Programme Manager, Defence Engagement Component - North East Nigeria at British High Commission

Reference Id: 11 / 20 ABJ
Grade: C4 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 24 months
Type of Post: British High Commission
Start Date: 1st May, 2020.
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory: CSSF - Conflict Stability and Security Fund

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  
Main Purpose Of Job:

• The Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) Nigeria, British High Commission Abuja, is looking for a confident and proactive Programme Manager to manage circa £8.5m defence engagement projects which are part of the North East Nigeria (NEN) Programme. The CSSF is a global cross-UK government fund which brings together the UK’s contribution to stability, security and defence activities in fragile and conflict affected countries and countries at risk of instability.
• Nigeria is one of HMG’s highest priorities in Africa, and addressing the crisis in North East Nigeria, a significant priority. The drivers of the conflict are diverse and complex, and the resulting humanitarian and security impacts are severe. Ministerial interest remains high.
• The job holder will work to the Defence Adviser, who is the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the defence engagement component of the North East (NE) Nigeria Programme, and be based in Abuja. This role presents an exciting opportunity to support UK foreign policy priorities in NE Nigeria and regionally. It would suit anyone who wishes to apply strong programme management, risk management and stakeholder engagement skills in a fascinating, fast-moving and challenging context. You will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• This role plays an integral part in delivering HMG policy in NE Nigeria to tackle the complex humanitarian and security crisis, as well as supporting the SRO deliver UK defence engagement training and support to Nigeria. The job holder will work across different HMG departments that support the delivery of training and operational advice to Nigeria, to ensure a coordinated approach which maximises UK impact.
• This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to NE Nigeria’s long term stability and good governance, through leading the delivery of key policy objectives and effective programme management.

Role and Responsibilities

• The job holder will be the Programme Manager responsible for delivering the defence engagement component of the North East Nigeria Programme (circa £8.5m in FY20/21). The job holder will work with the Defence Adviser/Head of British Defence Staff West Africa (BDS WA) Team.
• The Defence Engagement component of the North East Nigeria Programme provides operational advice, training and capacity building for the Nigeria Armed Forces, and is delivered by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) training teams. You will work with British military personnel and the British High Commission’s Defence Section to deliver visible results; ensuring best practice in financial and risk management; gender and conflict sensitivity, and human rights. As Programme Manager, you will run the cross-Government processes needed for assurances on strategy and spend.
• This position is varied and high profile, in one of the UK’s largest overseas Missions. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a number of key FCO disciplines including programme management, reporting and fusion working. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with others to deliver UK objectives on defence engagement, in a fusion style.
• You will develop a sound understanding of existing programmes across the Mission, which work towards a more stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Nigeria. This work involves project; procurement and financial management and suits someone with solid and in-depth understanding, experience and expertise, in a fast-paced and changing environment. They should be willing to support other team members and other priorities as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Programme and finance management of Component 1 (Defence Engagement) of the North East Nigeria (NEN) programme.
• Ensuring Component 1 and Component 2 (Conflict Management and Stabilisation) of the NEN work closely and collaboratively.
• Providing cross-team support to deliver the NEN programme’s overarching objectives.
• Inputs into submissions for programme documents within agreed timelines.
• Provide quality assurance on adherence to good CSSF programme management and reporting, ensuring compliance with CSSF rules.
• Lead and/or provide quality assurance on Due Diligence Assessments (DDAs) and/or DDA refreshes within agreed timelines; ensure recommendations are captured in work plans and monitor implementation throughout the project lifecycle in consultation with the SRO; the Defence and CSSF project teams.
• Contribute, as required, to the development of programme risk management strategies and delivery chain maps. Identify and escalate programme risks to the SRO / CSSF Team in line with CSSF risk categories and agreed escalation procedures.
• Facilitate and participate (if needed) in annual review and programme monitoring visits to review progress, lead on the assessment of how the programme is being managed.
• Lead on organising quarterly reporting and performance management e.g. through monthly/quarterly meetings with Implementing Partners, with minutes drafted on agreements reached and actions taken/to be taken with agreed points for reviewed.
• Ensure programme extensions and closures are in line with CSSF rules.
• Effectively manage the financial resources for CSSF managed programmes to achieve VFM, transparency, accountability, ODA and FY targets, throughout the project cycles and in compliance with CSSF Rules.
• Work closely with implementing partners/SRO/ Project Officer /CSSF Team to set annual financial forecast targets within the Component. Challenge implementing partners work and financial plans and related assumptions to ensure forecasts are realistic.

Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience  

• Strong grasp of programme management
• An understanding of systems and tools for financial planning and budgeting (including excel)
• Articulate and competent in drafting high quality written communication, with an excellent attention to detail.
• Effective at networking and building relationships and able to negotiate with others.
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver results, be a self-starter and able to take and see through delegated decisions.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills And Experience:

• Experience of successful cross-government working in the UK and ideally overseas;
• Experience/familiarity with how the Nigeria Armed Forces and UK military work.
• Experience of working with commercial suppliers, multi-lateral agencies, civil society, government and development partners to identify problems/obstacles and develop/implement practical solutions.

Required Competencies:

• Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace.

Starting Monthly Salary

• N827, 892 monthly

Other Benefits And Conditions Of Employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• There are a wealth of learning and development opportunities available through the Diplomatic Academy, as well as lots of on the job learning opportunities, attending CSSF professional development, conferences and training. The CSSF is extremely supportive of ongoing professional development and open to creative ideas for interesting learning and development.