Counter Terrorism Lead Programme Manager

Main Purpose of the Job

• The successful candidate will work within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Counter Terrorism Network (CTeN) team. They will primarily be responsible for effective management of the FCDO’s Pursue Counter Terrorism programme in Kenya. They may also support regional and Prevent work as well, depending on the need. The role has line management responsibility for two support officers.
• This role provides an opportunity to support a high-profile UK foreign policy priority by helping to tackle terrorism in line with international human rights standards.
• The successful candidate will be proactive and able to use their programme management skills to ensure effective implementation of Counter Terrorism programming. They will ensure the programmes and workstreams complement each other, are approved by UK government and have buy-in with Government of Kenya stakeholders. They will look to collaborate with other international donors and avoid duplication with partners.
• They will liaise with a wide range of colleagues across the Security and Justice sector within the British High Commission in Nairobi, UK Government Departments, the Kenyan security and justice sector, and other international partners to ensure programming remains relevant and, where necessary, adapt to emerging needs.
• This is a critical role for the UK’s Counter Terrorism (CT) delivery in Kenya. It will suit someone who is able to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team.
• The successful applicant will have an interest in security issues, be comfortable working closely with Subject Matter Experts and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead the Counter Terrorism Programme Support Team in the delivery of Counter Terrorism programming in close consultation with the Kenya CT Lead, Subject Matter Experts and UK departments.
• Monitor and intervene as necessary to ensure programming is delivering the expected results, supporting the UK’s strategic goals and, if necessary, adapted in a timely manner. 
• Develop strong working relationships with Government of Kenya stakeholders at an operational level to ensure buy-in and maximise activity effectiveness.
• Lead, manage and implement processes to ensure the project is in compliance with FCDO/HMG procedures. Lead on completing required programme documentation, including on areas such as managing and mitigating risks or reporting on Monitoring and Evaluation feedback from our delivery.
• Manage commercial contractors and ensure the programme team conduct commercial procurement processes in line with FCDO/HMG guidance.
• Monitor, manage and report on overall programme finances including ensuring accurate budgeting and forecasting, processing and receipting of invoices and good value for money overall.
• Build and maintain relationships with colleagues across the CT and Security and Justice sector both within and outside the mission.
• Lead on all programme reporting requirements, financial and programme progress, at quarterly and yearly intervals for the Programme Team in London and the Counter Terrorism Extremism Network.
• Performance manage 1x AO CT Programme Support Officer and 1x EO CT Programme Manager, providing on-boarding support and day-to-day guidance, including their learning and development.
• Active team member within the wider CT community taking on additional responsibilities as required (including policy support). Be an active member of the wider BHC, taking on wider corporate responsibilities.

Resources managed

• The job holder will be responsible for the effective financial administration of CT programmes worth on average between £1,000,000 – £500,000 per year. They will directly line manage one EO member of staff and quality assure an AO member of staff.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Excellent project management/project cycle experience with proven experience of managing mature programmes with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in managing/working with international contracts/contractors.
• Experience of budget management including forecasting and monitoring spend.
• Confidence and judgement to challenge and redesign programming as appropriate.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal/written) skills and the ability to work as part of a small high paced team.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems and take a flexible and proactive approach.
• Supervisory experience.
• Attention to detail and organisational skills including IT skills (working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams)