Jobs

Recruitment at British High Commission (BHC), 2nd April, 2019


The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:     Job Title: CSSF Nigeria Programme Officer Ref Id: 13/14 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: B3 (L) Type of Position: Permanent Start Date: 1st June, 2019 Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory: CSSF - Conflict Stability and Security Fund Main Purpose of Job

  • The job holder will work directly to the Deputy Head of CSSF Nigeria, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programmes which work towards a more stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
  • The CSSF portfolio in Nigeria will be worth approx £25m in the next financial year and covers a range of security and stabilisation programmes, including on Security and Justice Reform (SJRP), and in the North East and Delta regions of the country.
  • The CSSF Nigeria team works to and is co-located with the West Africa team, which oversees approx. £36m p.a. programmes across the region (with Nigeria inclusive). The CSSF Nigeria programme is delivered by partners from a range of different government departments and each overseen by a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO).
  • The jobholder will be responsible for the effective management of programmes and underpinning projects funded by the CSSF in Nigeria (and wider West Africa as needed). This involves working with programme leads, SROs, implementing partners and stakeholders to help manage and monitor projects within the CSSF portfolio to time, cost and quality.
The post-holder will be responsible and accountable for:
  • Provide regular reporting on projects progress to the Deputy Head of CSSF Nigeria. Work with programme leads and implementing partners to monitor progress against set criteria to deliver programme and component objectives
  • Lead on due diligence processes and financial/programmatic spot checks for programmes in compliance with CSSF requirements
  • Create and maintain schedules of key projects and programme milestones (Start/end dates, report due date, monitoring/spotcheck visits required dates,etc)
  • Lead on contractual arrangements and documentations with implementing partners and/or multilateral organisations ensuring compliance to terms and conditions.
  • Lead on timely review and monitoring of activity-based budgets of implementing partners to ensure that delivery is to time, cost and quality, identify problems and successes, escalating as needed.
  • Providing accurate financial profiling, forecasting, monitoring and reporting for all programmes managed monthly/quarterly
  • Highlight successes, risk and opportunities, and help identify and assess new projects plans.
  • Provide support to annual reviews or other high-level CSSF visits. Follow up on review recommendations for implementers and relevant stakeholders.
  • Liaise with finance manager on ensuring accurate and timely budget and spend figures are reported to CSSF London colleagues within approved allocation.
  • Ensure all programme documents, agreements and other key correspondence are saved on EasyFile.
  • Hold PRISM responsibilities for FCO projects managed thus ensuring activity costs are captured in the period they occur.
  • This role requires the jobholder to have some experience in financial management.
Requirements Essential qualifications, skills and experience:
  • Experience in programme management.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:
  • Financial management experience.
Required Competencies:
  • Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service.
Remuneration Starting monthly salary: N610,535. Other benefits and conditions of employment  Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
  • There are a wealth of L&D opportunities available through the Diplomatic Academy, on the job training opportunities as well as attending CSSF professional development, conferences and training
  • Nigeria is one of HMG's highest priorities in Africa. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country (c180m), its largest economy and the world's twelfth largest oil producer. One in five Africans are Nigerian. Two thirds of Nigeria's cl 80m people live on under $1.25 a day. By 2050 its population is expected to grow to around 440m.
  • Set against these opportunities, Nigeria faces enormous challenges, including major security threats (from instance from Boko Haram in the north-east, and insecurity in areas such as the Niger Delta), huge corruption, tensions over land, resources and jobs, and a fragile economy. These challenges affect the Nigerian government's ability to deliver effectively on security, development and prosperity - in a country which is home to a quarter of Africa's extreme poor. Nigeria has the potential to be major force for development across the continent. It has a strong influence on African politics, peace and security, and trade through ECOWAS/AU, and is a major contributor to peacekeeping.
  • Abuja is one of the largest and most important HMG missions in Africa, with a large High Commission, high profile DFID office and other departments and UK military represented. The CSSF team is expanding and dynamic, sitting at the heart of the Mission.
How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply     Job Title: Intern - Technical Works Group Ref. ID: 11/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: Internship Slot: 2 Openings Start Date: 1st May 2019 Duration of Post: 6 months Type of Position: Fixed Term Job Subcategory: Estates Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services) Main Purpose of Job
  • To assist in co-ordinating all TWG work requests for the helpdesk and communicate updates and status of work requests (WR) to Customers and stakeholders.
  • Manage communications with customers and stakeholders on all work requests (WR), Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) and projects in all residences, offices and assisting in TWG clerical/ Admin tasks.
Roles and Responsibilities What will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
  • Help implement communications strategies
  • Draft, edit and send communication/ notices to relevant stakeholders
  • Lead in maintaining the Abuja Enquiry system
  • Track works requests and provide regular feedback on progress and resolution
  • Facilitate effective internal and external communications with administrative based tasks and project work across all teams
  • Undertake additional projects and duties assigned by the TWG team
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Must possess either a University degree or an HND degree
  • Flexible approach to problem solving with an ability to think on their feet
  • Ability to work in a high paced team
  • Ability to learn fast on the job
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills
  • A self-starter able to work with minimal supervision
  • Good organisational skills - capable of  working quickly and accurately
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • Good Customer Service/Relations skills
  • Good data analysis skills
  • At least 2 years relevant work experience
Required Competencies:
  • Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
Remuneration Starting monthly salary: N135,419 Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment  Working patterns:
  • Full time position, with core working hours between 8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am - 1pm on Friday. However, the job holder will need to be flexible to respond to incidents and operational demands as the need arises.
  How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: Plumber Job ID: 07/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: S1 Type of Position: Permanent Start Date: 1st June, 2019 Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services) Job Subcategory: Estates Main Purpose of Job
  • Hands-on Mechanical Plumber to carry out effective day to day maintenance work, routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, breakdown maintenance, new installation and construction works.
Roles and Responsibilities What will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
  • Assist TWG team to attend to work requests on regular basis as it affects the mission’s operations.
  • Follow FCO health & safety standards in regular works, also ensuring compliance with all TWG work practices and policies.
  • Assist TWG team to complete planned preventive maintenance (PPM) works and meet the deadline as per our Calendar schedule.
  • Attend to all Ad hoc tasks delegated by Building Services Manager (BSM) and provide updates on the same.
  • Carry out the new installation and repairing of plumbing fixtures/ fittings.
  • Operate and carry out routine & corrective maintenance of domestic water treatment plant.
  • Carry out installation and routine cleaning/unblocking of drainage, water supply pipes.
  • Assist other trade persons to carry out their tasks i.e. Electrician, A/C Technician, Painter, Plumber, Mason and Carpenter.
  • Carry out routine maintenance of fire fighting equipment (Hydrant Heads, Hose reels, etc).
  • Carry out the routine/breakdown maintenance, check up, inspection of all the plumbing fixtures and pipe lines of residential and official accommodations.
  • Carry out the routine preventative maintenance of the cold and hot water supply pipeline system.
  • To carry out the routine preventative maintenance of ground & high level water tank and cisterns.
  • Carry out routine and corrective maintenance of HVAC chilled system water valves, meters, Gauges, and mechanical flow switches.
  • Preparing daily and weekly reports of work done and other necessary documentation.
  • Carry out routine and corrective maintenance of Barriers, blockers and folding gates.
  • Keep & clean tools and machines in proper position after using it.
  • Develop skills in all trades to meet Mission’s multi-tasking policies.
  • Take responsibility and custody of maintenance stores and procurement as per need.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Plumbing Labour Trade Test 1, 2, &3 (Ministry of Labour& Productivity Certificate of Competence).
  • Minimum of 3years experience providing Mechanical & Plumbing maintenance services in Multi-complex Office buildings.
  • Possess 2 and 4 wheel vehicle driving license.
  • Computer literate - Word, Outlook (email) and Excel.
  • Trained Avon Barrier Systems maintenance personnel.
  • Experience maintaining Trox Fan-coil Units
Required Competencies:
  • Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
Remuneration Starting monthly salary: N234, 033. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply     Job Title: Head of Communications and Public Relations Ref. ID: 14/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: D6 (L) Start Date: 1 June 2019 Type of Position: Permanent Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media Main Purpose of Job
  • The British High Commission (BHC) seeks an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the British High Commission’s communications effort across the UK government’s network in Nigeria.
  • Communications is a key tool in BHC’s efforts to deliver on its wide-ranging objectives in Nigeria.
  • The Head of Communications will ensure we are using that tool to maximum effect, leading the comms team and collaborating with policy and programme teams across the office to communicate effectively and innovatively across a range of traditional and digital media.
  • The role will also drive regional communications work across West Africa, reporting into and drawing on the regional hub in South Africa.
  • This is an exciting and fast-paced role suitable for a high quality and experienced communications professional.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Working with colleagues across all UK Government departments operating in Nigeria and West Africa, as well as the press offices of Government Departments in London, you will set the direction for UK communications in Nigeria and drive high quality delivery.
  • You will lead strategic communications and public diplomacy across the UK Government’s Nigeria network. Working with comms leads across the region and with the Comms Hub in South Africa, you will deliver regional communications campaigns across West Africa, tailored effectively to the local audience.
  • Using a blend of communications tools you will lead the team in generating innovative media campaigns and events, delivering high quality communications to project a positive image of the UK and to support delivery of the UK’s objectives in Nigeria, which cover a broad range of policies.
  • You will develop a sound understanding and the UK’s priorities in Nigeria and, working with the relevant teams, will identify how to make best use of comms to help to deliver.
  • Leading a small team, you will ensure that the communications effort in Nigeria is proactive and creative, managing all aspects of communications including but not limited to public diplomacy events, external digital communications (increasing the audience receiving UK messages to maximise impact) and traditional media engagement.
  • You will help shape programmes for visiting senior officials, Ministers and VVIPs, managing media engagements and providing sound advice on all press and public affairs elements.
  • You will build and maintain an effective network of contacts across the spectrum of Nigerian and international media to ensure that the BHC has a thorough understanding of the media’s role in Nigerian society and is well placed to engage constructively.
  • Drawing on the expertise from colleagues in Nigeria and across West Africa, you will ensure all UK Government communications is tailored to its audience.
  • The Head of Communications will be the British High Commission’s spokesperson, drafting, clearing and delivering appropriate media messages to local and international media, based on a solid understanding of the issues and the context, and using reliable judgement.
  • You will provide comms advice to the High Commissioner and other senior officials on their messaging.
  • You will support the Press and Public Affairs team in effective monitoring and analysis of national and international media, providing reliable and informative products to colleagues in the Nigeria Network as well as the Nigeria Team in the Foreign Office in London.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience 
  • Previous experience in public relations, marketing or media, including developing and implementing media communication plans/media campaigns and managing events.
  • Proven track record of delivering high quality strategic campaigns
  • Highly organised, proactive, able to work accurately within deadlines, with little supervision, in a fast paced environment
  • Attention to detail and strategic understanding, including when operating under pressure
  • Qualified to post graduate degree level
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in English
  • A good working knowledge of ICT software (e.g. MS Word) in general and strong skills in digital media
  • Strong networking and relationship management skills
  • Effective management of teams
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • Experience working in an international organisation
Required Competencies:
  • Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace, Engaging Internationally
Remuneration Starting monthly salary: NGN 1,852,619   How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: CSSF Nigeria Programme Manager Ref Id: 12/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: C4 (L) Type of Position: Permanent Start Date: 1st June, 2019 Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory: CSSF - Conflict Stability and Security Fund Main Purpose of Job The job holder will work directly to the Deputy Head of CSSF Nigeria, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) programmes which work towards a more stable, secure, prosperous and resilient Nigeria. The CSSF portfolio in Nigeria will be worth approx £25m in the next financial year and covers a range of security and stabilisation programmes, including on Security and Justice Reform (SJRP), and in the North East and Delta regions of the country. The CSSF Nigeria team works to and is co-located with the West Africa team, which oversees approx. £36m p.a. programmes across the region (with Nigeria inclusive). The CSSF Nigeria programme is delivered by partners from a range of different government departments and each overseen by a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). The job holder will be required to coordinate programme management across a range of CSSF programmes, including those implemented by other government departments, as well as, in collaboration with the head of the team, to strengthen the strategic links between CSSF and other programming in Nigeria. The post-holder will be responsible and accountable for:
  • Advise SROs on all ongoing programme management milestones/requirements, including follow-up of annual reviews, and be responsible for keeping this up to date and tracking progress through the delivery plan and work plan.
  • Lead on the CSSF Nigeria annual review or programme monitoring visits and contribute to the assessment of how the portfolio is being managed.
  • Analyse and challenge partner performance across the range of core programme management tasks such as risks, results and finances.
  • Maintain close contact with implementing partners (including OGDs) to ensure a shared understand of risk management for the programme. Maintain and monitor risk registers, proactively highlighting and escalating concerns, risks and issues to appropriate level and to ensure that all key risks identified are actioned and monitored routinely.
  • Ensure receipt of quarterly reporting, including analysing and challenging performance against planned activities.
  • Ensure Due Diligence Assessments (DDA) and/or refreshes for all programmes are up to date and recommendations in consultation with the programme SROs are implemented within agreed timelines .
  • Engage FCO implementing partners at least once a month to understand their latest spend and activity plans for the current and future months, challenging assumptions and flagging risk to the team where necessary.
  • Be the primary point of contact on all Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) related issue for CSSF Nigeria. Collate MEL needs for the portfolio (including other thematic areas such as gender, human rights, etc) with constant engagements with SROs and liaise with the West Africa Third Party Monitoring (TPM) contractor on action plans.
  • Review all invoice submissions to ensure VfM before approving payments
  • On Comms, with the support of programme assistant, work with SROs, communications staff of implementing partners, and the Press Team in the BHC to produce relevant communications products, including case studies and stories, which may be required at short notice for communications needs
  • Hold PRISM responsibilities for FCO projects managed.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Experience in programme management
  • Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
  • Financial management experience
  • Conflict/Security experience.
  • This role requires the jobholder to have some experience in financial management.
Required Competencies:
  • Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service.
Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
  • There are a wealth of L&D opportunities available through the Diplomatic Academy, as well as lots of on the job learning opportunities, attending CSSF professional development, conferences and training
  • Nigeria is one of HMG's highest priorities in Africa. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country (c180m), its largest economy and the world's twelfth largest oil producer. One in five Africans are Nigerian. Two thirds of Nigeria's cl 80m people live on under $1.25 a day. By 2050 its population is expected to grow to around 440m
  • Set against these opportunities, Nigeria faces enormous challenges, including major security threats (from instance from Boko Haram in the north-east, and insecurity in areas such as the Niger Delta), huge corruption, tensions over land, resources and jobs, and a fragile economy. These challenges affect the Nigerian government's ability to deliver effectively on security, development and prosperity - in a country which is home to a quarter of Africa's extreme poor. Nigeria has the potential to be major force for development across the continent. It has a strong influence on African politics, peace and security, and trade through ECOWAS/AU, and is a major contributor to peacekeeping
  • Abuja is one of the largest and most important HMG missions in Africa, with a large High Commission, high profile DFID office and other departments and UK military represented. The CSSF team is expanding and dynamic, sitting at the heart of the Mission.
Remuneration Starting Monthly salary: N812, 470/month. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply       Job Title: Health & Safety / Compliance Assistant Ref. ID: 08/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: A1 (L) Start Date: 1st May 2019 Type of Position: Fixed Term Duration of Post: 12 months Type of Post: British High Commission Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services) Job Subcategory: Estates Main Purpose of Job
  • To assist in co-ordinating, supporting and advising the British High Commission in all aspects with regards to Health and Safety.
  • Assist the Health and safety / Compliance officer in establishing, managing and monitoring standards, processes, stakeholder engagement and communications, training and systems to ensure all responsibilities associated with Health and Safety within the High Commission are adhered to.
Roles and Responsibilities To include, but not be restricted to the following duties:
  • Provide general support and assistance to the Health and Safety/Compliance Officer
  • Assist the Health and Safety Officer to monitor and coordinate Health and Safety activities.
  • Assist the Health and Safety Officer with the management of safety and property compliance throughout the Post.
  • Assist in Health and Safety audits and produce audit reports and follow up actions.
  • Liaise closely with the Technical/Facilities/Estates Management team to manage issues relating to facilities service provision, waste disposal, buildings maintenance, fire safety equipment, electrical testing and safety audit non-compliance including filing and documentation.
  • Provide clerical support to the Health and Safety Committee and Compliance Forum
  • Assist the Health and Safety Officer to maintain and coordinate health and safety training.
  • Assist the Health and Safety Officer/compliance officer to maintain and coordinate property compliance assessment registry.
  • Assist in the identification of operational needs and preparation of risk assessments, asset registers, compliance and training of staff with adequate documentation.
  • Review and record checks on all fire exits, fire and fire equipment, and fire signs.
  • Review and record the First Aid, spill kit, fire extinguisher records provision across BHC sites.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Must possess either a University degree or an HND degree
  • Flexible approach to problem solving with an ability to think on their feet
  • Ability to work in a high paced team
  • Ability to learn fast on the job
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills
  • A self-starter able to work with minimal supervision
  • Good organisational skills - capable of  working quickly and accurately
  • Must have at least 3 years relevant work experience in Health and Safety, Compliance or an Audit role
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • Good Customer Service/Relations skills
  • Good data analysis skills
Required Competencies:
  • Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.
Remuneration Starting monthly salary: N315,328 Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment  Working patterns:
  • Full time position, with core working hours between 8am - 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am - 1pm on Friday. However, the job holder will need to be flexible to respond to incidents and operational demands as the need arises.
  How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply   Additional Information Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening. Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
  • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
    • Obtain the relevant permit
    • Pay fees for the permit
    • Make arrangements to relocate
    • Meet the costs to relocation
  • The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
  Application Deadline: 12th April, 2019.