View Vacancy – Deputy Development Counsellor C4 (01/21 NMY)

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Niamey is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, development and consular interests overseas. The UK has been present in Niger since 2005, when we first opened an office in Niamey. In September 2020  the new British Embassy welcomed its first resident Ambassador. Our aim is for the UK to become an energetic presence in the region, working together with the European Union, United Nations and other partners to help support Niger’s development and stability.

Supporting Nigeriens through development and humanitarian policy and programmes is at the centre of the UK’s mission in Niger. We are among the top 4 humanitarian donors in the country and support a wide range of development programmes directly and indirectly through our funding of multilateral institutions, including the UN, the World Bank, the IMF and the African Development Bank. Through our direct and indirect support, the UK invests approximately £100m each year in Niger, and we expect to expand our presence further as we deliver new programmes over the coming months. 

The UK’s development and humanitarian work in the Sahel is managed by a team spread across London, our regional hub in Dakar and embassies in Niger, Mali, Chad and Mauritania. The Niger Development team sit within the embassy in Niamey and play a critical role by representing the UK in Niger on all development and humanitarian issues, advising on policy and programming priorities, and monitoring and evaluating existing programmes. The team is currently made up of a Development Counsellor and Deputy Development Counsellor, although is expected to expand in the future.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work at the heart of development and humanitarian issues at a time when needs have never been greater in Niger. You will have the opportunity to influence the UK’s priorities in Niger, providing vital input on the local context to inform the UK’s decisions and strategic engagement in the region. You can expect to work closely with the Ambassador and wider embassy team, as well as with UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs and the wider international community. You will also be required to build effective relationships with the Nigerien government and civil society.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Policy and Strategy – Providing analysis and input to inform the UK government’s policy on development and humanitarian assistance in Niger, and helping to deliver the UK government’s strategic approach to the Sahel. Leading on a specific thematic priority which could include, for example, climate change policy or humanitarian assistance.

Development Programme – mapping and maximising the impact of the UK aid funding in Niger, ensuring value for money and ensuring coherence in UK programming. Providing policy support to manage and monitor UK programmes in country. Use local insights and information to provide constructive feedback on existing UK programmes, and to provide advice on future programmes.

Communications – ensuring maximum visibility and impact from UK aid spending and supporting soft power, including raising the profile of UK Aid in Niger, including with international and national partners.  Building effective relationships and influencing key stakeholders on specific issues, especially the host government and multilateral partners, in line with UK priorities. 

Deputising for the Development Counsellor – the postholder will at times be required to step in for the Development Counsellor, leading on UK development priorities in Niger and representing the UK at diplomatic meetings and events. 

Wider embassy support – As a full member of the embassy team, the postholder will also make a wider contribution to making the embassy a friendly and supportive environment to work in. Where necessary, the post holder must be ready to support any other embassy business (e.g. emergency consular, political or corporate work).

• Strong oral and written communication skills in French.  Strong oral and written communication skills in English, or a willingness to learn rapidly.
• Strong critical thinking skills – an ability to think independently, critically analyse information (including numerical information) and draw out conclusions.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work at pace on multiple priorities at the same time, taking the initiative where required
• Familiarity with development and/or humanitarian issues and how these relate to Niger and the Sahel.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised, and as part of a wider team.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.