The British Embassy Baghdad currently has a vacancy for a Development Programme Manager, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO).

Working to the Senior Programme Manager, the jobholder will lead on the effective implementation of our programmes, working closely with the Deputy Development Director and Team Leader to deliver a set of complex and priority objectives for the Embassy. Programmes in the Development Team focus on Economics, Demographics, and Building Peace and Stability. Key partners include the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Rescue Committee (IRC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with stakeholders across His Majesty’s Government (HMG), the Government of Iraq (GOI), and NGOs.

The Programme Manager will work with both internal and external stakeholders to shape the most effectual programmes to operate in a difficult environment, managing programme finances, risks, and delivery, and ensuring compliance with our Programme Operating Framework (ProF). The jobholder will need to be flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing context. They will also work across the Development Team to strengthen portfolio quality and promulgate programme delivery best practice. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Manage project relationships with implementing partners. Build strong relationships with partner agencies in field offices and at Headquarters in line with agreements and best practice stakeholder management to drive high quality performance and adherence to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) standards.
• Lead on risk management in a complex environment, drawing on the FCDO risk management framework, due diligence guidance, and Counter Aid Diversion Strategy and best practice.
• Lead on the effective financial management of projects to ensure value for money throughout the programme cycle, including through accurate forecasting, asset management, timely payment of invoices/ claims, and timely submission of financial reports and Annual Audited Statements where required, in line with FCDO Budget, purchase to pay (P2P) guidance, Finance Specialist guidance, and our in-house finance, procurement, and information reporting system.
• Lead on the effective monitoring of projects, including through maintenance and regular use of the Delivery Plan; through timely and rigorous Annual Reviews (ARs)/ Programme Completion Review (PCRs); through cycle of timely partner and supplier reporting; quarterly meetings with partners in the region and independent monitoring of programme activities.
• Managing Government of Iraq (GOI) relationships, acting as a focal point for key Ministerial contacts, coordinating senior level official meetings including logistics and translation, drafting note verbale (NV), and translating key documents from Arabic to English at an ad hoc basis.
• Development diplomacy, leveraging tools and creating opportunities for UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) priorities to be communicated, endorsed, and adopted by GOI, stakeholders, and wider NGO community.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

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

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

• We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you.
• You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate’s residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits. If you have any questions about residency and/ or visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Iraqi Government Ministry.

• Experience of programme/ project management, using the full range of tools to design, manage, and close effective programmes, developing business cases, annual reviews, delivery plans.
• Demonstrated experience in managing risk and issues, using all available evidence, information, and expert advice to understand and mitigate risks and make decisions or escalate as needed.
• Financial management experience, including accurate forecasting, timely payments, and embedding excellent value for money in all programmes.
• Native/ Near native communication skills in English and Arabic, both spoken and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Ability to maintain a range of contacts and build effective working relationships. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong customer focus.
• Ability to drive delivery of outcomes and overcome obstacles, especially when working with and through others.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. Proven track record of delivering results to a high standard to tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational ability. Proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload. Proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).