Main purpose of job:

The Green Cities and Infrastructure Centre of Expertise (GCI COE) are looking for SEOHEO Programme Manager to support the delivery of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP). This exciting initiative will provide a comprehensive technical assistance offer to developing countries on low-carbon infrastructure and climate-smart urban development.

This new position, based in the British High Commission] Accra, will lead design and implementation of the GCIP in Ghana. The purpose will include: shaping the overarching strategy in line with the UK Government’s International Development White Paper[1], published November 2023; ensuring high quality, value for money delivery of GCIP projects in Ghana; identifying opportunities for new programme interventions; establishing and maintaining a strong stakeholder network of GCIP partners across Ghana coordinating GCIP engagement across the UK’s network; and contributing to smooth programme and budget management and reporting.  

You will be working in a team of Programme Managers and Policy experts to deliver the GCIP.

As part of this role, you will need to maintain good working relationships with FCDO offices (especially in Ghana and in the UK) and external stakeholders, in particular Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) consortium that is delivering most of GCIP. Good stakeholder management is key.

‘The post is funded under GCIP.  Should FCDO withdraw funding to the programme, the position will end after any required notice period.’

The post-holder will have substantial responsibility, and the opportunity to engage in the design and delivery of a high-profile country priority. The role combines diplomacy and international development delivery, including on the UK’s International Climate Finance commitments.

The post holder will be expected to develop strong links with other colleagues working on global issues across the BHC, including Urban and Infrastructure, Development Capital, Science and Innovation Network, and Trade teams.

Roles and responsibilities

We all have a responsibility to embrace the changes of the FCDO as it transforms, building the culture we want to see and delivering our cultural statement in how we lead and behave towards others; how we make decisions and how we get the job done is everyone’s responsibility.

In this role you will also be responsible for:

GCIP Stakeholder engagement (60%)

Engage and manage relationships with relevant ministries and state governments in Ghana to design and implement the programme. Support the Resilient Cities and Infrastructure team (London Based) to develop deeper climate collaboration with Ghana , at national, state and local level, fostering relationships across the Government of  Ghana .  Responsibilities include:

• Prompt strategic, regular communications with key stakeholders in the UK, Ghana  and other regional stakeholders to facilitate best practice sharing where appropriate.
• Publicly represent the British High Commission and the UK Government as a credible interlocutor in climate related engagements as necessary.
• Ensure coordination between UK cities, transport and sustainable infrastructure programmes and initiatives supported by other donor agencies, identifying opportunities for multilateral cooperation where possible.
• Proactively seek cross-team collaboration opportunities amongst High Commission teams to continue supporting a mainstreamed approach in bilateral programmes.
• Chairing meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to long-term planning efforts and advise on opportunities for projects to mobilise investment including from UK institutions such as BII, private sector, and climate finance.

Project Delivery (30%)

• Managing programme/project delivery of the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) in line with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework[2].
• Working at pace, ensuring GCIP delivers on time.
• Ensuring PWC and other delivery partners meet their milestones and reporting is high quality and on time, demonstrating the impact of the GCIP.
• Managing financial aspects of the GCIP together with FCDO UK offices programme management team: budget forecasting, monitoring and budget allocation of individual projects and the overall programme
• Managing and monitoring risk using Excel and the Aid Management Platform (AMP) escalating when necessary.
• Working closely with teams at the BHC, Posts, FCDO UK offices and with other programme managers across other Centres of Expertise.
• Ensuring appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework is in place across all projects.
• Work with partners and Comms & Press Affairs colleagues to develop effective communications stories.

Cross-HMG working to contribute to Corporate goals (10%)

Play an active part in the corporate life of the British High Commission.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): No Line Management requirement. A day to day management of GCIP programme spend with help from London Programme Management Team 

• Understanding of the Programme Cycle Management
• Basic knowledge and practical experience on financial and commercial management, and partner management
• The ability to build and maintain strong and beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to engage effectively across cultures, maintaining respect and integrity.
• The ability to bring together policy and programme levers to deliver a high impact in a challenging area.