Graduate Programme Assistant at Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) - British Council Nigeria

British Council - The Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) is a five year programme aimed at supporting efforts to manage conflicts nonviolently in Nigeria and reduce the impact of violence on the most vulnerable population. NSRP is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by a consortium led by the British Council. The programme supports peace initiatives at the national level and in eight target states across four zones worse affected by violence (Middle Belts Niger Delta, North East and North West). The programme seeks to deliver interventions to reduce the impacts of violent, conflicts and promote reconciliation processes.

We are looking for committed and experienced individuals to join the competent team of professionals in this innovative and exciting programme:

Job Title: Programme Assistant

Region: Sub Saharan Africa
Location: Abuja
Department: Nigeria
Pay Band: PB 2
Reports to: Output 3 Manager
Duration: 1 year subject to renewal

Purpose of Job

• To manage the resources function of the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Fund in line with the programme strategy, implementation plan and financial plan and to client and corporate standards.

Context and Environment
Nigeria is the British Council’s largest operation in SSA with offices in four cities: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano. NSRP is a DFID-funded programme managed by the British Council (who lead a consortium including International Alert and Social Development Direct) that aims to enhance collective efforts to identify and respond effectively to potential sources of violent conflict in Nigeria and reduce the negative impacts of conflict on the most vulnerable among the Nigerian population:

• The programme will operate from five regional offices in Nigeria with a programme management unit situated in Abuja. The Programme Assistants will be based in Abuja and will be required to travel to the regional offices periodically. The post will form part of the programme support team.
• The post holder must have the ability to work in difficult environments, often with limited infrastructure or support facilities.
• The programme will link closely with other BC-managed work in Nigeria, notably the Justice For All (J4A) programme.
• The post holder will work closely with Output 3 Manager, Intervention & Development Manager, Regional Managers, Output managers, Programme Officers and the Resources team and will report to the Outputs 3 Manager based in Abuja.

Accountabilities, Responsibilities and Main Duties

Accountabilities

• Accountable for ensuring adequate administrative and logistical support to programme activities
• Accountable for ensuring workshops and events complies with NSRP workshop policy

Main Duties

• Provide logistical and administrative support to assigned Outputs
• Participate in Output meetings and other operational activities
• Support the Output Managers and the technical team to develop detailed financial costings for planned activities and also in the retirements
• Support Output 1 Managers and the technical team in financial and logistical preparation for workshops, training courses and other events including close liaison with other team members and external contacts to coordinate bookings for venues, accommodation, per diem payments and reimbursement of expenses.
• Support the Output Managers and the technical team to liaise with visiting consultants
• Support the Output Managers and the technical team in Collating and filing of programme documents
• Support Output Managers and the technical team in raising purchase orders for programme activities
• Support the regional teams in raising and management of purchase orders

Standards:

• Programme team and external contacts are satisfied with logistical and administrative support
• Financial administration is prompt and in line with NSRP/British Council standards
• Financial costings are accurate and activity budgets observed
• Workshop activities are delivered with in agreed time and also retired in compliance with NSRP workshop policy
• Identified deliverables are received and filed on time
• Raise purchase orders in accordance with the British Council standards

Key Relationships:

• Internal: Output Managers, Programme Officers, Regional Managers, Intervention & Development Manager, Resources Assistant, Programme Accountant, Finance Officer and Driver/Office Assistants,
• External: External relationship management where appropriate (i.e. linked to function of role), to include: consultants, suppliers, external partner organisations, etc

Other important Features or Requirements of the Job

• Periodic travel to high-risk areas is likely to be necessary following close liaison with British High Commission /BC/DFID.
• Regular unsocial and over-hours will be required to meet operational requirements of the post and programme.
• Carry out other duties not specifically stated in the Programme Assistant role profile as may be required by the Output 3 Manager

Person Specification

Behaviours:

• Creating Shared Purpose - Communicating an engaging picture of how we can work together. (Essential)
• Connecting with Others - Actively appreciating the needs and concerns of myself and others. (More demanding)
• Working Together - Ensuring that others benefit as well as me (More demanding)
• Being Accountable - Delivering my best work in order to meet my commitments (Essential)
• Making it Happen - Delivering clear results for the British Council. (Essential)
• Shaping the Future - Looking for ways in which we can do things better (Essential)

Assessment Stage:

• Interview only

Skills and Knowledge
Essential:

• Project management skill - level 1
• Financial management skill - level 

Desirable:

• Similar sector experience

Assessment Stage:

• Short-listing and interview

Experience
Essential:

• Not less than one year experience in project management

Assessment Stage:

• Short listing and Interview

Qualifications

• First degree or equivalent

Assessment Stage:

• Short listing and interview

Application Closing Date
6th May, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here to download job details pdf

Click here to download BC Generic Skills (pdf)