Who we are: 

The British Embassy in Astana is part of a world-wide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The British Embassy in Astana is looking for a successful candidate to fill in a temporary gap within the regional FCDO Central Asia Development and Programme team. The job holder will be responsible for managing the delivery of the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) programme in Kazakhstan.

The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) replaced the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) on 1 April 2024. The ISF is a cross-Government fund that tackles the highest-priority threats to UK national security, both at home and overseas. It takes an integrated, agile, catalytic, and high-risk approach to find solutions to the most complex national security challenges outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 (IRR).  Consequently, some information in this job spec references the CSSF. 

The ISF provides development and security support to countries at risk of conflict or instability. The ISF is a unique funding instrument that enables HMG to address the UK’s most pressing national security concerns through a cross-government, programmatic approach drawing together diplomatic, defence, security and development levers. The ISF has a higher risk appetite than any single Department would be willing to adopt, enabling it to pilot novel and innovative programming. The Fund supports and delivers security, defence, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and stability activity in over 70 countries using both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funding. The UK’s security and wider international interests are directly impacted where other countries are at risk of conflict or instability. The ISF supports work to reduce that risk in countries where the UK has key interests. Through the ISF, the UK and our international partners are more secure from threats such as terrorism, cyber, corruption and illegal migration or trafficking. For more details on the CSSF, the Annual Report can be found here.

The Central Asia Programme Portfolio currently comprises FCDO and MOD led projects in the region. The role involves ensuring HMG ISF partners and Posts align programme plans and bids with UK Government priorities, Country Business Plans, ODA/non-ODA requirements and helping ISF local programme/project leads manage their successful delivery. 

Why should you apply? 
This is an international role, and you will have a chance to work within a central team and in partnership with local and international stakeholders across our Embassies. 
We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities for personal growth. 

What is this role all about?

• Project Manage the design and implementation of the Central Asia Integrated Security Fund (CA ISF) projects in Central Asia, deploying excellent programme management skills, including on risk management, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, financial management, procurement, internal and external communications, and managing relationships with implementing partners. Work with the CA ISF and Central Asia Development Programme Team (CADPT) to ensure best practice is implemented across all programmes, including, but not limited to, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), risk management and financial management;
• Build and maintain relationships with key government, civil society and international partners in Central Asia. Using these to influence the wider policy debate on conflict and security issues and deliver UK objectives. Maintain strong relationship with the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) programme support team in London. Continue to engage with relevant stakeholders across EECAD on future CA ISF analysis and strategy for the wider region, and ensure close collaboration with other government departments, as required, including the UK Ministry of Defence. Work with the 5 Central Asian Embassies’ Press and Public Relations Officers, to increase awareness of CA ISF and FCDO programmes amongst the public and private sector. Work with Comms Officers across the region on regional communications of our CA ISF work.
• As part of CADPT, develop sector specific knowledge in one or more area/s to play a key role in the direction and delivery of CADPT and the CA ISF portfolio, including serving as the lead liaison for particular CA ISF projects;
• Building awareness of CADPT and CA ISF programmes and support for them, including through public outreach;
• Engagement across CADPT to ensure joined up working and coordination and collaboration across programmes.

Main responsibilities will include: 

1.    CA ISF Project Management (50%):

Support the FY24/25 CA ISF projects in delivering outcome and output level results in line with NSC sub-objectives and FCDO programme requirements by:

–    Directly managing regional CA ISF projects on design, implementation and reporting, including risks, (delivery; reputational; safeguarding; fiduciary) gender and conflict sensitivity and finances;
–    Developing and managing relationships with HMG and implementing partners on the projects e.g. coordinating inputs on project design or attendance of events and field visits by posts; 
–    Drafting project briefing / speaking points for posts, reviewing project visibility materials and supporting other internal and external communications work.

2.    CA ISF – programme support (30%):

Support the wider CA ISF programme portfolio by:

–    Reporting on project level results on a quarterly basis and as needed;
–    Contributing to programme portfolio M&E and annual review;
–    Developing sector specific knowledge in project areas and engaging with relevant HMG stakeholders on future CA ISF diagnostics and strategy for the wider region;
–    Lead on programme related visits and events. 

3.    Other Programme and Embassy support (20%): 

–    Coordinate annual programme bidding round and manage procurement processes; 
–    Support the Embassy’s use and design of programme’s fund (e.g. the Challenge Fund)
–    Support programme team on wider work as required; 
–    Provide support to wider Embassy work as requested.

In your role as CA ISF Programme Manager, ensure the portfolio is compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout ISF programmes, and supporting ISF ambitions in line with the UK Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023-2027. More information is in the most recent  More information is in the most recent Conflict, Stability and Security Fund annual report 2022 to 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Fluency in English (C1) and Russian (C1), according to the CEFR Framework*.
• At least 2 years of experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation, financial planning and budget management, preferably in international organisations;
• Good understanding of Kazakhstan and regional context;
• Good interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure;
• Flexibility to travel within and outside the country;
• Willing to take initiative, flexible, responsible and reliable team player.