View Vacancy – Programme Officer EO (16/24 ACC)

Main purpose of job:

The UK’s partnership with Ghana is intended to develop a strong, prosperous and peaceful economy, through long-term partnerships that deliver mutual benefit for the UK and Ghana. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s top priorities in Ghana – promoting a resilient and productive economy. The post will sit in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development’s office (FCDO) at the British High Commission in Accra, in the Trade and Economic Resilience Team (TER), working on programming to support public financial management and economic development with opportunities to engage in broader wider programming in the future.

The post holder will provide financial, programmatic and risk management for the assigned programme(s) in TER. However, the post holder will work flexibly and could be deployed to manage programmes for other delivery teams based on the needs of FCDO Ghana. 

The post-holder will work with a variety of stakeholders (including Government of Ghana counterparts, private sector delivery partners, Multilateral Organisations, NGOs, think-tanks and partners across the UK Government) to support the design, contracting, mobilisation, implementation and reporting of FCDO’s bilateral programming in Ghana. The post holder will work with the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) & Programme Responsible Officer (PRO), as well as relevant technical advisers, to ensure the programme/s is delivered and implemented in accordance with FCDO programme processes. This is an interesting and rewarding role, providing an opportunity to work at the centre of the UK’s development partnership with Ghana at a critical time. 

The British High Commission has a zero tolerance for Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination and aims to be an inclusive and supportive employer.  The post offers attractive career progression and provides a strong learning and development offer (see also sections below).

Roles and responsibilities:

The successful applicant will demonstrate proven experience of programme and financial management and a willingness to become proficient with FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework (PrOF). This includes the areas set out in below;

Programme management, commercial delivery, and monitoring:

• Implement effective programme cycle management for selected projects in line with FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework (PrOF).
• Collaborate effectively with programme SRO, PRO and technical advisers to effectively adapt programming according to changing context and priorities.
• Lead on reviewing quarterly reports, coordinating reviews of progress and financial reports, managing project information and representing the team in external meetings.
• Support the drafting and establishment of commercial arrangements including: MoUs, commercial contracts and accountable grants as well as managing Due Diligence Assessment  processes.
• Develop relevant terms of reference and other project documents to support programme delivery and ensure effective financial management.
• Working closely with the Delegated Procurement Officer (DPO) to undertake programme specific procurement’s as required.
• Engage with programme partners and beneficiaries on formal and informal reviews, using information, data and evidence to identify performance issues and recommend remedial action where necessary.
• Contribute to the effective management and administration of assigned programme(s), contribute to developing high quality and compliant programme documentation, including submissions, concept notes, business cases and annual reviews.
• Develop close relationships with implementers and across HMG, working to build their understanding of FCDO processes and priorities to ensure delivery aligns with programme objectives and rules.
• Identify communications opportunities to highlight lessons and learning from programme achievements.

Financial management:

• Manage financial forecasts, working closely with spending partners, Advisers, PROs and SROs to create realistic spending forecasts throughout the financial year. Accurately profile and update budgets on FCDO’s HERA software.
• Analyse project financial reports, progress reports and budgets, and ensure reconciliation against existing project records.
• Reconcile project progress and spend to ensure projects meet spending targets and spend-related risks are identified early.
• Provide accurate financial information to team and business unit as required, reviewing partner/supplier financial reports and checking for variances to ensure value for money throughout the programme cycle.
• Ensure all requisitions, purchase orders and receipting/payment of invoices meet FCDO’s financial rules and are linked to agreed project milestones and/or partner or supplier reporting obligations.
• Ensure suppliers and FCDO operations meet standards and expectations on identification, reporting and management of fraud and fraud risks.

Risk Management:

• Contribute to the development of project risk strategies, focusing on risk identification, mitigation, risk management systems and reporting, in partnership with project team and others as required.  This will include risks associated with: safeguarding, fraud, corruption, operational delivery, political context, commercial, financial and reputational.
• Maintain an appropriate programme risk register, proactively highlighting and escalating concerns, risks and issues to the appropriate level.
• Develop and update delivery chain risk map showing key issues and risks at each stage of the flow of funds. Carry out due diligence assessments on partners and ensure follow up on recommendations and other actions as required.

Cross-BHC Mission working:

• Work flexibly to support programme delivery across the British High Commission.
• Actively contribute to improving the quality of programme management across the office.
• Demonstrate cross-office leadership by taking on new, stretching tasks when opportunities arise.
• Identify opportunities  with your line manager to support corporate goals -this can include logistical support for ministerial visits and BHC events or taking an active role in staff committees.