The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Programme Manager, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) under the Economic and Prosperity Team, on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2027, with possibility of extension depending on performance and operational requirements. 

The Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) is a key UK Government instrument for advancing shared UK–Saudi objectives, including economic reform, institutional capacity building, security cooperation, and cultural and social development. From Financial Year 2026 onwards, the Embassy is likely to receive a multi‑year, multi‑million-pound GSF allocation, requiring strong strategic planning, risk management, and senior‑level engagement. 

The jobholder will be responsible for ensuring that the programme delivers measurable impact, aligns with UK policy objectives, and complies with all FCDO programme management, procurement, and financial guidance. The role includes direct line management of an Executive Officer (EO) Programme Officer, ensuring operational delivery supports strategic direction. 

The post is line‑managed by the First Secretary Economic Diplomacy and Culture, and the jobholder will regularly brief the Deputy Ambassador, Ambassador, and senior UK‑based colleagues, as well as represent the Embassy with Saudi government partners and implementers. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Strategic Programme Leadership

• Lead the strategic design, planning and delivery of the Embassy’s expanding GSF portfolio, ensuring clear alignment with the Embassy’s Country Business Plan, wider HMG regional priorities, and fund‑level objectives.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior embassy leadership on programme performance, opportunities, and risks, including options for adaptation and improvement.
• Shape a coherent multi‑year delivery pipeline and ensure projects are sequenced effectively to maximise impact and value for money.

Programme Oversight, Assurance and Impact

• Oversee delivery across all projects, ensuring adherence to FCDO programme management requirements, robust financial governance, and regular due‑diligence checks.
• Lead on impact tracking and evaluation, supporting both project‑level and portfolio‑level learning and adaptation.
• Ensure all implementers have clear guidance, logical frameworks, and tools to track indicators, outcomes and risks.
• Horizon‑scan for policy developments, operational risks or contextual changes in Saudi Arabia that may affect delivery and propose timely mitigation measures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Build strong working relationships with key Saudi government ministries, institutions, and agencies, as well as other donors and international partners.
• Represent the GSF portfolio in senior‑level discussions, including with the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador, and UK‑based teams across FCDO and other Government Departments.
• Coordinate closely with policy leads, ensuring programme interventions complement diplomatic initiatives and directly support UK strategic objectives in the kingdom.

Financial Management

• Ensure accurate and timely forecasting, monitoring and reporting of programme expenditure, working with Corporate Services and the GSF central team.
• Lead annual and quarterly portfolio reviews, budget reallocation exercises, and maintain strong financial controls to secure full, compliant spend.

Line Management

• Manage, motivate and develop the EO Programme Officer, ensuring high‑quality financial tracking, documentation, and administrative support.
• Provide coaching and direction to strengthen capability, embedding FCDO best practice in programme management.

Corporate Contribution

• Support crisis response work and contribute to wider Embassy corporate objectives, including participation in emergency planning and cross‑Mission committees where required.
• Identify opportunities to promote programme successes publicly in coordination with the Embassy Communications team.

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 or head of section. 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:

• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• 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.
• Changing and Improving – Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.

• Demonstrable experience in programme/project management, including delivery, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders, including government officials, senior diplomats, and delivery partners.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, assess risks, and develop evidence‑based recommendations.
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative working relationships across diverse teams.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to deliver high‑quality work under pressure.