Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Main purpose of job:
The work of the British High Commission (BHC) in Pakistan is focused on six main workstreams – Regional Stability, Threats, Health and Education, Climate, Resilience and Humanitarian, Open Societies and Economy and Trade. BHC Islamabad has 2 exciting opportunities for a qualified and experienced Programme Manager to deliver following programmes:
- Protecting Communities Programme (ProCom) - A new FCDO £18.75m ODA programme focused on protecting communities, tackling serious and organised crime including organised immigration crime and countering terror threats.
- Cooperation on Serious Crime Programme (CSCP) - An ISF funded £3.1mn blended ODA & non-ODA programme focused on enhancing cooperation to tackle serious and organised crime including criminal record sharing, illicit Finance, and countering narcotics.
The roles will start in the new financial year and is open to externals and Country Based Staff who demonstrate the required competencies and experience.
These HEO Programme Manager roles sit within the ‘Campaign Goal 2 – Threats to the UK’ pillar, part of five-strong team delivering ProCom Programme & CSC Programme and a wider programme team delivering associated programming as part of a coordinated and integrated approach across HMG departments. These Partners across Government include the Home Office and Home Office International Operations, Border Force, the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service. The job holders will also work closely with delivery partners and the Government of Pakistan as key stakeholders.
These are challenging but rewarding roles which require the ability to work at pace to support and collaborate with teams across the mission. This is a superb opportunity to hone and develop skills and be engaged in some of the areas that matter most to Pakistan and the UK governments and to communities in Pakistan.
CG2 is likely to be running three related programmes in financial year 2025 /2026 with a total value of up to £8m per annum. ProCom will be an entirely ODA funded programme and CSPC is a blended ODA & non-ODA funded programme, following on from a very successful portfolio of CSSF/ISF programmes that have combined ODA and non-ODA funding.
CG2 has a positive team environment, energetic and diverse. Supportive line management, respect and career development are at the heart of staff relationships. All team members should strive to create and maintain a happy, rewarding work environment where every member can achieve their best – it will be important to demonstrate these qualities in this leadership role within programming.
We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.
Roles and responsibilities that a jobholder will be expected to achieve:
These positions are open to Country Based Staffs on level transfer & promotions. The job holders will be required to demonstrate good project management skills, a strong knowledge of the FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PRoF), be self-starting, pragmatic and with ability to manage deadlines and own time under pressure. The successful candidates will engage across the programme cycle on ProCom & CSCP and work closely with the SRO, PRO and other programme staff to support delivery. The job holders will also contribute to capability on PM, finance and risk across CG2.
Key responsibilities include managing the full programme cycle, programme mobilisation, implementation and closure, robust monitoring and evaluation, financial, commercial and risk management.
Objectives are listed down in detail below:
Managing the programme cycle:
- Lead on the programme management cycle of ProCom & CSCP ensuring that programme and financial management requirements are met according to rules in the Programme Operating Framework.
- Establish and maintain project Delivery Plans to inform planning and task execution. Use HERA/AMP/MI data to inform Delivery Plans, decisions and lessons.
- Be a source of programme expertise and ensure compliance and transparency requirements are applied effectively.
- Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation practices are in place that will deliver the data that the programme needs to understand delivery and impact.
- Take the lead on delivering and maintaining key programme management documents such as due diligence reports, programme delivery plans and risk registers. Lead on the follow up of Due diligence, audit and annual review recommendations.
Managing finance, risk and issues:
- Experience of identifying and assessing risks, applying appropriate mitigation and escalation measures during project mobilisation and implementation; and implementing project controls until appropriate level of assurance is established.
- Ensure partner agreement obligations are met. Work with delivery partners to ensure appropriate levels of performance are achieved whilst adhering to FCDO/Suppliers’ codes of practice.
- Proactive management of programme risks, with efficient financial, commercial and risk management, focusing on results and VFM.
- Ensure forecasts are credible and timely; identify issues and trends; ensures lessons are learnt and fed back into financial management processes.
- Be aware of the way funds flow through the programme and conscious of where fraud risks are highest. Implement strategies to safeguard FCDO funds and handle any identified cases of fraud rigorously in a timely manner.
Leadership, line management and engaging others
- Lead and convene regular meetings in the team and with partners; escalate risks to the PRO and SRO as needed. Work closely with relevant advisers to strategically manage the programme and ensure impact.
- Support the team by drafting clear and concise programme documentation (submissions, information notes) and other written work; and quality assure these before submission to senior management.
- Present programme objectives and delivery to others (partners, government, donors, NGOs, x- HMG) with ability to identify opportunities to convene different interest groups in support of programme objectives.
- Liaise proactively with other donors and programmes across BHCI portfolio to develop synergies.
- Demonstrate good line management skills and zero tolerance to Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination.
Resources Managed (Staff and expenditure):
One or two project officers and / or Project assistants for each programme.
Working patterns:
Embassy hours, Monday-Friday. Some out of hours work may be required on ad hoc basis. Flexible working will be considered but we cannot guarantee that requests will be met.
Learning and development opportunities:
You will have the opportunity to develop skills and experience throughout the programme management cycle, including through formal in-house learning opportunities and team-wide capability initiatives (e.g., Away Days).
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
You must have your line manager’s support before applying. Teams might not be provided with additional resource to cover any gap arising following this move.
This role is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
FCDO Pakistan would like to fill this role as soon as possible. If you would like to find out more about the role, please send us an email at saad.recruit@fcdo.gov.uk.
Selection process:
Please note that only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates should be available for the next stage (interview) of the recruitment process. The selection method will comprise of Paper Application Review and Interview. Candidates may also be asked to complete a Written Exercise, and/or make a short Presentation.