Finance and Programme Assistant Position at British High Commission Nairobi

Join Our Inclusive Team – Empower Change in East Africa

View Vacancy – Finance and Programme Assistant (55/23 NR)

The British Government is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We celebrate differences, champion equality, and confront discrimination to enhance our organizational capacity. We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of disability, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected category. We promote family-friendly flexible work arrangements, accommodating operational and security requirements.

Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)

Job Subcategory: CSSF (Conflict, Stability and Security Fund)

Position Overview:

The Finance and Programme Assistant role offers a unique opportunity to be part of the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) East Africa portfolio team. You’ll cover Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Tanzania, providing crucial support for finance, programme management, compliance, administrative, and procurement tasks. As an integral member of the team, you’ll manage project-related resources and information, contributing to successful project implementation, management, and delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Procurement Support

• Streamline end-to-end procurement processes, including supplier setup, requisitioning, invoice troubleshooting, and payment processing.

Financial Management

• Assist in overseeing project expenditures, review activity-based budgets (ABB) from implementing partners, and provide data for monthly financial reporting.

Financial Coordination

• Coordinate routine finance and compliance meetings within the team and with implementing partners.

Compliance Oversight

• Conduct compliance spot checks, field visits, and activity observations as necessary.

Contract Management

• Monitor implementing partner deliverables, KPIs, and non-financial reporting documents.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support Portfolio Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Learning (MERL) through framework design and implementation.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with program delivery in accordance with CSSF guidelines. Develop risk mitigation strategies.

Logistics Coordination

• Manage logistics for project/program-related training, meetings, events, visits, and workshops.

Documentation

• Maintain records and information on program activities and expenditures on Teams site.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by promoting gender equality and supporting Women, Peace, and Security objectives.

Please note that the job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed to meet changing business needs.

Resources Managed:

• CSSF East Africa has a £25 million budget

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Relevant work experience in program management, finance, accounting, administrative services, or related areas.
• Degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, Program Management, Finance, or a relevant field.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.
• Experience working with international delivery partners, government institutions, external stakeholders, and international donors.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer focus.
• Resilient, decisive, and able to perform under pressure, delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, with a proactive problem-solving approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Skills in Project Management, Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Communication, Finance Management, and Reporting.
• Experience working in a regional context.
• Experience providing logistics and procurement support to senior management teams.

Required Behaviors:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Application Deadline: 17 November 2023

Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position: Fixed Term

Working Hours per Week: 36.5 hours

Duration of Post: 36 months

Region: Africa

Country/Territory: Kenya

Location (City): Nairobi

Type of Post: British High Commission

Number of Vacancies: 1

Salary: KES 176,881.35

Start Date: 15 January 2024

Benefits and Conditions:

Learning and Development Opportunities:

Working for CSSF East Africa offers a chance to work on key HMG interventions, including Peacebuilding, Community-Security, and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. The position provides opportunities to collaborate across UK government departments and with various partners and stakeholders in a dynamic environment.

CSSF offers the CSSF Programme Manager Course and Masterclasses to enhance core program management skills, covering various topics from CSSF introduction to thematic programming and risk management.

SAFE+ training will be required.

Travel within East Africa may be required.

Additional Information:

• Complete the application form thoroughly, as the provided information is used for screening.
• Review your application carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees for applying for a position.
• Local employees of the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to local employment law in Kenya.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in Kenya without needing a work permit.
• Employees exempt from paying local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries adjusted accordingly.
• Information about Civil Service Success Profiles can be found here.
• Reference checks and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• Log into your profile on the application system regularly to review your application’s status.
• Please note that you can only apply for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through the official tal.net site. Applying through third-party websites will not be considered.

Please write in English language.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

We recommend the following 10 tips to help you excel in your application for the Finance and Programme Assistant position:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, showcase your experience in program management, finance, or related areas. Provide concrete examples of your achievements.
2. Emphasize Educational Background: Ensure that your degree aligns with the job requirements. Highlight how your educational background prepared you for this role.
3. Communication Skills: Your ability to express ideas clearly and concisely is vital. Include examples of how your communication skills have been an asset in previous roles.
4. Working with Stakeholders: Describe your experience working with international partners, government institutions, and donors. Illustrate how you’ve collaborated effectively.
5. Problem-Solving: Discuss situations where you’ve successfully solved problems under pressure. Show how your decisive approach led to positive outcomes.
6. Organizational Skills: Provide instances of your ability to manage, plan, and prioritize tasks effectively. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving.
7. IT Proficiency: Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
8. Additional Skills: If you have skills in project management, monitoring and evaluation, communication, or finance management, detail how these skills enhance your candidacy.
9. Regional Experience: If you’ve worked in a regional context, explain how this experience is relevant to the position.
10. Logistics and Procurement Support: If you have experience providing logistics and procurement support to senior management teams, provide examples of your contributions.

We look forward to receiving your application and witnessing how you can contribute to our dynamic team at the British High Commission in Nairobi.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How can I apply for this position? A1: Please apply through the official tal.net site. Third-party applications will not be considered.

Q2: What is the application deadline? A2: The application deadline is 17 November 2023.

Q3: Do I need a work permit to apply for this role? A3: Applicants must already have the right to live and work in Kenya without requiring a work permit.

Q4: Will I be required to travel as part of this role? A4: Yes, travel within East Africa may be necessary.

Q5: How can I stay updated on my application’s status? A5: Regularly log into your profile on the application system to review your application’s status.

Q6: Are there any fees associated with applying for this position? A6: The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.

Q7: How can I learn more about Civil Service Success Profiles? A7: You can find information about Civil Service Success Profiles here.

Q8: What is the starting date for this position? A8: The start date for this position is 15 January 2024.

Q9: Are there opportunities for career development and training? A9: Yes, CSSF East Africa offers various learning and development opportunities, including the CSSF Programme Manager Course and Masterclasses.

Q10: How will my application be screened? A10: Your application will be screened based on the information you provide in the application form. Please complete the form thoroughly.

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