Job Title: Assistant Programme Manager                                                                                                    

Date: 4 May 2016

Background

The Department for International Development (DFID) has responsibility for taking forward the UK Government’s development work in Sierra Leone and Liberia. DFID’s programme is spread across three thematic areas: Governance; Basic Services (including Health and Education); and Economic Development.

The Freetown based-office of the British Government’s Department for International Development (DFID SL) is expanding its programme teams to deliver existing and new programmes supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s (GOSL) recovery plan. The UK plays a key role helping to develop related programmes in basic service delivery, economic development, and governance. The UK has committed £240m to support the GOSL’s 24-month recovery phase.

DFID Sierra Leone currently has 41 posts, with a good mix of UK-based personnel and staff appointed in country, and is now seeking to fill three programme management posts in Freetown. The posts are:

• One post as an Assistant Programme Manager (DFID grade = B2)

• Two posts as Programme Assistants (DFID grade = C1).

B2 Assistant Programme Manager

Main purpose

Assistant Programme Managers support the Programme Manager, Senior Programme Manager and Team Leaders (TLs) /Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) to design, develop and implement programmes. There are opportunities to work on existing and new programmes being developed. This role requires excellent prioritisation, a can-do attitude, the willingness to work responsively across a number of issues simultaneously, learn quickly and an ability to work with a range of different stakeholders.

Key tasks

• Deliver full compliance with mandatory and best practice procedures for managed programme(s) proactively sharing information and learning to improve performance.

• Contribute to good financial management and driving value for money in programme(s) through applying mandatory financial procedures; and accurate financial monitoring and expenditure for team projects.

• Contribute to improved efficiency and effectiveness of procurement in the Team and wider office through contract management and supplier relationship.

• Contribute to meeting corporate compliance requirements and effective cross office / cross-UK Government working.

Responsibilities

The full scope of responsibilities is likely to include:

• Programme management

• Supporting day-to-day project management of development programmes and ensuring full adherence to DFID’s corporate programme cycle management processes and procedures and SMART rules; full and active participation in project implementation with lead advisers, seeking their advice as appropriate

• Establish constructive relationships with implementing partners to effectively supervise and monitor contracts and agreements and ensure prompt payment of invoices; represent DFID SL and present its policies effectively at meetings.

• Develop and maintain the programme delivery plans, finance and results trackers.

• Assist with the planning and delivery of annual reviews and programme completion reviews; undertaking occasional field monitoring trips to districts

• Financial Management

• Managing programme budgets on DFID’s Activities Reporting & Information Electronic System (ARIES) and the DFID Aid Management Platform (AMP).

• Provide accurate financial reporting and assist on regular monitoring and evaluation of programmes, demonstrate value for money, good procurement practice and procedures when doing so. Process requisitions, purchase orders and invoices, accurately and consistently to meet set payment deadlines

• Ensure ARIES data is accurate and programme data compliant with transparency requirements (i.e. correctly published on DFID’s online Development Tracker and kept up to date).

• Other tasks

  • Providing flexible programme and other ad hoc support across the entire team, including on policy and briefing, arranging external meetings, teleconferences and video conferences (VCs); and supporting on logistics and document (electronic registry) management.

  • Help the Team prepare for Audit visits; project audits, spot checks and due diligence assessments.

  • Support on providing clear, concise and accurate briefings on projects when requested, and contribute to planning/briefing for visits.

Essential skills and experience required

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• Programme management skills and strong general competencies (listed below)

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Good oral/written English.

• Solid financial acumen.

• Strong organisational skills and initiative, with the ability to work effectively, flexibly and to multi-task

• At least two years’ experience of working for a development agency would be an added advantage.

Required qualification

• An academic record to at least degree level

Competencies

Candidates should be able to clearly demonstrate in their application examples of the following competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions

• Delivering Value for Money

• Delivering at Pace

• Collaborating and Partnering

• Leading and Communicating

Salary scale: Le 70,260,000 – Le 105,636,000 per annum