Head of Finance

ISF Programme and Finance Manager (UKR24.View Vacancy - ISF Programme and Finance Manager (UKR24.The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, 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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles)
The British Embassy in Kyiv is recruiting a Programme and Finance Officer to support the Special Defence Advisor (SDA) in their capacity as Senior Responsible Officer (SRO), and the Deputy Special Defence Advisor (DSDA) as Programme Responsible Officer (PRO). As the Programme and Finance Officer, you will be working to ensure the delivery of the SDA's strategy, which currently focuses on: and Capability-Based Planning Advisor (CBPA), as well as the wider Programmes Team and other government departments, you will manage an approximately £5m sub-programme under the broader ISF Ukraine Security Sector Reform Programme.
The SDA team is a strategic defence transformation programme within the British Embassy Kyiv. The team is led by security sector reform professionals whose role is to advise and support the Ukrainian MOD on the implementation of its institutional reform priorities (such as anti-corruption, procurement reform, and human security). This is done through direct advice - led by the SDA - as well as through the delivery of defence reform projects.
This is a complex and dynamic role and favours someone with at least 3 years programme management and financial management experience. Reporting to the DSDA, the Programme and Finance Officer will be working closely with implementers and colleagues across the Embassy, UK and Ukrainian government and will coordinate and provide returns on the delivery on the entire SDA programme. This role will test and develop your financial, analytical, and program management skills.
We are looking for a highly motivated, pro-active individual who understands ISF (formerly CSSF) programme finance policies and requirements, or with enough experience and expertise to develop this knowledge at pace. You will also need to understand stakeholder management, programme monitoring and evaluation, value for money, and risk management. You should also have an awareness of conflict sensitivity, gender, equality and social inclusion.
As Programme and Finance Officer, you will represent the UK in Ukraine at international implementer and donor events. This will require careful management of political sensitivities and understanding of UK policy and SDA strategic direction towards defence reform. You should have experience in delivering and managing successful projects/programmes and accurate financial reporting. The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Reporting primarily to the DSDA and the SDA you will manage the successful delivery of a range of defence and security reform projects;
Be responsible for programme cycle management over a portfolio of projects by maintaining strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in Ukraine, London and the regional programmes network in a face-to-face manner;
Provide accurate financial reporting through consistent engagement with stake holders and financial returns to ISF and UK MOD colleagues;
Accurately report back information and analysis from stakeholders to inform future development of ISF programmes;
Ensure the timely planning of activity and reporting in accordance with ISF and UK MOD guidance;
Provide quality assurance advice related to project deliverables, including value for money, budgets, impact, etc.;
Appropriately escalate risks and challenges in a timely manner;
Support improvements in programme management standards by adapting current processes where required, to maintain the annual programme cycle timeframes;
Provide clear advice and briefing on relevant contextual issues related to the portfolio, working with London-based advisers and teams in the Embassy, including escalating decisions and/or risks as appropriate;
Provide translation as required for senior officials;
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Ukrainian (at a minimum of a C1 level according to CEFR*);
Previous experience in engaging with a wide network of stakeholders to deliver programme management. Given the large size of UK project contracts, you must be able to hold implementers to account;
A minimum of 3 years of experience in project/programme management. Previous experience of monitoring and evaluation methodologies is vital, as is an ability to manage financial budgets;
ISF funds a diverse range of projects within a challenging and dynamic operating environment. As such, the jobholder must be able to manage a broad workload at pace whilst also ensuring a quality service is provided;
Previous engagement with Ukrainian MOD and UK MOD;
Full-time, Fixed Term
British Embassy
This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, for 40 working hours per week including 1 hour per day for lunch.
The appointment is a one-year fixed term contract that is renewable subject to availability of programme financing. The applicant must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Ukraine and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.
The job holder will be expected to have a physical presence in the office throughout the week to support the SDA team. Due to project launches and events, the 40 hours per week worked will not always correspond with the Embassy opening hours of 9am-5pm.
The jobholder will be expected to work outside these hours on occasion to enable the Embassy to respond appropriately to developments, with time off in lieu granted.
British Embassy Kyiv will provide a full induction. The jobholder will have access to British Embassy Kyiv's full learning and development offer, which includes the Foundation Programme in UK International Policy and Diplomacy and other related courses.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the role of an Embassy and international relations/diplomacy in Ukraine.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Kyiv is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ukrainian employment law.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field "Application deadline".
Please be advised that British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.
Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site.