View Vacancy – Programme Manager – Gulf Strategy Fund

The British Embassy in Bahrain has a vacancy for the position of Programme Manager – Gulf Strategy Fund, Grade – C4 (L).

Main purpose of the job:

Based in Bahrain, the Programme Manager will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects in the Security, Prosperity, and other pillars of the Gulf Strategy Fund. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) and Head of Chancery, the jobholder will be required to help coordinate and drive project development, liaise with the GSF Programme Team in the UK, manage the GSF Team in Bahrain and co-ordinate the programme board secretariat.

Main Responsibilities:

The Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) is a programme fund that supports the delivery of the UK’s Gulf Strategy. Embassies in GCC countries receive a funding allocation to deliver projects in the region that support the Embassy’s implementation of the Gulf Strategy and the Embassy’s country business plan (CBP).

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Co-ordinate delivery of, and programme manage, all Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) projects in Bahrain.
• Act as the main point of contact for queries, information, and updates on the Programme.
• Work closely with the GSF Team in London to deliver all necessary Programme documentation, reporting, and thematic work to deadlines.
• Review activities across the Programme against objectives on a regular basis and plan for future activities and funding.
• Demonstrate effective oversight of programme and risk management, project monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Coordinate regular reviews of relevant Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) and other human rights assessments relevant to GSF projects.
• Work with project teams to ensure project interventions proceed as planned, are monitored robustly (including progress indicators and targets, financial planning, and narrative reporting), deliver impact on time and to budget, and are effectively evaluated.
• Work closely with other teams at Post to ensure that project interventions support the delivery of wider policy objectives. Provide advice to project leads on public communications and narratives (in consultation with the Press Team).
• Ensure Team members are effectively supported and are encouraged to take advantage of learning and development opportunities.
• A degree of resilience and adaptability.

Resource Managed:

• 2 x B3 (L) Programme Officers.
• 1 x A2 (L) Programme and Finance Assistant.
• Annual Gulf Strategy Fund Budget (c£1.9m in 2021/22).

Key Competencies Required:

• Achieving Commercial Outcomes – Maintaining an economic, long-term focus in all activities. Having a commercial, financial and sustainable mind-set to ensure all activities and services are delivering added value. Identifying economic, market, and customer issues and using these to promote innovative business models, commercial partnerships, and agreements to deliver greatest value; and ensuring tight commercial controls of finances, resources, and contracts to meet strategic priorities.
• Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Providing the focus and energy to drive activities forward through others and encourage staff to perform effectively during challenging and changing times.
• Leading and Communicating – Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Establishing a strong direction and a persuasive future vision; managing and engaging with people with honesty and integrity, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
• Collaborating and Partnering – Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Encouraging collaboration and building effective partnerships including relationships with Ministers.

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated experience in project management, delivery, and evaluation, and experience managing large budgets.
• Education to at least bachelor’s degree level in a relevant field.
• Proven self-starter with the ability to drive delivery of outcomes and overcome obstacles, especially when working with and through others.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Excellent relationship development and management skills, capable of operating at all organisational levels.
• Experience of developing relationships and building influence with multiple stakeholders in public and private sectors.
• Recognises the importance of developing a strong professional network.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).