Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Economic and Prosperity
Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy in Bamako is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, development and consular interests overseas. The British Embassy is fairly new – established in its current form in 2015 – and still expanding both in terms of staff numbers and estate. 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 Mali’s development and security.
Supporting the Malian people through development and humanitarian policy and programmes is at the centre of the UK’s mission in Mali. 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 Mali, 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 Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania. The Mali Development team sit within the embassy in Bamako and play a critical role by representing the UK in Mali 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 Mali. You will have the opportunity to influence the UK’s priorities in Mali, 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 Malian government and civil society.
Roles and responsibilities:
Policy and Strategy – Providing analysis and input to inform the UK government’s policy on development and humanitarian assistance in Mali, 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 Mali, 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 Mali, 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 and wider embassy support –the postholder will at times be required to step in for the Development Counsellor, leading on UK development priorities in Mali and representing the UK at diplomatic meetings and events. 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 Mali or the Sahel, including the UN and international financial institutions.
Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Delivering at Pace
10 December 2020
C4 (L)
Fixed Term, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
35.5
12 months
Africa
Mali
Bamako
British Embassy
XOF 1,295,407 gross before Malian taxes plus XOF 103,000 guaranteed allowances (non taxable)
4 January 2021
Learning and development opportunities:
There is a wealth of Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities available to help staff pursue their professional development.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake a number of mandatory training and will have access to a range of L&D opportunities both in-house and overseas.
Language training in English is also available.
Working patterns:
Working hours are from 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 12:30 on Fridays (35.5 Hours)
Arrangement is possible for flexible working hours in agreement with the Line Manager.
- The starting monthly salary is fixed at XOF 1,398,407 (XOF 1,295,407 taxable + 103,000 non-taxable allowances), as well as payment of 13th month salary and potential for non-consolidated performance bonuses.
- The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Bamako are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Mali.
- 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.
- All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
- 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.
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
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