The British Embassy in Kyiv is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager to join the Embassy’s Humanitarian Team, working on a high-profile programme, in support of a top UK foreign policy objective. 

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the delivery of a number of significant projects within the portfolio of humanitarian response and social protection projects in Ukraine, under the UK’s Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance, Response and Protection programme (HARP). The programme currently works through a range of iNGOs, NGO consortia, UN partners, pooled funds and contractors to deliver essential humanitarian assistance and protection, and to bolster the humanitarian response and national support systems. 

You will provide relevant support and leadership to ensure excellence in delivery of our programme, as well as contributing insight and expertise to the development of our policy and approach. Working closely with implementers, key stakeholders and colleagues across the Embassy and in the UK, the jobholder will communicate, coordinate and provide advice on the delivery of high-impact, sustainable UK-funded projects in Ukraine.  The jobholder will work collaboratively with Humanitarian Advisors, Senior Programme Leads and other Programme Managers from within the Humanitarian Team.

Priorities over the coming months will include mobilising projects within the Embassy’s new programme (HARP); establishing programme management relationships with partners; monitoring and upholding compliance, due diligence, safeguarding, fraud and risks; reviewing partner reporting, and completing the annual and programmatic reviews. Thematic areas of responsibility are likely to change as the context and programme develops. 

The programme attracts high levels of ministerial, communications and parliamentary interest and scrutiny. Although this is a fast-paced role, we are a friendly, sociable and welcoming team that places a strong focus on wellbeing, kindness and inclusion.

The role may be extended on a one-year fixed term basis.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Leading on a number of partnerships within the Humanitarian programme in Ukraine (95%). This will include:
  • Manage and shaping the FCDO’s relationship with our partner contacts, in collaboration with Humanitarian Advisors and Senior Programme Leads.  
  • Manage project/component level finances, including payment of invoices, management of system processes and updating forecasts.
  • Ensure compliance at partner level with the FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework (PrOF), including through effective risk management, management of aid diversion and safeguarding cases and other essential compliance processes.
  • Manage project level accountability through ongoing results management and maintain the annual programme cycle timeframes. 
  • Support improvements in programme management standards by adapting current processes where required.
  • Input into programme communications and parliamentary responses.
  • Contribute to programme reporting and analysis, and work with Advisors to support effective policy-making. Collect data, draft readouts from meetings with interlocutors, and engage with key stakeholders.
  • Support and lead events with implementers or visitors from the UK.
  • Providing translation and / or briefing notes as required for senior officials.
  • Contribute to wider team objectives and lead on ad hoc initiatives, e.g. Partner Days and Deep Dives.
  • Join monitoring visits within Ukraine to programme sites and activities, accompanied by colleagues, where security allows and in line with business need.
  • The post holder will represent the Embassy through attendance and contributions at external meetings and events with implementing partners, including with the Representatives of UN partner organisations.
  • When required supporting or leading on other thematic projects across the programme team. The team is flexible and adapts to new priorities and its capacity.
    
• Contribute to British Embassy Kyiv’s wider corporate objectives, for example by participating in committees, crisis response, learning and development etc. (5%)

• Full professional proficiency in English and Ukrainian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Minimum three-years experience in project or programme management in a humanitarian or development context;
• A proven track-record in working independently, flexibly and proactively and taking responsibility for tasks and workstreams.
• Experience working with external partners, especially UN agencies and NGOs.
• Excellent communication with strong written and oral skills, to provide balanced, sound advice and represent FCDO in external meetings.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, and ability to manage workload, deliver at pace and prioritise effectively whilst maintaining quality.
• Excellent team working; strong networking and collaboration skills and the ability to build productive, respectful relationships quickly.
• Confident IT skills and familiarity with use of MS Office suite.