The British Embassy Bahrain has a vacancy for Projects and Finance Assistant under the Programmes Team, job grade Administrative Officer (AO). This is for a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026.

As a member of the Programmes Team, the jobholder candidate will support in the delivery of a portfolio of projects that support Bahrain-led reform through a package of UK technical assistance. You will be tasked with providing quality administrative and logistics support, managing programme finances and ensuring programme work delivers value for money, as well as leading and co-leading projects with other colleagues across the team. 

Duties and responsibilities: 

Programme finance management:

• Create, monitor and close projects using the FCDO’s internal Oracle-based finance system by creating project codes, setting up suppliers, creating purchase orders, manage budget forecasting, and receipting invoices. Completing all necessary forms in line with FCDO guidance.
• Administer programme finances through working closely with Project Officers and Implementing Partners to ensure budget forecasts and actual spend are updated monthly. Flag financial risks and suggest mitigating measures. Develop and maintain financial tools to monitor and evaluate spend offline (spreadsheets).
• Report programme finance performance to the British Embassy Programme Board and to the Regional Finance Hub, as and when requested. 

Project management support:

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Programmes Team through preparing agreements/MoUs in line with FCDO guidelines, making travel arrangements, supporting inward and outward visits’ logistics, setting up meetings for the team, taking notes and circulating these when required.
• Lead and co-lead projects with support from Project Officers. Draft project Terms of Reference, complete proposals, conduct procurement, manage stakeholders including implementing partners, report project and finance progress, manage risks, and evaluate project outcomes.
• Update implementers’ and financial guidelines based on FCDO guidance and good practice, and share these with implementing partners.
• Liaise and arrange logistics of internal and external events including preparation of agenda and working documents. Liaise closely with the Events Manager for any internal events. Organise and attend Embassy as well as project-related events as required. 

Administration support

• Assist the Programmes Team with record keeping by managing data and information, including saving documents in MS Teams as needed.
• Ensure a proper filing system is in place and hard copies of signed agreements/ contracts and documents are securely saved. 

Wider Embassy contribution: 

• The Job Holder, as with all members of staff, will contribute to the life of the Embassy community beyond their formal job description. This could include broader roles such as fire warden or joining a People Committee. 
• The Job Holder will form part of crisis preparedness, exercising and any operational response. 
• Respond flexibly and actively to evolving priorities and needs.

Resources Managed:

• Administer programme funds.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key behaviours required:

• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

• Demonstrated ability and experience in a finance and/or administrative support position. Numerate, reliable, and able to work under pressure and on own initiative following compulsory rules and procedures.
• Experience in project/ programme management support and in managing project/ programme budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), particularly Excel.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely. Accurate typing and proofreading skills.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills. Ability to respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities whilst maintaining close attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Initiative to solve problems, raise matters of concern, and understand competing priorities.
• Ability to work rigorously and independently and make judgement calls on when to use own initiative to deal directly with enquiries and seek guidance where necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills and works well as part of a team. Capable of working on their own initiative as well as with and through others, including in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Good customer skills in dealing with colleagues and external parties, able to work closely with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness, courtesy, and consideration in dealing with all stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling any sensitive matters, with the trust of all involved.