Manager – Economic Development

Location

London, UK

Background

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world.

Our core team of managers and technical experts, in offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed. ASI is owned and operated by its employees, and we are all dedicated to making a meaningful difference in complex, challenging situations. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance.

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better.

The Economic Development Team

Our Economic Development Team specialises in the design and delivery of innovative programmes focused on three core practice areas: Infrastructure & urban development, climate resilience & adaptation, and private sector growth. We deliver impactful, results-driven programmes across Africa, South Asia, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas for clients including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, European Commission, European Investment Bank and various other multilateral development banks and bilateral donors.

About the role

We are currently looking to fill a Manager role in our growing private sector growth team, to oversee the delivery of our portfolio of programmes and help support business develop activities. This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI.

Key tasks and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Project Management

• Support Project Directors in the successful management of projects to terms of reference, time, quality, cost and donor and Government satisfaction. This will include support in the following areas of project management:
• Financial and budget management, client invoicing and financial forecasting
• Operations management
• HR management and recruitment
• Implementing partner management
• Financial and narrative programme reporting
• Monitoring project deliverables and workplan execution
• Team management
• Risks & issues management
• Event logistics & management
• Build strong working relationships with project associates, ensuring they feel part of the ASI ‘family’, and support them to ensure job satisfaction; and with ASI technical, geographic and finance teams
• Supporting Project Directors in engaging with and managing relations with project clients on a day-to-day basis.

Platform Management

• Support the Economic Development team leadership to ensure that ASI’s in-country operations are compliant and meet ASI’s duty of care obligations.
• Support in-country platform staff in ensuring that ASI’s operations meet ASI corporate’s standards.

Business development

• Research business development opportunities and helping to develop a pipeline of relevant business opportunities, as agreed with Line Manager
• Take on ad hoc, discrete and accountable roles in technical and commercial proposals and be an effective member of bid teams, as agreed with Line Manager

About you

A Manager should have the ability to build effective relationships with clients from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, and to work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments. He/she should relish working in a team, should be innovative, energetic, positive, and genuinely committed to making a lasting contribution to the reduction of poverty.

Adam Smith International seeks the following skills and experience:

• An under-graduate degree (and preferably a masters) in economics or another relevant field;
• Demonstrable interest and experience, 2-5 years, in the private sector growth field. Relevant experience areas might include trade, investment, agriculture, industrial development, SME support or macroeconomic analysis;
• Demonstrated experience of initiative, planning and organisation skills, results-focus and working in complex and time-pressured contexts;
• Outstanding written English and oral communication skills;
• Excellent inter-personal skills and teamwork;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Willingness to travel extensively to fragile and conflict affected environments;
• Enthusiasm and flexibility along with a willingness to travel at short notice and work in developing countries; and
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of other languages would be advantageous

Managers at this level have responsibility for overseeing programme delivery in fragile and conflict affected contexts and will normally be responsible for managing teams of seasoned technical experts. It will require an individual who can quickly master the technical background of the programmes, an ability to manage teams of experienced professionals and gain the respect and trust of senior personnel, and a calm and level-headed approach to dealing with issues that arise during programme implementation. ASI’s portfolio is expanding, and this position offers candidates the chance to support this growing area of work.

Deadline for applications is 18th August 2024, 11:59 P.M. GMT.

What We Offer You

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career.

The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.