View Vacancy – CSSF Defence Project Officer (GEO21.218)

Note: Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Tbilisi is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and we are now looking for a CSSF Defence Project Officer.

Project Management: Working closely with the UK’s Special Defence Adviser (a UK national seconded to Georgia and Armenia by the UK’s Ministry of Defence), the jobholder will manage a portfolio of defence projects in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova.  This portfolio, which includes the UK-led support for NATO Professional Development Programmes (PDPs), aims to support the achievement of UK Defence and Security objectives in the region and is part of the UK’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) Eastern Neighbourhood programme.  The project officer will ensure best practice in project management, project delivery and stakeholder management, ensuring that activities follow CSSF guidance, deliver exemplary value-for-money, and a robust approach to risk management, including gender and conflict sensitivity.  

Support the Special Defence Adviser: The jobholder will provide day-to-day support for the work of the Special Defence Adviser (SDA) and work as part of a larger regional Defence team, sharing experience and lessons learned across the network including setting up events, managing logistics relating to engagement with visitors and stakeholders, and budgetary management.  The jobholder will collaborate closely with wider Embassy teams contributing expertise to the achievement of objectives, ensuring that project work is supported by, and harnesses opportunities for, policy teams.  

The job-holder will develop a network of contacts both within and outside of Georgia, Armenia and Moldova to support delivery and communicate our impact to both internal and external audiences.   The job-holder will deliver programming that supports the UK’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and meets the requirements and legal obligations of how the UK delivers official development assistance (ODA). 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management – 60%

• Working with the SDA, support the development and management a robust portfolio of defence projects that deliver against UK Government strategic objectives, and the UK’s international commitments and broader strategies such as the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security;
• Provide day-to-day oversight of the SDA portfolio, ensuring compliance with CSSF programme guidance, including financial management and compliance, procurement, and risk management. The job-holder would lead on project monitoring, evaluation and learning;
• Provide high quality quarterly reporting of project outputs and outcomes against indicators set in the results framework, and develop results management tools e.g. on value for money, and conflict- and gender-sensitivity.
• Lead oversight of the NATO PDP programme Georgia and Moldova, and coordinate Embassy decision-making and approval; 
• Deliver logistical support for the delivery of activity, including event/visit management, stakeholder logistics (including travel) and general office administration duties;

Portfolio Development – 20%

• Support the SDA by maintaining and developing a network of defence and security contacts that can facilitate opportunities for wider engagement and help to support the sustainability of project outcomes and monitoring and evaluation of the UK’s impact;
• Be an active member of the UK’s Defence team, contribute to regional work and share best practice and lessons learned; 
• Enhance the team’s approach to gender and inclusion, and delivery of the UK’s National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security.
• Work with our partners to develop capacity to support CSSF outcomes, including in defence and security reform, gender and conflict sensitivity as well as delivering value for money across the portfolio;
• Represent, alongside the Special Defence Advisor, the Georgia and Armenia Defence CSSF portfolio and Moldovan NATO PDP programme to senior leads in the UK and at external meetings in-country.

Working with the UK MOD and Embassy teams – 10%

• To work with the wider regional team (in Georgia and Armenia), other programmes (including GGF) and Embassy policy leads to foster a joined-up approach to delivering the UK’s Defence objectives in Georgia and Armenia;
• To work with the UK Russia and Wider Europe CSSF programme manager (London based) to ensure UK MOD reporting requirements are delivered in a timely manner.

Communication – 5%

• Communicate impact to audiences internally and externally, both in-country and in the UK, including through public diplomacy events that can support delivery, improve visibility and enhance impact. Liaise with the relevant embassy comms lead to ensure join-up. 

Corporate Responsibility – 5%

• To take on a corporate responsibility to add value to Embassy team culture.
  

• Full professional proficiency in English and Georgian, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• University / Bachelors degree (i.e. ideally in International Relations, Peace and Security or similar).
• At least three years of solid experience in project management;  
• Strong administrative skills and experience of working in a team;
• Analytical skills and evidence of Georgian and NATO Defence and Security experience.