Project Officer (09/17 ABJ) at The British Government

Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 7 months
Start Date: 1 September 2017

Main Purpose of Job

• This is an exciting role in our large High Commission working to support both the Nigerian Government and inward investment from the UK across a number of different sectors. 
• The role will be based in Abuja, contributing to work being delivered by both our Political Section and the British Defence Staff (BDS) West Africa. 
• There may be opportunities to travel.
• Reporting to the Programme Lead, the successful candidate will work within the British Military Advisory Training Team and wider West African Defence Section in a new Project Officer role. 
• They will deliver a variety of projects for the UK Government in Nigeria, in support of strategy for Nigeria, and working with Nigerian Government, UN agencies and UK businesses.
• These will include (but won’t be limited to) work on bringing investment into the Niger Delta, on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and linked areas within the Defence Reform agenda.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead on delivery of various civilian and military capacity-building projects on maritime security and in the Niger Delta (Global Britain Fund and Conflict Security and Stability Fund).
• Lead on UK Government  human rights risk assessments (the Overseas Security and Judicial Assistance process), monitor reporting,  establish financial arrangements needed for project delivery (using the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Oracle-based finance system); organise Pledge Letters / Contracts and payments.
• Support the delivery of the Defence Reform agenda.
• Ensure project work is joined up across HMG and with other actors (including National Crime Agency and Prosperity leads). Develop good working relationships with both military and civilians within the HMG Nigeria Network, consultants, other stakeholders and with Nigerian Government officials more senior than themselves.
• Feed into the development of future programme work. Evaluate success.
• Provide reporting to stakeholders in London and the region on the progress of maritime security issues and work in Nigeria.

Essential Qualifications and Experience 

• One year experience on project management / delivery in an international environment – with Government or the NGO sector.
• One year experience working at an equivalent level with a comparable organisation.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Resilience, flexibility and ability to deliver quality under pressure and strict timelines
• Experience of working in security sector reform, judicial reform or with the military.
• Experience of PRISM and Hyperion UK Government accounting systems.
• The ability to work as part of a busy, creative team, as well as willingness to provide support to team members when needs be.

Required Competencies:

• Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment 

• There may be opportunities for flexible working patterns, and if required, should be discussed with the hiring manager.
• Some travel within Nigeria may be required, with the possibility of some regional travel in addition.

Starting Monthly Salary
N 521, 826