British High Commission in India
Main purpose of job:
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work in a friendly and dynamic team. The team leads UK policy in India on infrastructure and climate resilience and adaptation. This includes mobilising finance, developing green infrastructure, and promoting the adoption of robust climate adaptation policies, both in India and with India as a global partner. The team objectives are supported by a portfolio of technical assistance programmes delivered through a range of implementers. We require a highly motivated Programme Manager who is flexible and proactive to lead the programme management of the delegated programmes within the team. You would be part of the Resilience, Infrastructure & Climate Adaptation Team, a subsection of the wider Development, Climate, Science and Tech Section at the British High Commission, New Delhi.
The UK in India works together to deliver the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations. The roadmap sets out British and Indian governments’ priories and a partnership focusing on re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration that improves the lives and livelihoods of citizens of both countries and India-UK leadership in climate, clean energy and health that acts as a global force for good. Infrastructure, resilience and finance are identified in the Roadmap as key areas of cooperation to achieve these strategic goals, reflecting their importance to India’s development and scope for mutually beneficial partnership. India is also a priority country under the British Investment Partnerships (BIP) initiative, as announced by the Foreign Secretary. A strengthened partnership with India to deliver higher quality, reliable and clean investment, particularly in infrastructure, both domestically and in third countries, will be at the heart of the UK-India economic and development partnership.
These priorities shape our Country Business Plan and are pursued by a large multidisciplinary UK in India team. Uniquely in India, the FCDO deploys capital investments in its development cooperation programmes and British International Investment (BII) has a large portfolio here, with a commitment to invest £1bn to tackle climate change by 2026.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
You will provide programme management expertise and oversight to support the delivery of varied and innovative portfolio of technical assistance programming on development including infrastructure and climate adaptation.
We are looking for an experienced programme manager, able to manage all aspects of the programme cycle ensuring application of internal guidelines and best practice at each stage, particularly in relation to but not limited to:
- Manage project relationships with implementing partners. Build strong relationships with partners in line with agreements and best practice stakeholder management to drive high-quality performance and adherence to FCDO standards.
- Lead risk management, drawing on the FCDO risk management framework, Due Diligence guidance and Counter Aid Diversion Strategy and best practice.
- Lead the effective financial management of projects to ensure value for money (VFM) throughout the programme cycle, including through effective procurement, accurate forecasting, asset management, timely payment of invoices/claims, and timely submission of financial reports and Annual Audited Statements where required.
- Lead the effective monitoring of projects, including through maintenance and regular use of a delivery plan; through timely and rigorous Annual Reviews / Project Completion Reports; through the cycle of timely partner and supplier reporting; through quarterly meetings with partners; and independent monitoring of program activities.
- Lead and promote the delivery of UK policy priorities with implementing partners. Working with policy leads proactively identify opportunities for promoting the UK’s position with partners including jointly with other like-minded donors. Communicate progress and impact to internal and external stakeholders in the UK and India.
- Work collaboratively with policy leads to ensure results and outcomes are in line with UK strategy; and across teams to ensure effective coordination with colleagues across the India Network linking with other UK government departments at Post.
- Ensure timely internal reporting, including central commissions, corporate returns, and good record management.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Graduate degree or equivalent professional qualification – e.g. finance, project management, business administration,international development
- Excellent project management skills with at least 7-10 years’ relevant experience in managing projects or programmes in bilateral /multilateral agencies, civil society, and/or government
- Strong presentation and drafting skills in English with the ability to communicate complex issues, written and verbally, clearly with a wide range of stakeholders
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and a proven ability to accurately forecast and manage expenditure
- Strong ability to work effectively in a team with a positive attitude to learning and being flexible in taking on different roles
- Good knowledge of computer programs (particularly MS Office and internet/intranet & Numerate with excellent Excel) with an aptitude for learning new systems
- Proven ability to work independently and proactively, anticipating problems and taking appropriate action as required
- Ability to comply with corporate systems/procedures/policies while juggling multiple tasks with a commitment to deliver