View Vacancy - Deputy Programme Manager - Protecting Communities Programme & Cooperation on Serious Crime Programme, Grade - HEO, Islamabad

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)

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.

Essential on arrival:

  • Experience of managing and delivering development programmes over 4-5 years or more across the programme cycle.
  • Experience of rule of law and justice programming or working in rule of law and justice departments.
  • Strong commercial, financial and risk management skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and respond flexibly as new priorities arise.
  • The ability to learn quickly and take on stretching responsibilities, standing in for Senior Programme Managers when needed. 

Language Requirements:

  • Language: English 
  • Level of language required: Expert in written and spoken English

Desirable:   

  • Programme management qualification such as APM (PFQ at least), PMP or Prince II
  • Commercial procurement expertise.
  • Experience of using the Aid Management Platform, HERA and Excel. 

Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions
26 July 2025
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
41
South Asia & Afghanistan
Pakistan
Islamabad
British High Commission
2
PKR
PKR 341,388 per month
monthly
1 September 2025

For BHC candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

The starting salary will be PKR 341,388 per month. This salary is non-negotiable.

Please note that the current salaries are being dollarized and processed in USD (using a fixed corporate exchange rate from November 2022) to provide cushion against the current external market conditions. This is a temporary measure and is subject to review at regular intervals. The payroll will revert to local currency processing once the external market conditions are normalised.

BHC offers a great benefits package that comprises of Annual Domiciliary cover and Medical Insurance Scheme which includes PKR 1,500,000 floater coverage per family for self, one spouse/long term partner and children under the age of 19 or under 23, if in full-time education and not gainfully employed. The Annual Domiciliary cover for day-to-day medical payments is upto PKR 200,000 per family (basis actual bills submission).

 Additionally, The British High Commission contributes to a retirement provision in the form of a mandatory provident fund. 

FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided. FCDO does not pay for any travelling, accommodation & relocation expenses incurred and/or accept any financial risk, including cancellation or reschedule costs.

Around half of our work forces are women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the behaviour-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.

To Apply:

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

a) Complete the Online Application Form.
b) Complete the Experience, Behaviours, Technical/Professional skills-based segment in the Online Application Form.

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate behaviours and technical / professional skills, basis your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles - Civil Service Frameworks, which provides a detailed guidance on how these behaviours are defined for each position. 

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to prepare specific examples of when and how you have demonstrated these behaviours in your application, by evidencing a structured response, including your skills and experiences. You briefly describe the situation in which you demonstrated the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.

Internal candidates applying for this position must have completed their probation and have prior approval from their line manager, else the application will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 26th July 2025 (latest by 23:55 hours PST).

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

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. 

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. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative & the appointment of successful candidate will be subject to clearance of 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. 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.