The British Embassy in Rabat invites applications for the position of Counter Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Network (CTEN) Project Officer, job grade Executive Officer (EO).

As part of CTEN, the Project Officer plays an important part in the UK’s efforts to build its counter terrorism partnership with Morocco. They hold responsibility for managing projects delivered under the Counter Terrorism Programme Fund (CTPF) and for supporting the analysis of the counter terrorism context. Projects vary in substance and deliver impact across the four ‘P’s’ (Prevent, Pursue, Protect, Prepare) of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST). However, the jobholder should anticipate managing a significant portfolio of countering violent extremism (‘Prevent’) activity.

Tackling an evolving and shared terrorism threat is a priority for the UK’s cooperation with Morocco. Working with specialists from across the British Government, the Project Officer will provide project and policy support to the CTEN in Rabat, working to ensure the effective delivery of CTPF projects that are aligned to the UK’s strategic aims and compliant with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Programme Operating Framework (PrOF). Effective co-ordination with the Moroccan government, international donors, and wider stakeholders will be essential.

The successful candidate will have experience of delivering projects, including the use of research and evidence in design; procurement; management of finances, risk, stakeholders and implementing partners; and reporting on impact. They will be a good team player who is adaptable, organised, a good communicator, and capable of engaging with teams across the Embassy and with external contacts.

Duties and responsibilities:

The jobholder will:

• Be responsible for managing projects funded under the Integrated Security Fund’s (ISF) Counter Terrorism Programme, including projects focussed on the rehabilitation of violent extremist offenders, the reinsertion of those affected by violent extremism, and support wider security cooperation with Morocco.
• Act as the CTEN’s ‘Prevent’ Pillar Policy Lead.
• Develop a contact network in Morocco and manage constructive relationships with stakeholders, including colleagues at British Embassies in the region as well as in the FCDO and Home Office in London, as well as prospective project implementers.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on key developments in Counter Terrorism (CT) and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in Morocco. Draft high quality reports, providing insights to inform CT/CVE policy and programming. Draw on analysis and research to both further UK understanding and to support project design.
• Develop project bids that build on opportunities to cooperate with Moroccan partners and that will deliver impact against the UK’s CONTEST Strategy.
• Work with the Project SRO (Head of CTEN) to ensure that projects are compliant with the FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework and delivered in line with the expectations of the Counter Terrorism Programme Fund, including for:

1. Development of Project Documents and Theories of Change
2. Risk and Issue management: Developing mitigating actions, monitoring and escalating as necessary.
3. Financial management, including the use of Activity Based Budgets and financial reporting.
4. Gender and Inclusion and Conflict Sensitivity.
5. Development and use of Results Frameworks and milestone indicators to monitor and drive delivery.
6. Conduct and write-up project ‘filed monitoring’ visits.
7. Support the evaluation of projects and ensure learning and best practice from the Moroccan context benefits the wider Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network.
8. Commercial procurement, due diligence and the development and management of contracts alongside FCDO services.
9. Write project reports, support effective governance and decision making.
10. Set up effective change management processes, including documenting/ filing key decisions.

• Hold a CT Crisis role within the embassy’s Crisis Response Mode structure.
• Any other business in support of the Embassy’s CT Team, including support to the management of inward and outward visits, running the day to day office operation, drafting and typing correspondence and reports, occasional interpretation, and other logistical support to CTEN team over travel, event organisation, etc.

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:

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

Eligibility:

Applicants must already have the right to work and live in Morocco.

• Previous experience of programme/project management and with working knowledge of project delivery methodologies and frameworks, ideally in an international donor environment. Experience and/or knowledge of risk management, financial management, use of monitoring and evaluation tools, and wider project assurance tools and procedures.
• Experience of working on Countering Violent Extremism issues.
• Confident and clear communicator, fluent in English (at least IELTS Band 7 or equivalent), French, and Arabic/ Darija languages, both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely and adapt communication so others can understand.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, collaborating across boundaries. Ability to influence and challenge effectively.
• Demonstrate courtesy and consideration dealing with stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling sensitive matters with the trust of all involved.
• 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 skills. Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment and across multiple work strands.
• A positive attitude to working flexible hours and the ability to work well independently and as part of a small team.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).