View Vacancy – SRR – Programme Manager C4(L)

The British Embassy Riyadh is looking to hire a Programme Manager on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2022, with a strong possibility of extension  depending on performance and operational requirements.

The main purpose of the job is to manage and oversee the growing portfolio of programme interventions which deliver key priorities against a wide range of UK government objectives. The environment is challenging and the issues can be complex and fast-moving. The jobholder’s main role will be to ensure a strong coherence between our strategic policy objectives and programme delivery.

This role is line managed by the Head of Prosperity, and will regularly report to the Deputy Head of Mission and the Country Programme Board. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead on project planning, ensuring projects meet the objectives of the appropriate fund and that they support post objectives in the British Embassy’s Country Business Plan, and are well managed and deliver value for money.
• Deliver a wide range of critical policy objectives through effective programme management to support the UK’s objectives.
• Oversee the strategy, policy, and delivery/ impact of programming in Saudi Arabia using all available UK programme funds.
• Lead on project impact analysis, working closely with post policy leads across relevant policy objectives.
• Collaborate with implementing partners, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance to track and record outputs and indicators to measure project impact.
• Monitor and evaluate projects, including financial and activity reporting, meeting laid down requirements for each programme.
• Identify and monitor risks, taking mitigation action as necessary, recommending programme adjustments and feeding findings/ recommendations into strategic documents and business planning.
• Coordination with national and international partners to improve our understanding of their priorities, identify areas for joint working/ sponsorship and share best practice.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation plan against clear objectives agreed with project leads based on the portfolio operating framework.
• Act as the main point of contact for all programming and financial matters, representing the programme on internal and external meetings.
• Communicate programme updates on a range of issues including budget allocation, process, spend, risks and reporting milestones.
• Manage the Programme Officer and supervise their work and reporting of accurate financial forecasts and budgets.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s visits and emergency planning, and any response to a crisis.

Key competencies required:

• Collaborating and Partnering – Being a team player who creates and maintains positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information appropriately and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Building effective partnerships including relationships with Ministers and welcoming challenge however uncomfortable.
• Engaging Internationally – Leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK government objectives, while living the Civil Service values and serving the UK public. Understanding UK government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. Being aware of cultural sensitivities in their area of responsibility; being visible, approachable, and welcoming challenge, however uncomfortable.
• Making Effective Decisions – Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care. Reaching evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions and creating a secure culture around the handling of information.
• Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.

• Holds a university degree in related field.
• Experience in accounting, finance, and budget management.
• Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong customer focus.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).