FHI 360 UK is the wholly owned UK subsidiary of FHI 360. FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilises research, resources and relationships so people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises and strengthen community resilience.
Job Summary
The Senior Programme Manager (SPM) role is based in London with substantial travel. Initially, the role’s primary execution is to manage FHI 360 UK’s role on as a major subcontractor on the FCDO Nigeria PLANE project. PLANE is a seven-year Education Programme funded by the UK Government to invest in a more inclusive and effective education system in Nigeria. Additionally, the SPM will work on the start-up of new programmes and provide programme management oversight on other projects. Throughout this process the SPM will develop, implement and refine FHI 360 UK’s programme management systems. The position plays a fundamental role in FHI360 UK’s operating model, managing the delivery and performance of projects, providing technical programme management, guiding/supporting business development direction across the company’s business portfolio.
Technical understanding and expertise in international development is an important aspect of a SPM’s role. It includes specific technical delivery and project execution.
Where possible, the SPM will manage junior staff in all functions of work and will make contributions to business development efforts when necessary.
Project Execution
While the main direction will be on the PLANE programme the SPM will also need to focus on the development of projects from initiation to completion, the management and timely administration of projects, and their delivery on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients and beneficiaries. This requires providing technical leadership in design, development, planning, implementation, and capacity building of specific technical components of programmes, maintaining accurate and timely financial records of projects, co-ordination of teams of advisers, ensuring a high and consistent standard of outputs and reviewing associate consultants’ quality of work , ensuring proper financial management of projects including efficiency in the use of project resources, monitoring time inputs and costs against the project plan/budget and maintaining realistic projections of costs required to completion and overseeing billing and payments. It demands good planning and budgeting skills and the ability to negotiate effectively with freelance consultants and sub-contractors. It will also require:
- Providing a senior layer of quality assurance of project team outputs
- Developing strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components.
- Providing technical oversight of projects by managing teams of experts, analysing operating contexts, liaising with beneficiaries and donors, and assuring the quality of deliverables
- Managing the hiring, guidance and capacity building project technical and management team members (both consultants and organisation staff) in coordinating and managing the implementation of project activities, delivering quality and accountability.
- Approving terms of reference for and identifying and contracting consultants, including agreeing fee rates
- Managing the operational and tactical aspects of multiple projects in a matrix environment.
- Ensuring milestones are met including oversight and quality assurance of key programme deliverables (such as monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports) to the client.
Technical Delivery
Providing technical expertise in continuance of project delivery is an essential part of the SPM role. In addition to project execution, the SPM will be expected to provide technical inputs on development projects. This may include:
- Working on or providing technical deliverables on projects which the SPM directly manages.
- Discreet technical inputs on other FHI 360 projects, where agreed.
- Technical inputs on research and other stand-alone projects.
Corporate Responsibilities
While all FHI 360 UK staff are expected to share in supporting overall corporate activities and efforts, the SPM will be specifically responsible for representing FHI 360 UK at events and before clients, producing and contributing to marketing materials including technically focused materials and capability statements, and contributing to communications and awareness efforts around FHI 360 UK’s activities, technical capabilities, work product and achievements.
Business Development
The SPM will be expected to contribute to and support business development and marketing activities where necessary. This will include developing project description materials, in-country business development work, and support to specific tenders, as necessary.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of proposal management and development are essential as is understanding of project management and compliance in a UK government context. You will have strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment. You will possess report, policy and document writing skills as well as basic budget, finance and forecasting skills.
You will have a general understanding of the external environment and how it affects the industry including political, legal, environmental, financial and social influences. You will be informed about current developments in area of technical area and possess the ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and possibly externally. Your negotiation skills will enable you to reach mutual points of agreement and benefit among peers and colleagues.
You will independently manage projects, reporting to Director/Associate Director and will also operate as project lead. You will manage staff on programmes and tenders as well as supporting and motivating team members. Your relationship building skills will mean you gain clients’ and consultant commitment to delivering necessary course of action.
Education: Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in International Development, Human Development, Economics, Governance or Related Field(s).
Experience: Substantial experience in governance, economics, law, education, health, behavioural, or social sciences or related field. Knowledge and experience in specific technical area. Informed of current program developments in division/unit/technical area. Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities. Experience in specialized technical/medical field of study.
Degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in relevant technical competency area.
Travel Requirements: dependent on projects, but potentially at least up to 50 %.
How to apply
If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others and want to be part of a team committed to compassion and community impact, please submit your CV with a cover letter, highlighting your relevant experience, explaining why you are the ideal candidate. Email your application to HR-1@FHI360UK.comInclude ‘Senior Programme manager Application’ in the subject line.
The application deadline is September 8, 2024.
Applicants should be eligible to live and work in the UK.
This is a full-time role, with an expectation to be in FHI 360 UK’s central London office (London Victoria) at least 2 days per week.
Safeguarding / Equal Employment Opportunity
FHI 360 UK embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities and access for all. We celebrate our differences and value one another – understanding that each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences. Therefore, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identification.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 UK is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programmes, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organisation and programmes and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 UK also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 UK will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of local laws. Selection will be on merit. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.