Finance and Contracts Manager (UKR24.172)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) Why you should join us:

The British Embassy in Kyiv is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. There now exists an exciting opportunity for a Finance and Contracts Manager to join its Economy, Recovery & Reconstruction (ER&R) Team.

The successful candidate will provide lead support on financial management to the Programme Team across a number of projects implemented by ER&R Partners as well as on the consolidation of the programme-level information for seniors. They will be responsible for keeping the Asset Management Platform up to date. They will be required to work closely with the Programme Team, associate Finance Manager and implementing partners to ensure accurate forecasting and financial reporting is provided, and that projects are compliant with the value for money policy. They will also provide support to the wider economy and reforms team as needed.

Working closely with implementers, key stakeholders and colleagues across the Embassy and in the UK, and guided by FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework, you will communicate, coordinate and provide advice on the delivery of sustainable and compliant UK funded projects in Ukraine.

We are looking for a motivated, pro-active leader who understands the importance of value for money, strong financial management, good relationship management and the need for oversight. This role will provide you with the opportunity to develop programme, contract, and financial management skills alongside experience of stakeholder management, and financial risk management.

The role entails:

• Financial Management

• leading effective financial management of a portfolio of projects, including through accurate forecasting, asset management, timely payment of invoices/claims, and timely submission of financial reports in line with FCDO budget policy and financial reporting requirements.
• leading on key commercial contracts across our portfolio of projects, through regular meetings with suppliers to ensure the contract is delivering against financial objectives.
• providing quality control and assurance by reviewing Partner financial reporting, supporting documents and invoices.
• processing payments to agreed deadlines and leading on budget updates as necessary.
• providing quality control and assurance with monthly payments and evaluating ad hoc financial requests (e.g. identifying and redistribution underspend).
• promoting a culture of financial rigour and compliance; applying FCDO value for money policies and achieving transparency, and accountability; and applying robust financial management and decision making throughout the project cycle.

• Commercial Acumen

• undertaking contract management and procurement activities in accordance with FCDO rules and procedures.
• ensuring compliant document flow and proper filling of Finance instruments ( Accountable Grant Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Delegated Cooperation Agreement, etc.).
• leading on contract amendments or tenders, which will involve close engagement with both the suppliers and our UK-based Commercial team.
• tracking contract performance together with the Programme Team and Results Advisor.
• facilitating knowledge building and knowledge sharing on contract management.
• maintaining a focus on achieving value for money throughout the life of the programme in all activities. It is about having a commercial mind-set to ensure all activities and services maximise the impact of each pound spent on behalf of UK taxpayers.

• Engaging with others

• establishing effective relationships, and, when needed, liaising with a range of stakeholders. Leading the relationship with relevant teams based in the UK, such as the Finance Manager and Procurement Team. Other key relationships include adviser support in the Programme, Advisory and Results Group.
• contribute to wider team and Embassy objectives, corporate activities and learning.

Resources managed:

Portfolio of projects amounting to £60-70m per year.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience The ideal candidate will have:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Ukrainian(C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• At least 3 years of finance and budget management experience.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Good to have:

• Contract management experience;
• Experience of managing a wide network of stakeholders;
• Relevant background working with international or national non-government organisations, (I/NGOs), governments, multilaterals and other donors;
• Experience of working in the following areas: development, reform, energy or other relevant areas;
• Over 5 years of experience in financial management.

Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 9 May 2024 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 40 gross Duration of Post 12 months Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Ukraine Location (City) Kyiv Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency USD Salary 3,445.38 per month Start Date 24 June 2024 Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full-time and fixed-term position with possibility of extension(subject to funding), of 40 working hours per week including 1 hour per day for lunch.

The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.

The Embassy is a committed and friendly team, which has stayed strong and united despite the enormous challenges following Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion on 24 February 2022. The staff share a strong feeling that their work really matters. The Russian invasion has strengthened the resolve of the team and the people of Ukraine.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Ukraine. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Ukraine is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ukrainian employment law.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Shortened working hours (British Embassy Kyiv operates from 9:00 to 17:00 with one-hour lunch break) and the culture of not working late.
• 24 days of annual leave and additional public and privilege holidays .
• Medical and dental plan (non-contributory for the employee and contributory for qualified dependants).
• Full salary compensation in case of absence (health incapacity) due to illness or injury.
• System of performance-based bonuses for high-achievers every twelve months.
• Job-related equipment provided by the Embassy and no work communications conducted through personal devices.
• Overall good working environment.
• Active Social Committee (team get-togethers, Christmas Party etc.) as well as opportunity to attend some cultural events shared by the Ambassador.
• FCDO learning and development package including internal learning resources and the possibility to attend training and conferences abroad (in the UK, Poland and other countries).
• Ability to hasten Ukrainian’s victory though own’s work and support the country’s recovery from consequences of war. Currently ER&R leads on supporting the Government of Ukraine to bolster its economy and secure and rebuild its critical infrastructure and the successful candidate is expected to support efforts in those areas.

Learning and development opportunities:

BE Kyiv will provide a full induction supported by other finance managers in the Embassy team. The job holder should complete the relevant HMG Programme Manager, procurement and financial courses once taken up the position.

The jobholder will have access to British Embassy Kyiv’s full learning and development offer, which includes the FCDO Diplomatic Academy.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the role of an Embassy and international relations / diplomacy in Ukraine.

Additional information

• Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

The British Embassy does not pay for travel related expense incurred in interviews (including Security Check) or accept any financial risk, including cancelation or reschedule costs. The British Embassy will not meet the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.