Who Are We

The British Embassy in Bishkek is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, security and development interests overseas. We are now looking for a Programme Officer to join the Embassy’s programme team and support delivery of the UK’s development priorities in Kyrgyzstan. The role works closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Central Asia Development and Programme Team (CADPT), supporting programme delivery, compliance oversight and project management activities across a varied portfolio of development programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the UK’s development objectives in Kyrgyzstan while working with government institutions, development partners, businesses and civil society organisations.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Programme Officer will support delivery of the Green and Inclusive Growth (GiG) Programme in Kyrgyzstan, support compliance across the Central Asia Development and Programme Team’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio, and coordinate the British Embassy Bishkek’s Small Projects Programme (SPP).

The role combines programme management, compliance oversight, financial monitoring, stakeholder engagement and administrative support. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring programmes are delivered effectively, risks are managed appropriately and partners comply with FCDO programme management requirements.  

Roles and Responsibilities

Support CADPT Development Director and CADPT portfolio compliance (30%)

• Provide travel and logistics support to the CADPT Development Director;
• Monitor CADPT travel budget spend;
• Support monitoring of expenditure across CADPT ODA portfolio;
• Organise logistics for CADPT visits to and within Kyrgyzstan, meetings and regional events in Central Asia.

Support  Development programming in Kyrgyzstan (40%)

• Work with project partners to ensure compliance of projects with FCDO Programme Operating Framework;
• Respond to day-to-day queries from project partners and stakeholders;
• Ensure programme activities and events are appropriately communicated through Embassy communication channels;
• Monitor project implementation, risks and delivery progress, escalating issues where appropriate;
• Attend programme events and undertake site visits across Kyrgyzstan to monitor delivery;
• Support financial and narrative reporting, providing timely and accurate information to programme leads.

Support Embassy Priorities and Corporate Objectives (30%)

• Coordinate the Small Projects Programme (SPP), including calls for proposals, record-keeping, due diligence assessments, grant administration and monitoring;
• Support Embassy priorities and Corporate Objectives including supporting communication;
• Assist with organisation and delivery of Embassy events, including planning, invitations and logistics;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to high-level visitors and delegations;
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with government, business and development partners.

Why Apply?

This role offers an excellent opportunity to work at the heart of the UK’s development and diplomatic engagement in Kyrgyzstan.

You will:

• Gain exposure to a diverse development portfolio focused on inclusive economic growth and private sector development.
• Work with a broad network of government, donor, business and civil society partners.
• Develop expertise in programme management, compliance and grant administration.
• Contribute directly to high-profile UK-funded programmes and Embassy priorities.
  Access professional learning and development opportunities and regional travel where required.

• fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) at minimum C1 level according to the CEFR framework*;
• Working knowledge of the Kyrgyz language;
• At least five years’ experience in project and financial management;
• Experience monitoring budgets, expenditure, compliance processes or financial controls;
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships;
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a small team;
• Flexible, reliable ‘can-do’ attitude.