The British Embassy in Kyiv is recruiting a Programme and Finance Officer to support the Special Defence Advisor (SDA) in their capacity as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO), and the Deputy Special Defence Advisor (DSDA) as Programme Responsible Officer (PRO). The role of the SDA team is to develop and deliver UK objectives in Defence Reform for Ukraine as part of the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) formally known as the Conflict, Stability and Security (CSSF) fund.

As the Programme and Finance Officer, you will be working to ensure the delivery of the SDA’s strategy, which currently focuses on: Institutional Resilience and Good Governance; Transparency and Anti-Corruption; and Human Security.

The SDA team is a strategic defence transformation programme within the British Embassy Kyiv. The team is led by security sector reform professionals whose role is to advise and support the Ukrainian MOD on the implementation of its institutional reform priorities (such as anti-corruption, procurement reform, and human security). This is done through direct advice – led by the SDA – as well as through the delivery of defence reform projects.

 This is a complex and dynamic role and favours someone with at least 3 years programme management and financial management experience. Reporting to the DSDA, the Programme and Finance Officer will be working closely with implementers and colleagues across the Embassy, UK and Ukrainian government and will coordinate and provide returns on the delivery on the entire SDA programme. This role will test and develop your financial, analytical, and program management skills.

We are looking for a highly motivated, pro-active individual who understands ISF (formerly CSSF) programme finance policies and requirements, or with enough experience and expertise to develop this knowledge at pace. You will also need to understand stakeholder management, programme monitoring and evaluation, value for money, and risk management. You should also have an awareness of conflict sensitivity, gender, equality and social inclusion.

As Programme and Finance Officer, you will represent the UK in Ukraine at international implementer and donor events. This will require careful management of political sensitivities and understanding of UK policy and SDA strategic direction towards defence reform. You should have experience in delivering and managing successful projects/programmes and accurate financial reporting. This role will provide you with the opportunity to develop and expand your skills in a fast-paced international and political environment.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

• Reporting primarily to the DSDA and the SDA you will manage the successful delivery of a range of defence and security reform projects;
• Be responsible for programme cycle management over a portfolio of projects by maintaining strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in Ukraine, London and the regional programmes network in a face-to-face manner;
• Provide accurate financial reporting through consistent engagement with stake holders and financial returns to ISF and UK MOD colleagues;
• Accurately report back information and analysis from stakeholders to inform future development of ISF programmes;
• Ensure the timely planning of activity and reporting in accordance with ISF and UK MOD guidance;
• Provide quality assurance advice related to project deliverables, including value for money, budgets, impact, etc.;
• Appropriately escalate risks and challenges in a timely manner;
• Support improvements in programme management standards by adapting current processes where required, to maintain the annual programme cycle timeframes;
• Provide clear advice and briefing on relevant contextual issues related to the portfolio, working with London-based advisers and teams in the Embassy, including escalating decisions and/or risks as appropriate;
• Support and lead events with implementers or visitors from London. Provide translation as required for senior officials;
• Undertake related functions not outlined which are reasonable and pertinent to the grade on an ‘as needs’ basis.