View Vacancy - Project Officer - B3, Male'

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 : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to SAAD.Recruit@fco.gov.uk if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of the job:

The Programme in the Maldives is part of a wider portfolio of programmes funded by the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF).

The role entails project management and programme finance management responsibilities for the CSSF Maldives Programme and potential for some reporting on wider regional programme work. The role is dependent on continued funding for the CSSF as approved each year.

The project management responsibilities include:

  • Working closely with project implementing partners, British High Commission (BHC) colleagues and UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Defence Adviser to Maldives (MOD)  to ensure effective delivery and impact of assigned projects;
  • Timely and objective monitoring & evaluation of assigned projects;
  • Accurate financial administration and contribution to wider reporting requirements; and
  • Close coordination with the BHC policy teams to ensure projects deliver real impact in support of UK objectives and Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programme objectives.

The role requires financial support to the delivery of CSSF projects (budget £ 2m for FY21/22) by providing budgetary management, setting up suppliers and clearing payment invoices, accurate forecasting including budget monitoring and tracking.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) provides development and security support to countries at risk of conflict or instability. The CSSF is a flexible fund, with an annual budget of £1.2bn, which supports and delivers security, defence, peacekeeping, peace-building and stability activity in over 70 countries using both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funding.

The British High Commission (BHC) was formally established in early 2020. We are looking for a dynamic and confident individual with good project management experience with sound judgement, and strong organisational, financial and analytical skills, to help oversee delivery of the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programme (£1.5m in financial year 2021/2022). The programme will support the delivery of shared UK and Maldives objectives on democratic principles and institutions, enhanced security sector cooperation and other issues.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape projects and help to strengthen democratic institutions and practices in Maldives. As part of a small BHC team, you will use your knowledge, influence and our diplomatic tools to build strong relationships with Maldivian stakeholders to develop more resilient democratic institutions that respect human rights and support stability.

Working with Maldivian and international implementing organisations, you will ensure the effective delivery of projects, including ensuring quality, timely delivery, value for money, promoting activity publicly (where appropriate) and evaluating impact. The bulk of this will be funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) but will also include other bilateral programme budgets such as the International Programme.

  • The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of programme work with some experience of project management and project financing, and an eye for value for money.
  • As Project Officer, they will ensure the programme is compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout CSSF programmes, and supporting CSSF ambitions to achieve the UK’s Women, Peace and Security objectives.
  • They will be confident using a range of data and information – including financial and project data – to ensure impact and performance of projects, maintaining close coordination with the implementing partners.
  • They will need to have good interpersonal skills to enable a good working relationship with the project leads of our implementing partners; FCDO finance teams in the UK and elsewhere; colleagues in the BHC, and with other staff as necessary. 
  • They will be responsible for organising payments and liaising with implementing partners, keeping accurate records of expenditure, forecasting future expenditure, tracking overall spend, and using this information to ensure Programme Manager 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 Maldives.
  • The Project Officer will be reporting to the CSSF Programme Manager.

Key responsibilities will include:

1.    Managing project finances (50%):

  • Managing project finances including meeting financial spend deadlines (internal & external) with a strong understanding of project financing and Value For Money (VFM)
  • Manage finance functions and maintain all records, from supporting procurement through to receiving and processing invoices.
  • Maintain budget forecasting and expenditure spreadsheets and preparing updates for London to meet financial reporting obligations.  Submit for approval by Programme Manager on a monthly basis.
  • Support the Programme Manager in collating monthly/ quarterly financial performance statistics, flagging underspend in a timely manner.

2. Project Management support (50%):

  • Lead day-to-day management of assigned projects to ensure they operate effectively, have real impact and support delivery of UK objectives meeting CSSF programme requirements.
  • Regular monitoring of  projects that are assigned, including attendance at project events, conducting monitoring visits, collecting monitoring data and updating the results framework.
  • Maintain regular meetings with project implementers to review progress and support any project evaluation processes. Ensure delivery of agreed activity and outcomes, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Meet reporting requirements, submitting clear and well-written reports within deadline.
  • Support the annual review process, including administrative support in coordinating meetings,
  • Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of relevant external stakeholders, including national, government stakeholders and international NGOs,  academics and other donors; to inform development of our programme work.
  • Work closely with colleagues in the wider political section, especially the political and communications team, to ensure programme and political/policy work is closely aligned and coordinated in order to support delivery of UK objectives.
  • Maintain project and programme folders, ensuring all implementer reports, contracts and correspondence organised and accessible.
  • Secretariat function for key programme meetings (Board Meetings, Supplier Meetings etc.).
  • Administrative support to the programme team, including setting up meetings and liaising with London on daily issues.

Learning and development opportunities:

This role will offer varied opportunities for “on the job” learning, in addition to formal opportunities for learning in development, including in the region and/or London.

The job holder will be encouraged to complete relevant CSSF training, including Programme Management. New members of BHC staff are encouraged to complete the UK’s Diplomatic Academy Foundation Level training. 

 

Language requirements:

Language: English / Dhivehi.

Level of language required: Fluent / Fluent.

Other skills / experience / qualifications:

Essential on arrival:      

  • At least 2 years of project/programme management experience, including confidence providing oversight of finances and project delivery.
  • At least 2 years of experience of project finance 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. 
  • Able to communicate effectively with partners and diverse stakeholders.
  • Confident in the use of a range of Microsoft and other IT applications.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy or related field.
Prior experience working in stability, conflict, rights and values programming.
Delivering at Pace
25 October 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
12 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Maldives
Male'
British High Commission
1
MVR
MVR 25, 834 per month plus 7% Pension contribution per month
15 December 2021

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

Starting salary will be MVR 25, 834 along with 7% Pension contribution per month. Other benefits include a 13 month salary and health insurance.

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 Maldivian labour laws.  

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

To Apply: 

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

A.    Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Motivation and Competency 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) and also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 25th October 2021 midnight (Maldives Time Zone).  

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for 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.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational and professional.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

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.