Who are we:

The British Embassy in Yerevan is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Defence Reform Project Officer.

As part of the UK Government’s wide-ranging partnerships with the government of Armenia, the UK provides a Deputy Special Defence Advisor (DSDA) to the Armenian Ministry of Defence (AMOD). This Advisor is supported by a project officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day management and delivery of a programme of activity related to defence reform as well as broader support to the DSDA. 
 
The projects are highly varied but broadly involve the sharing of expertise between the UK and AMOD on topics such as Anticorruption, Leadership education, Women in Defence and many more. Some projects have implementing partners while others are directly delivered by the SDA team. Funding for the projects originates with the UK’s Integrated Security Fund (ISF) and management of the projects follows ISF programme requirements. This role will focus primarily on the Armenia elements of the programme but also support a wider, regional ISF programme.  

The Project Officer is managed by the DSDA who is based in Yerevan and will work between the British Embassy Yerevan and the AMOD so flexibility is key. Some home working is also possible. Some travel to other regional locations may be required.    

Main duties and responsibilities:

Support the Deputy Special Defence Advisor in delivery of the SDA workplan: 

• Provide day-to-day support for the work of the Deputy Special Defence Advisor (SDA), including providing local expertise on the Armenian defence and security system and English/Armenian translation (simultaneous and written) during engagement with local stakeholders;
• Work closely with Armenian MOD staff to deliver SDA work including co-delivering conferences and administering workshops, demonstrating UK best practice in programme delivery and coaching Armenian MOD colleagues in those best practices;
• Ensure local delivery aligns with UK HMG commercial requirements and manage the payments of local delivery partners e.g. paying venues, exam fees etc.;
• Managing logistics relating to engagement with visitors and stakeholders and providing practical support e.g. arranging accommodation and transport for UK experts visiting Yerevan;
• Support the DSDA by maintaining and developing a network of defence and security contacts (both in Armenia and international) that can facilitate opportunities for wider engagement and support the sustainability of project outcomes.
  

Project Management:

• Work with the DSDA, to support the development and management of a robust portfolio of defence projects that deliver against UK Government strategic objectives, and the UK’s international commitments and broader strategies such as the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security;
• Provide day-to-day oversight of the delivery of the SDA programme, ensuring compliance with ISF programme guidance, including financial management and compliance, procurement and risk management.
  

Reporting:

• Provide accurate and high quality reporting on project delivery feeding into FCDO regional results framework and MEL systems;
• Work with the UK MOD ISF programme manager (London based) to meet UK MOD reporting requirements are delivered in a timely manner;
  

Support Regional Defence Delivery:

• Be an active member of the UK’s Defence team across the region, contributing to regional work and share best practice and lessons learned;
• Work with our partners to develop and share capacity to support ISF outcomes, including in defence and security reform, gender and conflict sensitivity whilst delivering value for money across the portfolio.
• To represent the work of UK defence in the region (focused in Armenia where the location is based) alongside the Deputy Special Defence Advisor at internal and external meetings.
• To work with the wider regional team (in Georgia and Moldova), other development programmes  and Embassy policy leads to foster a joined-up approach to delivering the UK’s Defence objectives in Armenia, Georgia and Moldova and enhance Learning and Development of defence staff on delivery of programmes.
  

Communication:

• Communicate impact to audiences internally and externally, both in-country and in the UK, including through public diplomacy events that can support delivery, improve visibility and enhance impact.

Our ideal candidate shows: 

• fluency in English and Armenian (minimum C1 level accordingly to CEFR*)
• At least three years of experience in project management and/or project delivery
• Substantial Defence or Security Sector experience
• University degree, ideally in international relations, defence, peace and security or similar
• Confidence engaging with a wide variety of Armenian stakeholders
• Strong administrative skills and experience of working collaboratively in a team
  
• Strong IT skills in MS Office