Main purpose of job:

British Embassy Dakar has transformed from a VSEP 10 years ago, to an embassy of over 65 staff today. Over the last few years, the bilateral relationship with Senegal has grown considerably, built around 3 priority objectives of: shared growth, mutual security and sustainable development. HMA Dakar is also accredited in Guinea-Bissau, and the embassy undertakes light touch political, defence, security and climate work there.

This role is a leadership role within the embassy’s largest team: Corporate Services. It is one of two Deputy Corporate Service Managers (DCSM). This role is responsible for finance, procurement and human resources. The other role is responsible for estates and operations. During periods of leave, you will cover the portfolio for the other DCSM and deputise for the CSM.

Finance

Be responsible for the embassy’s finance strategy, provide high quality financial analysis to the Ambassador and lead the embassy’s forecasting work. You will line manage the embassy accountant and lead all finance commissions for the embassy.

Procurement

Be responsible for procuring and managing all of the embassy’s contracts, working with the UK Government’s commercial teams in South Africa and the Philippines. Oversee Government Procurement Card activity.

Human Resources

Be responsible for the embassy’s goal setting and appraisal process. Manage all performance and conduct related processes. Line manage the embassy human resources officer and lead all human resources commissions for the embassy.

Roles and responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management (20%) ·

• Work with the CSM and other Deputy CSM to lead the Corporate Services function at BE Dakar.
• Line manage 3 staff members
• Lead goal setting and appraisal at the embassy, driving best practice and ensuring team and staff goals effectively connect to our Country and Business Plan.

2. Finance (30%) ·

• At the start of each financial year, set the embassy budget and financial strategy, drawing on the views of the embassy and senior leadership team.
• Complete a monthly finance report for the Ambassador that analyses our financial position and offers relevant recommendations.
• Manage the monthly forecasting exercise and upskill the embassy on financial forecasting.
• Manage and respond to all finance commission from London and the finance hub.

3. Procurement (20%)

• Manage the embassy’s contracts in line with UK Government best practice.
• Lead the procurement of any new contracts, as needed.
• Oversee all Government Procurement Card usage and lead supplier management and PO generation.

4. Human Resources (20%)

• Manage all performance and misconduct processes that take place at the embassy, liaising with line managers and the teams in London and Pretoria.
• Manage and respond to all human resources commission from London and the finance hub.
• Be the staffing change management lead for the embassy, overseeing communication and liaising with staff members and the Country Based Staff Association.
• Ensure all staff contracts are correctly registered with relevant local authorities and that the Embassy remains fully compliant with all local labour, employment, and statutory HR requirements.

5. Corporate (10%)

• Lead on one of the embassy’s corporate objectives, to be determined.
• Support CSM with all-staff meeting preparation and corporate performance reporting.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing teams
• At least five years’ experience working in Finance functions or analysing financial data, with the ability to interpret and use financial information to support effective decision-making.
• A qualification in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication in English and French.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder skills.