The CSSF provides development and security support to countries at risk of conflict or instability. The CSSF is a flexible fund, with an annual budget of approx. £800m, which supports and delivers security, defence, peacekeeping, peace-building and stability activity in over 70 countries using both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funding. The UK’s security and wider international interests are directly impacted where other countries are at risk of conflict or instability. The CSSF supports work to reduce that risk in countries where the UK has key interests. Through the CSSF, the UK and our international partners are more secure from threats such as terrorism, corruption and illegal migration or trafficking. For more details on the CSSF, the Annual Report can be found here. 

Among other programmatic areas, the PPM will lead on designing and overseeing initiatives related to (i) Women, Peace and Security (WPS), (ii) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), (iii) enhancing human security and (iv) addressing the conflict and stability drivers in Ukraine whilst promoting gender equality. Thematic areas of responsibility may change as the Ukraine Programme develops.  Working closely with implementers, key stakeholders and colleagues across the Embassy and in the UK, you will communicate, coordinate and provide advice on the delivery of sustainable UK funded projects in Ukraine.  

Furthermore, in your role you would ensure the portfolio is compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout CSSF programmes, and supporting CSSF ambitions to achieve the UK’s Women, Peace and Security objectives.

We are looking for a motivated, pro-active individual who understands the importance of value for money, conflict sensitivity and need for oversight.  This role will provide you with the opportunity to develop programme and financial management skills alongside experience of stakeholder management, monitoring and evaluation, gender and conflict sensitivity, and risk management.

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

Roles and responsibilities:

We are recruiting a Programme and Project Manager who is expected to manage a number of projects, which may include Women, Peace and Security (WPS); Gender Equality and Social Inclusion; War Crimes Accountability; Stabilisation, Human Rights and Security Sector Reform. You will be supported in your role by a range of advisers including Gender, Peace and Security; Conflict and Stabilisation; Social Development; Stratcomms; Good Governance and Economic advisers alongside the wider Programmes Team at the Embassy and in the UK.   

 Responsibilities will include: 

• Programme cycle management to ensure the timely planning of activity and reporting in accordance with Programme Operating Framework and Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) guidance; 
• Manage a programme of projects, including supporting Government of Ukraine in effective implementation of the National Action Plan 1325 for 2020-2025, and provide quality assurance of project deliverables, including value for money, outputs, outcomes and impact etc. Appropriately escalate risks and challenges in a timely manner; 
• When required support or lead on other thematic projects across the programme team. The team is flexible and adapts to new priorities and its capacity.
• Maintain strong working relationships with implementers and stakeholders to agree timelines and deliver project outcomes; 
• Oversee programme and projects implementation performance through effective monitoring and evalaution strategies, utilizing data-driven assessmnets, analysis and reporting to enhance programme effectivemness and inform decision making, incl. continual improvement;
• Assessment of the newly submitted project budgets, drafting financial provisions within the contracts and track contract/budget implementation, and budgets (e.g. Commitments, forecast, spend and invoice processing), ensuring that all project payments are processed according to the agreed payment schedules and in compliance with the FCDO requirements;
• Coordinate the management of scoping and design work for new interventions when required;
• Support improvements in programme management standards by adapting current processes where required, to maintain the annual programme cycle timeframes; 
• Support and lead events with implementers or visitors from London.  Provide translation and or briefing notes as required for senior officials;
• Contribute to wider team and Embassy objectives, corporate activities and learning. 

• Programme and project manage experience (2-3 minimum years of experience)
• Ability to manage a wide network of stakeholders to deliver programme management
• Good understanding of gender equality and social inclusion needs and priorities within the context of war and early recovery process in Ukraine
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation methodologies 
• Have an understanding of the principles of accountability
• Pro-active and enthusiastic about improving programme management approaches and applying lessons learned
• Relevant background working with international or national non-Government organisations, (I/NGOs), governments, multilaterals and other donors
• Ability to manage workload and deliver at pace whilst maintaining quality
• Able to manage finance and budgets