View Vacancy – Project Officer – B3, Male’

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to [email protected] if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of the job:

The Programme in the Maldives is part of a wider portfolio of programmes funded by the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF).

The role entails project management and programme finance management responsibilities for the CSSF Maldives Programme and potential for some reporting on wider regional programme work. The role is dependent on continued funding for the CSSF as approved each year.

The project management responsibilities include:

• Working closely with project implementing partners, British High Commission (BHC) colleagues and UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Defence Adviser to Maldives (MOD)  to ensure effective delivery and impact of assigned projects;
• Timely and objective monitoring & evaluation of assigned projects;
• Accurate financial administration and contribution to wider reporting requirements; and
• Close coordination with the BHC policy teams to ensure projects deliver real impact in support of UK objectives and Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programme objectives.

The role requires financial support to the delivery of CSSF projects (budget £ 2m for FY21/22) by providing budgetary management, setting up suppliers and clearing payment invoices, accurate forecasting including budget monitoring and tracking.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) provides development and security support to countries at risk of conflict or instability. The CSSF is a flexible fund, with an annual budget of £1.2bn, which supports and delivers security, defence, peacekeeping, peace-building and stability activity in over 70 countries using both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funding.

The British High Commission (BHC) was formally established in early 2020. We are looking for a dynamic and confident individual with good project management experience with sound judgement, and strong organisational, financial and analytical skills, to help oversee delivery of the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programme (£1.5m in financial year 2021/2022). The programme will support the delivery of shared UK and Maldives objectives on democratic principles and institutions, enhanced security sector cooperation and other issues.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape projects and help to strengthen democratic institutions and practices in Maldives. As part of a small BHC team, you will use your knowledge, influence and our diplomatic tools to build strong relationships with Maldivian stakeholders to develop more resilient democratic institutions that respect human rights and support stability.

Working with Maldivian and international implementing organisations, you will ensure the effective delivery of projects, including ensuring quality, timely delivery, value for money, promoting activity publicly (where appropriate) and evaluating impact. The bulk of this will be funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) but will also include other bilateral programme budgets such as the International Programme.

• The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of programme work with some experience of project management and project financing, and an eye for value for money.
• As Project Officer, they will ensure the programme is compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout CSSF programmes, and supporting CSSF ambitions to achieve the UK’s Women, Peace and Security objectives.
• They will be confident using a range of data and information – including financial and project data – to ensure impact and performance of projects, maintaining close coordination with the implementing partners.
• They will need to have good interpersonal skills to enable a good working relationship with the project leads of our implementing partners; FCDO finance teams in the UK and elsewhere; colleagues in the BHC, and with other staff as necessary. 
• They will be responsible for organising payments and liaising with implementing partners, keeping accurate records of expenditure, forecasting future expenditure, tracking overall spend, and using this information to ensure Programme Manager can manage the programme effectively.
• They will also be responsible for preparing contracts, electronic and hard copy storage of information, organising meetings and making travel arrangements, including organising visits in Maldives.
• The Project Officer will be reporting to the CSSF Programme Manager.

Key responsibilities will include:

1.    Managing project finances (50%):

• Managing project finances including meeting financial spend deadlines (internal & external) with a strong understanding of project financing and Value For Money (VFM)
• Manage finance functions and maintain all records, from supporting procurement through to receiving and processing invoices.
• Maintain budget forecasting and expenditure spreadsheets and preparing updates for London to meet financial reporting obligations.  Submit for approval by Programme Manager on a monthly basis.
• Support the Programme Manager in collating monthly/ quarterly financial performance statistics, flagging underspend in a timely manner.

2. Project Management support (50%):

• Lead day-to-day management of assigned projects to ensure they operate effectively, have real impact and support delivery of UK objectives meeting CSSF programme requirements.
• Regular monitoring of  projects that are assigned, including attendance at project events, conducting monitoring visits, collecting monitoring data and updating the results framework.
• Maintain regular meetings with project implementers to review progress and support any project evaluation processes. Ensure delivery of agreed activity and outcomes, making adjustments as necessary.
• Meet reporting requirements, submitting clear and well-written reports within deadline.
• Support the annual review process, including administrative support in coordinating meetings,
• Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of relevant external stakeholders, including national, government stakeholders and international NGOs,  academics and other donors; to inform development of our programme work.
• Work closely with colleagues in the wider political section, especially the political and communications team, to ensure programme and political/policy work is closely aligned and coordinated in order to support delivery of UK objectives.
• Maintain project and programme folders, ensuring all implementer reports, contracts and correspondence organised and accessible.
• Secretariat function for key programme meetings (Board Meetings, Supplier Meetings etc.).
• Administrative support to the programme team, including setting up meetings and liaising with London on daily issues.

Learning and development opportunities:

This role will offer varied opportunities for “on the job” learning, in addition to formal opportunities for learning in development, including in the region and/or London.

The job holder will be encouraged to complete relevant CSSF training, including Programme Management. New members of BHC staff are encouraged to complete the UK’s Diplomatic Academy Foundation Level training. 

Language requirements:

Language: English / Dhivehi.

Level of language required: Fluent / Fluent.

Other skills / experience / qualifications:

Essential on arrival:      

• At least 2 years of project/programme management experience, including confidence providing oversight of finances and project delivery.
• At least 2 years of experience of project finance management.
• Confidence to express ideas clearly and concisely.
• Personal drive and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills. 
• Able to communicate effectively with partners and diverse stakeholders.
• Confident in the use of a range of Microsoft and other IT applications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy or related field.