Who Are We

The British Embassy in Sofia is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. As part of the Embassy’s UK Government presence, the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) team works with Bulgarian and international partners to support UK priorities on border security, organised immigration crime and illegal migration. Through project delivery, stakeholder engagement and operational cooperation, the team helps develop effective responses to shared migration and security challenges.

We are now looking for a highly organised and proactive Project Manager to join our HOIO team. Supporting the delivery of UK Government-funded projects that strengthen cooperation between the UK and Bulgaria in tackling organised immigration crime and illegal migration, the successful candidate will play an important role in strengthening partnerships, delivering project activity and contributing to key Home Office objectives.

Main Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will support the management and delivery of a portfolio of UK Government-funded projects in Bulgaria. The role combines project coordination, financial administration, procurement, reporting, stakeholder engagement and logistical support.

Working as part of a small team, the postholder will play an important role in ensuring projects are delivered effectively, funding is managed correctly and key partners remain engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead on the design, development and delivery of UK Government-funded projects in Bulgaria that support UK priorities on organised immigration crime;
• Coordinate project activity with Home Office colleagues, wider British Embassy partners, including the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue & Customs and Crown Prosecution Service, and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery and alignment with strategic objectives;
• Liaise with Bulgarian partner organisations and authorities involved in border security, customs and migration-related work to identify opportunities for collaboration and capacity building;
• Collaborate with Press and Public Affairs colleagues to publicise project achievements and outcomes where appropriate;
• Lead on procurement activity and support financial management processes in accordance with UK Government policies and procedures;
• Produce regular reports on project delivery, financial performance and outcomes, and work across Embassy teams to identify opportunities for future project development and funding;
• Maintain effective partnerships and provide regular updates to partners and colleagues on project progress, risks and outcomes;
• Implement and manage project changes and interventions in response to emerging priorities and the Country Business Plan;
• Support wider Embassy objectives and contribute positively to the corporate life of the Embassy.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to work on issues that are high on the UK Government’s international agenda, supporting projects that strengthen cooperation between the UK and Bulgaria to tackle organised immigration crime and illegal migration. In this varied role, you will work with colleagues from across the British Embassy and wider UK Government, gaining exposure to international project delivery, stakeholder engagement and programme management.

You will contribute to projects from development through to delivery, working with a range of UK Government and external partners while helping ensure activities are delivered efficiently and achieve their intended outcomes. The role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational and administrative skills who is looking to broaden their experience in an international environment.

In addition, we offer:

• 25 days annual leave;
• A mobile phone with unlimited data and calls;
• Free parking space in Sofia city centre, subject to availability;
• The opportunity to work within a diverse and supportive Embassy network and collaborate with colleagues from a range of UK Government departments.

• Proficiency in English and Bulgarian (written and spoken), minimum C1 level according to the CEFR framework*;
• Experience of managing and controlling budgets, including forecasting, monitoring expenditure and ensuring value for money;
• Knowledge of Bulgarian public administration and an interest in Bulgarian politics, particularly in the field of security, migration or law enforcement;
• Strong administrative, organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously;
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint;
• Ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a small team environment;
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside standard office hours and undertake occasional travel where required;
• Ability to work effectively across the wider Embassy network and contribute positively to corporate objectives.