing oversight of project finances,
  • Maintaining the safeguarding log and liaising with safeguarding Unit, as well as implementers on core financial and administrative areas.
  • Providing administrative support for the Programme Team (eg arranging meetings and events, transport and travel bookings, organising accommodation).

We are looking for a well-organised and numerate individual, ideally with some experience of project financing and an eye for value for money, to support the delivery of UK programmes and projects in Sri Lanka. The bulk of this will be on the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), but will also include other bilateral programme budgets.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of programme work and be able to apply this to supporting the delivery of programmes in Sri Lanka.  They will need to have good interpersonal skills to enable working closely with the finance officers of our implementing partners; finance teams in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK and elsewhere, and also colleagues in the finance team at the British High Commission Colombo. They will be responsible for organising payments and liaising with implementing partners, keeping accurate records of expenditure and forecasting future expenditure and tracking overall spend, drawing on this information to ensure Programme Managers can manage the programme effectively.  They will also be responsible for preparing contracts, electronic and hard-copy storage of information, organising meetings and making travel arrangements, including organising visits in Sri Lanka by Programme Officers.

There will be opportunities to develop and grow in the role, increase responsibilities and support the Deputy Programme Managers to oversee delivery of the different projects.

Language requirements: 

Required: English (Fluent)

Desirable: Sinhala/Tamil (Fluent)

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed): 

The successful candidate will receive on-the-job and formal learning in FCDO practices and financial procedures.  There are likely to be opportunities for some travel, possibly in Sri Lanka but also within the region and elsewhere (for training)

Essential on arrival:

  • Excellent financial management skills
  • Experience of programme management
  • Confidence to express ideas clearly and concisely
  • Personal drive and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong organisational and time management skills

Desirable:

  • Experience of working in an international context
  • Bachelor’s degree or professional qualifications related financial management
  • Interest in peace building
Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
9 October 2022
Administrative Officer (AO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Sri Lanka
Colombo
British High Commission
1
LKR
LKR 93,144 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month
1 November 2022

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. 

For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 93,144 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.

'Please note that the current salaries are being dollarized and processed in USD (pegged to a fixed corporate exchange rate from March 2022) to provide cushion against the current external market conditions. This is a temporary measure and is subject to review at regular intervals.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. 

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system.  The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.  

We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

Please note that applications will only be considered with (a) and (b):

(a)  Complete the Online Application Form

(b)  Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications received by ­­midnight on 09th October 2022 (Sri Lanka Standard Time).  

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines of the British High Commission

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. However, the status will be updated on the recruitment software which will be viewed by the applicant.
  • The appointment will be subject to police and other checks including references, educational and professional. 
  • We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed.

NOTE:

  • The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
  • Staff recruited locally by The British High Commission in Colombo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
  • The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearances checks.
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.