View Vacancy – Education Programme Manager

The Development and Humanitarian section at the British Embassy in Amman is looking for an enthusiastic, results driven, and efficient individual for the position of Education Programme Manager (Maternity Cover), Grade – C4 (L).

Main Purpose of the job:

This is an opportunity to work for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) within BE Amman as it implements its new UK-Jordan Country Business Plan. The UK is a leading and trusted adviser to Jordan, rallying and coordinating international donors in support of Jordan’s long-term stability.

This is an exciting time to join the team as the education team extends its flagship programme to respond to urgent needs. The post requires commitment to work with others inside and outside the Embassy to maximise UK investment and coordinate with other donors. The successful candidate will be confident working at pace and multi-tasking to respond to changing priorities. The jobholder will report to the Senior Education Programme Manager.

Main Responsibilities:

1.     Effectively manage education programmes:

· Lead programme manager for the ‘Jordan Compact Education Programme’ including managing financial assistance to the MoE, two short-term technical assistance contracts, and monitoring of the World Bank education reform programme.

·  Lead procurement of short-term technical assistance, working with MENAD Procurement Manager to identify best procurement route and support Education Advisor in selection of suitable candidate(s).

·    Manage finance related to technical assistance. Use a commercial mind-set and understanding of project budget drivers to support achievement of value for money (VFM) for TA. Ensure key partner/supplier deliverables are tracked on the project Delivery Plan.

·  Manage payment to the Ministry of Education for school year 21/22 understanding budget, risks, proof of need.

·  Contribute to development of programme risk strategies, focusing on mitigating the risk of fraud and corruption and ensuring other risks are addressed in liaison with project team and others as required. Maintain project risk register, proactively highlighting and escalating concerns, risks and issues to appropriate level.

·   Regularly update delivery chain maps showing key issues and risks at each stage of funds movement.

·  Work with governance advisor to input and support on Fiduciary Risk Assessment.

·   Financial Management: proactively manage financial forecasts, working closely with spending partners, and Education Advisor to create realistic and up to date spending forecasts over the Financial Year, and accurate budget profiling for outer years, ensure these are regularly updated in ARIES. Provide accurate financial information to team and business unit as required. Review partner/supplier financial reports checking for variances and VFM; ensure ARIES and AMP have correct project data.

·   Donor engagement for multi-donor special account – lead donor group relationship with Ministry of Education where appropriate.

2.     Support delivery of education strategy:

· Support wider team on education programme or sector related communication opportunities as and when they arise, including supporting the UK manifesto commitment on girls’ education and reporting on local media coverage of education and keeping updated on key education sector issues.

·    Participate in internal and external meetings to support implementation of the FCDO education strategy and support wider understanding of FCDO education programmes.

·   Building XHMG relationships to promote the UK offer to education with British Council, DIT and Newton-Khalidi fund.

3.     Contribute to wider FCDO and BE Amman teams:

·  Active engagement, including at team meetings, to improve team cohesion and the way teams works.

·   Effective support provided across team, including through being flexible and providing cover as necessary as well as through responding to corporate needs.

·   Ensuring FCDO principles of diversity and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of work.

Resources Managed:

·       ODA funding management amount tbc but with oversight and support from an Education Advisor and the Strategy & Delivery Unit.

Key Competencies:

•    Collaborating and Partnering – People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Making Effective Decisions – Effectiveness in being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.
• Delivering Value for Money – Delivering value for money involves the efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services.
• Managing a Quality Service – Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.

Essential:

•        Fluent communication skills in English (both spoken and written).
•     Minimum 3 years’ experience of Programme Management.
•     Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
•     Experience of working in a non-profit sector/NGOs or Embassy’s.
•     Excellent influencing skills and a strong, empathetic team player.
•   Ability to build strong, respectful and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders within and beyond HMG, including those with different cultural backgrounds and opinions.
•    Literacy in Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook, Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint).