Programme Co-ordinator

Job Title: Programme Co-ordinator

Reporting To: Senior Director

Location: SW1Y 5HX

Type: Temporary (3 months, with a possibility of extension to 6 months)

Salary: £39,862 per annum

Duration: 3 months, extendable to 6 months

Hours per Week: Full-time - 36 hours/week

Mode: Hybrid (maximum 3 days in the office per week; occasional flexibility may be required)

Interview Dates: From Tuesday, 9th December

Expected Start Date: 5th January 2026

Job Summary

The Programme Co-ordinator will provide programme, operational, and administrative support within the Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate.

The post-holder will work closely with the Senior Director, supporting the planning, budgeting, monitoring, and coordination of technical assistance programmes and directorate-wide activities.

This role requires a highly organized, efficient, and confident individual with strong project coordination, administrative, and financial management skills.

Key Responsibilities
General Project Management

• Support the coordination of all EDTI programme and project activities, including planning, resourcing, and monitoring.
• Liaise with internal teams such as Finance & Management Information Section (FMIS) and Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital (SPPD) to ensure compliance with Commonwealth Policies and Procedures.
• Review disbursement requests for conformity with project procedures, work plans, and available resources.
• Coordinate recruitment processes with Human Resources.
• Review submissions for contracts, purchase orders, and related documents prior to approval.
• Assist with preparation of project completion reports and ensure consistent documentation.
• Support communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support to the Senior Director for meetings, briefings, and coordination with the Secretary-General's Office.

Financial Management

• Assist in monitoring project budgets across the Directorate.
• Manage processes related to procurement, service contracts, partnership agreements, and compliance with financial procedures.
• Track expenditure, payment claims, and provide input into budgeting and reporting cycles.
• Alert relevant staff on any budget variances, including shortfalls or overspending.

Administrative Support

• Provide logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and events, including venue, travel, accommodation, and transport.
• Draft correspondence and official documents for the Senior Director.
• Liaise with internal and external partners as required.
• Support onboarding and coordination of external experts and consultants.
• Manage the Senior Director's travel and schedule.
• Maintain and monitor the Directorate risk matrix and mitigation plans.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Person Specification
Education

• A first degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• A master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of related work experience in programme or project coordination.
• Experience in financial reporting and budget monitoring.
• Experience supporting monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, cloud-based document storage, and online project management tools.
• Experience managing administrative tasks, logistics, and general team support.

Desirable

• Experience working with intergovernmental organisations, NGOs, or donor-funded projects.
• Understanding of international development, economic policy, trade, or public-sector programmes.

Step Ahead is acting as an Employment Agency. Step Ahead is committed to preventing discrimination in its recruitment practices by stimulating genuine equality of opportunity.

This means that everyone is treated solely on the basis of competence and merit, regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexuality, ethnicity, racial, religious or disability considerations, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

---