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 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. Job Category 1 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles) Job Subcategory 1 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1 Who we are: The British Embassy in Astana is part of a world-wide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The British Embassy in Astana is looking for a successful candidate to fill in a temporary gap within the regional FCDO Central Asia Development and Programme team. The job holder will be responsible for managing the delivery of the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) programme in Kazakhstan.The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) replaced the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) on 1 April 2024. The ISF is a cross-Government fund that tackles the highest-priority threats to UK national security, both at home and overseas. It takes an integrated, agile, catalytic, and high-risk approach to find solutions to the most complex national security challenges outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 (IRR). Consequently, some information in this job spec references the CSSF. The ISF provides development and security support to countries at risk of conflict or instability. The ISF is a unique funding instrument that enables HMG to address the UK’s most pressing national security concerns through a cross-government, programmatic approach drawing together diplomatic, defence, security and development levers. The ISF has a higher risk appetite than any single Department would be willing to adopt, enabling it to pilot novel and innovative programming. The Fund supports and delivers security, defence, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and stability activity in over 70 countries using both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA funding. The UK’s security and wider international interests are directly impacted where other countries are at risk of conflict or instability. The ISF supports work to reduce that risk in countries where the UK has key interests. Through the ISF, the UK and our international partners are more secure from threats such as terrorism, cyber, corruption and illegal migration or trafficking. For more details on the CSSF, the Annual Report can be found .The Central Asia Programme Portfolio currently comprises FCDO and MOD led projects in the region. The role involves ensuring HMG ISF partners and Posts align programme plans and bids with UK Government priorities, Country Business Plans, ODA/non-ODA requirements and helping ISF local programme/project leads manage their successful delivery. Why should you apply? This is an international role, and you will have a chance to work within a central team and in partnership with local and international stakeholders across our Embassies. We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities for personal growth. What is this role all about?Project Manage the design and implementation of the Central Asia Integrated Security Fund (CA ISF) projects in Central Asia, deploying excellent programme management skills, including on risk management, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, financial management, procurement, internal and external communications, and managing relationships with implementing partners. Work with the CA ISF and Central Asia Development Programme Team (CADPT) to ensure best practice is implemented across all programmes, including, but not limited to, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), risk management and financial management;Build and maintain relationships with key government, civil society and international partners in Central Asia. Using these to influence the wider policy debate on conflict and security issues and deliver UK objectives. Maintain strong relationship with the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) programme support team in London. Continue to engage with relevant stakeholders across EECAD on future CA ISF analysis and strategy for the wider region, and ensure close collaboration with other government departments, as required, including the UK Ministry of Defence. Work with the 5 Central Asian Embassies’ Press and Public Relations Officers, to increase awareness of CA ISF and FCDO programmes amongst the public and private sector. Work with Comms Officers across the region on regional communications of our CA ISF work.As part of CADPT, develop sector specific knowledge in one or more area/s to play a key role in the direction and delivery of CADPT and the CA ISF portfolio, including serving as the lead liaison for particular CA ISF projects;Building awareness of CADPT and CA ISF programmes and support for them, including through public outreach;Engagement across CADPT to ensure joined up working and coordination and collaboration across programmes.Main responsibilities will include: 1. CA ISF Project Management (50%):Support the FY24/25 CA ISF projects in delivering outcome and output level results in line with NSC sub-objectives and FCDO programme requirements by:- Directly managing regional CA ISF projects on design, implementation and reporting, including risks, (delivery; reputational; safeguarding; fiduciary) gender and conflict sensitivity and finances;- Developing and managing relationships with HMG and implementing partners on the projects e.g. coordinating inputs on project design or attendance of events and field visits by posts; - Drafting project briefing / speaking points for posts, reviewing project visibility materials and supporting other internal and external communications work.2. CA ISF - programme support (30%):Support the wider CA ISF programme portfolio by:- Reporting on project level results on a quarterly basis and as needed;- Contributing to programme portfolio M&E and annual review;- Developing sector specific knowledge in project areas and engaging with relevant HMG stakeholders on future CA ISF diagnostics and strategy for the wider region;- Lead on programme related visits and events. 3. Other Programme and Embassy support (20%): - Coordinate annual programme bidding round and manage procurement processes; - Support the Embassy’s use and design of programme’s fund (e.g. the Challenge Fund)- Support programme team on wider work as required; - Provide support to wider Embassy work as requested.In your role as CA ISF Programme Manager, ensure the portfolio is compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout ISF programmes, and supporting ISF ambitions in line with the UK Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023-2027. More information is in the most recent More information is in the most recent Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 Our ideal candidate shows:Fluency in English (C1) and Russian (C2), according to the CEFR Framework*.At least 2 years of experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation, financial planning and budget management, preferably in international organisations;Good understanding of Kazakhstan and regional context;Good interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders;Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure;Flexibility to travel within and outside the country;Willing to take initiative, flexible, responsible and reliable team player. Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 It will be a plus:Kazakh (B2) according to the CEFR Framework*.Experienced in using ORACLE based management/accounting systems;Experienced in public diplomacy;Experienced in managing teams/staff;Occasionally willing to work/travel outside the working hours. Required behaviours 1 Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 1 5 May 2024 Grade 1 Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position 1 Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal Working hours per week 1 36 Region 1 Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory 1 Kazakhstan Location (City) 1 Astana Type of Post 1 British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 1 Salary Currency 1 USD Salary 1 $2,725 (gross) monthly Start Date 1 17 June 2024 Other benefits and conditions of employment 1 This is a full-time, fixed-term temporary position for 36 hours per week.Employees are entitled to annual leave entitlement pro-rata based on 25 days total per calendar year. In addition, the Embassy observes up to 14 days public holidays marking different Kazakh and UK holidays. In addition, the Embassy is closed for up to 14 public holidays a year to mark a mix of Kazakh and UK holidays.The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a professional background check and security clearance.Learning and development opportunities: All employees of the British Embassy Astana can access learning in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Diplomatic Academy. The Diplomatic Academy offers a comprehensive range of training courses, both online and classroom based, for personal development. The British Embassy Astana promotes a continuous learning culture. Medical benefits - The Embassy pays contributions to a local private medical scheme on behalf of all staff.All applicants should have the right to live and work in Kazakhstan. The British Embassy does not sponsor applications for work permits.Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Astana are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.Visa / passport requirements: must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Kazakhstan and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.