Programmes Officer

About the Role

The Programmes Officer is a junior-level staff position within the Programme Management Unit and plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day delivery of active contracts. The role will support project operations and finance across a number of projects. The Programmes Officer will work with different teams involved in the project delivery, working directly with the technical delivery team and liaising with Finance, HR and Business Development.

About Us

Social Development Direct (SDDirect) is a leading provider of high-quality, innovative social development expertise, consultancy and research services. As a specialist firm, we offer in-depth thematic expertise in safeguarding; gender-based violence prevention and response; governance and inclusive societies; and inclusive economic empowerment, amongst others.

We have a strong track record, over 20 years, of providing high quality services that include technical advice and support, research, development assistance programme design, delivery and management, monitoring and evaluation. Our clients are leading international bilateral and multilateral development agencies, INGOs and Foundations. We are a medium-sized social enterprise, wholly owned by Plan International UK, with a global track record in over 50 countries. Read more about us and our work at: www.sddirect.org.uk

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reports to: Programmes Manager

Location: This is a UK based role. You must have eligibility to work in the UK.

Our London Head Office works on a hybrid basis – we are open to flexible working.

Appointment term: Full time, 18 month fixed term contract with possibility of extension.

Remuneration Package: £27,000 – £32,000

The Programme Management Unit is the cornerstone of SDDirect’s programmes delivery. The unit works closely with the other business functions to drive the operational and contractual delivery of programmes, supporting end-to-end technical delivery of programmes to ensure quality and professionalism whilst providing support for efficient corporate operations.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management (90%)

· Responsible for project handover from Business Development including set up of projects on Salesforce.

· Preparation and submission of forecasts, financial reporting and invoices to client.

· Responsible for resourcing, negotiating and issuing contracts for new project personnel.

· Lead project closeout to capture lessons learned.

· Participate in the development, review, and tracking of progress against project work plans.

· Act as contact point for clients and partners for non-technical support and day-to-day operations.

· Support project teams with the development and presentation of internal and external reporting.

· Lead risk management on allocated projects: identifying, assessing, mitigating and escalating risks.

· Support review of project document such as budgets and reports to ensure compliance with relevant internal policies and procedures.

· Work alongside the Technical Lead to manage project budgets include financial reconciliation and reviewing variances.

· Lead project management monthly meetings.

· Co-ordinate and organise project meetings.

· Monitor project delivery against agreed contracts requirements to ensure compliance with donor terms and conditions.

· Responsible for processing travel requests on projects in line with internal policies and procedures.

· Responsible for maintaining the Project Management Information System (Salesforce) and where relevant, managing information on the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)

· Builds and maintains strong relationships with experts/consultants and act as point of contact for contractual and logistical support.

· Escalates any identified conflict of interest on projects.

· Support the coordination of upsell opportunities on active projects.

Projects may require the Programme Officer to take up tasks which are not included in the above list.

Internal Operations (10%)

· Supports corporate management and internal operations where required, for example financial processes (monthly and annual forecasting).

Essential:

Experience and Knowledge

· One-two years’ minimum of work experience.

· Demonstrable evidence of project management experience with an understanding of Prince 2 standard or equivalent.

· Good financial acumen.

· Proficient IT and Microsoft Office skills.

Planning and self-management

· Works with respect and dignity for all colleagues and contributes to a cooperative team working environment.

· High degree of organisation and accuracy.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team when required.

· Sound problem solving and decision-making skills.

Communication

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Experience in building effective working relationships.

Desirable:

Education and Experience

· Undergraduate degree (desirable in a relevant field e.g., International Development, International Politics and Governance, International Relations)

Project Management

· Experience using Salesforce and SharePoint.

· Experience in managing project risk.

Planning and self-management

· Experience of working across different time zones and with different cultures.