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


The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Economic and Prosperity

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.

  • Experience of working on development and/or humanitarian programming, e.g. through national or international NGOs, development agencies etc.
  • Experience of working with the international community in Niger or the Sahel, including the UN and international financial institutions.

Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace




1 February 2021

C4 (L)

Fixed term, with possibility of renewal

38.5

Africa

Niger

Niamey

British Embassy

1

XOF 1,344,003




1 March 2021




1 March 2022

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

In addition to on-the-job learning, there is a wealth of Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities (on-line and in person) available to help staff pursue their professional development.  The successful applicant will be required to undertake a number of mandatory trainings and will have access to a range of L&D opportunities both in-house and overseas.

Language training in English could be available for the right candidate.

Working patterns: 

Working hours are from 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 12:30 on Fridays

Arrangement is possible for flexible working hours in agreement with the Line Manager.

  • The British Embassy Niamey is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
  • Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Office in Niamey are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Niger employment law
  • All applicants must be legally able to work in Niger with the correct visa, status, or work permit
  • The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearance checks
  • The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted. 
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5 

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Local Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.

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