Programme Manager, CT Crisis Response Programme at British High Commission

Ref No: 01/17 ABJ
Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 12 months
Start Date: 1st April 2017

Main Purpose of Job

• The primary aim of the Crisis Response Programme is to support Nigeria in developing a crisis management and response system with full doctrine, based on HMG’s expertise, including with COBR (the Cabinet Office Briefing Room).
• The programme is now in its delivery phase and contributes to the objectives set out in the UK National Security Council’s strategy for Nigeria. Its work has, and continues to, improve the potential Nigerian response to terrorism incidents, and is providing wider crisis management skills to over 26 departments and agencies via a cross-governmental working group. Typical activities include regular Working Group meetings, [up to] Ministerial-level Table Top Exercises and live Crisis Response Exercises.
• Work is also growing in scope beyond Abuja, as the programme has begun reaching out to Lagos and, in due course, Port Harcourt, with a view to commencing active support.
• The Crisis Response Team would consist of the programme lead (SME), yourself, and some administrative support; as a result, this will be a varied position requiring a flexible approach.
• A core part of the position will be supporting the programme lead in delivering programme assurance, financial management and risk management. Typical tasks here would include drafting working group minutes (coupled with associated WG subjects), helping to compile reports back to London, reporting on programme milestones, new risks, and giving financial headlines.
• There would also be ad-hoc administrative duties such as collation of training packs, arranging visit programmes, and general support to the programme lead. However, there would also be opportunities to deputise, and as part of your day-to-day responsibilities you would accompany him on stakeholder calls, exercises and to training events.
• There will be numerous opportunities to learn and develop, including by shadowing the programme lead and Chancery colleagues dealing with other CT programmes, financial and political work.

Roles and Responsibilities/What will the Job holder be expected to achieve?

• Completing the monthly programme report for JOPP (Joint Overseas Protect and Prepare) Unit (and CTD as applicable) including information on programme achievements, milestones, risks and finances.
• Drafting Working Group minutes, update the Action Plan matrix, update the sync matrix, and update amendments to the CT CR doctrine.
• Ensuring that all key programme management activities are carried out in accordance with FCO (and HO when considering JOPP) rules, procedures and best practices.
• Financial management, including ensuring value for money, that expenditure is correctly tracked and recorded, and compiling forecasts for additional expenditure and/or next financial year including cost estimates and business cases.
• Supporting the programme lead’s local stakeholder management – including ensuring the smooth running of the Crisis Response Working Group (comprising over 26 Nigerian Ministries or Agencies) and working primarily with the President Command Control Communications Centre (PC4), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
• In addition, building and maintaining relationships with other CT programmes in the mission, with JOPP, CTD, and the NU in London and cross-HMG where appropriate.
• Information management including managing the shared folder, and ensuring key documents such as briefings, contracts and invoices are registered or stored as appropriate.
• Overall, delivering efficient management of the program, but covering other operational tasks and providing general support to the programme lead as required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience 

• A high level of oral and written English skills.
• Strong organisational skills including attending to detail, keeping track of deadlines, and ability to manage own work with limited supervision.
• Strong collaborative skills including professional and confident communication.
• IT skills including in MS Office applications Word and Excel.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Prior experience of working with the UK or other governments, NGOs or similar oganisations.
• Project management skills or experience.
• Knowledge/interest in counter-terrorism issues in Nigeria.
• UK security clearance to Official-Sensitive or higher. 
• A ‘cold-start’ with restrictions may apply while the appropriate security clearance is being applied for.

Required Competencies:

• Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace

Salary

• Starting monthly salary N521, 826