Main purpose of job:

We are looking to recruit a suitably qualified Deputy Programme Manager who can start from 1 March 2023. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant private sector team (PST), comprising senior advisers and programme managers within the (Campaign Goal 6) Economy and Trade Group at the British High Commission Pakistan. 
PST is the private sector “hub” for the BHC Islamabad. It focuses on boosting access to finance for SMEs, exploring climate finance initiatives, and widening and growing the export base. The live PST portfolio is currently just over £200 million across two programmes. This will increase substantially as two new programmes are in currently the pipeline. As part of the UK strategic priorities, PST is also expected to bring together a stronger offer by harnessing Overseas Development Assistance ( ODA) as well as non ODA levers. This will require exploring alternative delivery options for PST’s existing and new programmes (including but not limited to partnerships with British International Investment, Infra Co Asia, IFC, World Bank, ADB), with a view to optimise development impact whilst leveraging financial resources and managing our portfolio risk.
PST is a top performing unit, that offers an attractive and rewarding work environment, and which delivers programme results, provides policy and technical input across the UK mission in Pakistan.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
  
All employees of FCDO have a responsibility to embrace the changes of the FCDO as it transforms, building the culture we want to see and delivering our cultural statement in how we lead and behave towards others; how we make decisions and how we get the job done is everyone’s responsibility. The role’s key responsibilities are highlighted as follows. The role is also expected to evolve to keep up with the BHC’s future priorities and the revised ODA settlement.
This exciting opportunity is available to both internal CBS looking to transfer laterally or be promoted to HEO, as well as external candidates.  
The successful candidate will need to possess strong programme management skills and the ability to work independently to design, mobilise, and deliver programmes throughout the programme cycle. Previous experience in leading internal and external coordination will be an advantage. As the DPM, some of the key responsibilities will include:
Managing the programme cycle:
•    Lead the execution of one of the projects of Private Sector Development portfolio, utilising a combination of funding modalities (accountable grant, trust fund, and commercial contracts) with minimal supervision.
•    Establish and maintain comprehensive project delivery plans, leveraging AMP/MI (FCDO’s programmes portal) data for informed decision-making and lesson incorporation.
•    Drive financial management for assigned programmes in PST portfolio, ensuring timely and credible team forecasts, identifying issues and trends, and incorporating lessons learned into financial processes.
•    Act as a programme expert for assigned initiatives, ensuring adherence to compliance to FCDO’s rules and transparency requirements. The candidate is anticipated to assume the role of Programme Responsible Officer in the future course of their tenure in PST. 
•    Oversee the CG6 annual/programme completion review cycle, ensuring timely planning, resource allocation, and delivery.
•     Implement effective monitoring and evaluation practices to gather necessary data for understanding program delivery and impact.
Managing Risk and Issues:
•    Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and evaluating risks, applying mitigation strategies during project mobilisation, and maintaining project controls for assurance.
•    Take the lead on delivering and maintaining key programme management documents such as due diligence reports for new partners, programme delivery plans and risk registers. Also, lead on following up due diligence, audit, and annual review recommendations for PST’s programmes.
•    Safeguard FCDO funds by understanding fund flows, identifying fraud risks, and implementing strategies to handle identified fraud cases rigorously and promptly.
•    Lead the follow-up on due diligence, audit, and annual review recommendations for PST’s programmes. 
Engaging team and others:
•    Serve as the line manager of a programme officer, actively contributing to their professional development to foster continual improvement in their programme management skills.
•    Regularly interact with commercial contractors, senior officials of DFIs, and senior Government officials.
•    Support the team by drafting clear and concise project documentation (submissions, information notes,) and quality assuring them before submission to senior management.
•    Proactively liaise with other programs across the BHC Islamabad portfolio to identify synergies.
Corporate Responsibilities:
•    Bear corporate responsibility towards the overall mission, actively participating in various administrative activities such as coordinating BHC events, managing high-level visits, and providing administrative support to CG6 senior management during field visits.

Essential on arrival: 

•    Knowledge of the programme management cycle and the PRoF.
•    Experience of managing and delivering development programmes across the programme cycle.
•    Good financial management skills.
•    Good oral and written communication skills.
•    Strong commercial, financial and risk management skills.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Ability to prioritise workload and respond flexibly as new priorities arise.

Also please go through the civil service behaviour: Success Profiles – Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)