Contract International Development Jobs in South East

About the FCDO Centre of Expertise: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has established a Centre of Expertise (CoE) to serve as an authoritative source of expertise, insightful informational resources, analysis, evidence, and advice on “what works” to support democratic governance around the world.

Programme Manager - Centre of Expertise

The Programme Manager will work under the guidance of the Head of the Centre of Expertise to support the delivery of Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD’s) role in the Centre of Expertise, leading on the procurement, contracting, monitoring and management of WFD Experts. 

They will play an important and vital role within the team responsible for directly responding to requests from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) posts for expertise in democratic governance and for managing the deployment of experts where in-country visits are part of the terms of reference.

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About You

​To be successful in this position, you will be an experienced Programme Manager with the following skills and experience.

​​Strong Programme Management experience and skills: At least five years’ proven track record in programme management, or in procurement or contracts administration with a background ideally in the international development sector.

• ​Previous experience working with the FCDO or on an FCDO-funded programme.
• Confidence in drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Good understanding of business processes including the outsource of procured services.
• Experience of implementing or strengthening processes to improve efficiency.
• Experience of and strong abilities in financial administration.
• Experience of working and supporting teams working remotely and cross-collaboration between multiple departments.
• Excellent time management, including ability to prioritise tasks and working to deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster good working relationships.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent technical knowledge of Microsoft 365 Platform.

We offer -  Remote Working. 4 wellbeing days per calendar year [pro-rata for part-time staff], plus annual leave and public holidays entitlement. (Eligibility for the Civil Service pension scheme option employer contribution up to 28.97%)

Apply: Visit our website - this vacancy will close on 14th April 2024. 

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Location: UK based with the option for Remote Working. Occasional travel to HQ in London required.

Benefits: 4 wellbeing days per calendar year [pro-rata for part-time staff], plus annual leave and public holidays entitlement. 

Contract Details: Fixed Term – 12 months, with possibility of extension.

Data Systems Manager

This is a new role, providing the scope for someone to play a significant role in helping to build a high performing and resilient organisation and to learn and apply new skills within a supportive environment.

The Data Systems Manager will support the development and use of digital data, analysis, and insight products that inform strategic decision making and enable colleagues to deliver high-quality policy and programme work.

Under the direction of the Head of Systems Improvement Project (SIP) the Data Systems Manager will actively maintain and develop the functionality and quality of WFD’s information management systems. They will provide project management support to our Systems Improvement Project that includes the development and implementation of a coherent organisational data strategy, and the integration of our main IT systems to a single, Microsoft-based architecture.

This role will work across the organisation communicating with a broad range of stakeholders around the word. Involves; providing advice, training and support for staff in the use of the systems, developing new methods for data visualisation and dissemination, and with guidance identifying process optimisation opportunities and contribute to the implementation of proposed solutions.

About You

Tech savvy - able to demonstrate and apply a broad range of technical knowledge and skills. Technical qualifications are not critical for the role however it is essential you have.

• Experience in database management and/or design, either as part of a software development project or configuring tools.
• Experience with NO-CODE or LOW-CODE application development framework such as KNACK or Microsoft PowerApps.
• Must demonstrate ambition and the capacity to learn and grow as WFD’s data architecture evolves.

Also in the following key requirements.

• Basic knowledge of Python.
• Basic knowledge of Git.
• Experience with user support or customer service, ideally experience implementing new software solutions in disperse organisations and/ or remotely.
• Experience of knowledge management in larger geographically dispersed organisation.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Demonstratable skills in analytical and critical thinking.
• High level English language, written and verbal skills.

Apply by 18th April 2024 - visit our website.

WFD - Friendly, supportive, and engaging environment (working with people who are passionate about positive change and strengthening democracy around the world).

1. Background

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs). We provide guidance and support to produce impact evaluations and associated formative evaluations; systematic reviews and syntheses, evidence gap maps and support for using that evidence in decision-making and capacity development. Our work encompasses a wide range of topics, sectors and themes, including but not limited to health, nutrition, education, agriculture, governance, microfinance, climate change, humanitarian interventions, and social protection. 3ie is registered as a non-governmental organization in the United States. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.

The Contracts and Compliance Officer will support 3ie’s efforts in contract, compliance, safeguarding and risk management guidance and oversight with an emphasis on providing direct billable compliance support to the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC). The Officer will work closely with various teams across the organization including project, business development, finance, and senior management teams to develop and implement compliance processes, tools, resources, and best practices, provide quality control, and build staff capacity in compliance and risk management. The Contracts and Compliance Officer will report directly to the Cost and Pricing Controller with informal reporting to the RCC Sr. Programme Manager.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 FCDO RCC Contracting, Compliance and Risk Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and grants for sub awardees delivering work under the RCC.
• Support strategies and systems to respond to FCDO and/or RCC project team requests for new research commissions, project related questions, and general advisory services providing information and interpretation on a broad range of topics including contract and subcontracting regulations, compliance procedures, management, and risk mitigation.
• Provide safeguarding leadership, including implementation of best practices for the RCC, review of downstream partner policies and practices, audit of safeguarding procedures, etc.
• Identify and propose mitigation strategies for RCC operational, financial, and other compliance gaps that pose risk to the project and/or 3ie.
• Review and provide guidance on proposed amendments to the RCC accountable grant agreement and daft RCC related subcontracts, sub-grants, amendments, services agreements, and independent contractor agreements.
• Draft and/or support development of approval requests and other donor correspondence related to procurement, grant, consultant, or other contractual actions.

2.2 Organizational Compliance and Risk Management

• Serve as the primary resource and subject matter expert on FCDO contracts, risk, and compliance to ensure quality control and guidance in order to maintain consistent approaches and implement best practices across 3ie’s FCDO portfolio.
• Stay updated on changes in FCDO and other donor rules, regulations, and industry wide compliance best practices.
• Support the development and implementation of 3ie internal policies and procedures to enhance contract and grant compliance. This includes but is not limited to reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations to current policies, processes, and internal controls to ensure effective and efficient identification and mitigation of noncompliance and risks.
• Recommend improvements to the corporate authorities structure, file/recordkeeping processes, as well as support senior management in organizational risk management.
• Support the development and maintenance of a repository of contract and grant compliance best practices, innovative approaches, guidance documents, and tools.
• Contribute to increasing staff awareness and capacity of donor regulations, 3ie policies, tools, templates, and procedures through formal and ad hoc trainings and development of guidance materials
• Conduct internal compliance audits.
• Assist with ad hoc compliance related tasks as required.

2.3 Business Development

• Review tenders, assist with development of questions and/or responses to tends, and provide ad hoc proposal development needs ensuring consistency with corporate policies and strategies, relevant regulations, and FCDO requirements.
• Support review and negotiation process for new FCDO awards.

3. Qualifications and Skills

• Undergraduate degree in relevant field
• 3-5 years (Officer) or 5+ years (Sr. Officer) of experience in direct contract administration or compliance, preferably with FCDO and/or a mix of bilateral (USAID, GIZ, NORAD), multilateral (UN, World Bank), and foundations (BMGF, GAVI) in the international development context
• Strong knowledge and understanding of FCDO and/or other bilateral and multilateral rules, regulations, and policies required
• Experience with a wide variety of grants, contracts, and subcontract types and methodologies (commercial contracts, accountable grants, framework agreements, hybrid agreements/contracts)
• Experience managing payment by results or performance-based contracts.
• Experience developing and delivering participatory trainings on compliance, regulations, and policies
• Demonstrated experience in conducting internal compliance audits preferred
• Experience with various business development processes including cost and pricing, recruitment, contract negotiations, and/or writing preferred

4. Eligibility
We will recruit one or more individuals, preferably with the right to work in the UK.

3ie is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equality and diversity. We do not discriminate based on sex, age, religion, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation or for being differently abled. We particularly encourage ethnic minorities and differently abled persons to apply.

5. Terms of Employment
Candidates should be available to start work as soon as possible. 3ie offers competitive remuneration based on location, experience and qualifications.

Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

6. How to apply
Your application package must include the following*:

• A cover letter, highlighting your experience relevant to the terms of reference. It is mandatory to include information about your work authorization for the US/UK/ India, else it will be considered as incomplete;
• Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Incomplete applications will not be considered