British High Commission Vacancies For Project Manager

The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We call this cultural relations.
The British Council is looking for suitably qualified and experienced individual to fill the post of Nigeria Change Project Manager, Africa Region. This person must have the right to work in Nigeria.
ROLE DETAILS
Download Specification for Nigeria Change Project Manager (MS Word Document, 94.5KB)
Role:
Nigeria Change Project Manager, Africa Region
Grade: LE 1
 
Reports to: Nick Crouch, Regional Manager, West Africa
Department
UK Border Agency, International Operations & Visas, Africa Region
Location
The position can be based in either Abuja or Lagos. Either way, significant travel between the two (and possibly occasionally outside of Nigeria) will be required. The successful applicant will be employed for a period of twelve months and will work to the UKBA Regional Manager for West Africa, based in Accra.
Applications Sought From
People with relevant background and proven expertise, mainly on project management and delivery. More detail below. Must be (able to be) cleared to LE Restricted.
Terms
Remuneration will be at LE1 level. FCO Locally Engaged Terms and Conditions of Service will apply. These will differ from Post to Post and final contract details shall be determined by the base location of the successful candidate. Must have the legal right to work in Nigeria.
Background to Role
We are looking for someone to take on the temporary role of project manager as UKBA seeks to change its Nigeria operation to take into account the increased focus on interviewing visa applicants. The core function of the role is to develop and deliver a project plan to enable UKBA to advance operational working changes across the two Nigeria hubs of Abuja and Lagos. This will be a challenging role. The UKBA operation in Nigeria is one of the largest in the world – both in terms of staff and volume of applications. And visa work is an important element of the UK’s relationship with Nigeria, so the importance and profile of the work is high. The planned changes will be complex to design and deliver, and will need to factor in a wide range of important stakeholder views, ongoing operational requirements, and significant staff issues.
Competencies
The ideal candidate will have solid project or programme management experience, including working in complicated and challenging environments. Knowledge of the visa operation is also important, although not essential. The following will be tested in the sift, and, if necessary, at interview:
 
Communicating and Influencing:
produces clear, persuasive and accessible communication products. Develops and maintains constructive communications with stakeholders.
Strategic Awareness:
considers – and factors in – wider implications of changes in planning. Involves key players in decision-making.
 
Delivering Results:
deliver products against challenging deadlines and monitor progress against plans. Works independently and proactively.
 
Working with Others:
understands, responds to and satisfies the communications needs of diverse audiences; builds and maintains constructive relationships.
What the job holder will be responsible for:
Producing an overall project plan for the UKBA Nigeria operation. This should include, but is not limited to, separate work streams such as: * staffing * estates * communications * IT
Leading day-to-day discussions with UKBA Nigeria operational managers, staff, UKBA stakeholders in the UK, FCO, UKBA’s commercial partner VFS, and others, to ensure all relevant views and input considered.
Ensuring wider issues, including cost, are central to all calculations. Reporting regularly on progress to the Regional Manager and Regional Director.
 
How to apply:
 
Please send:
a covering letter that sets out your relevant experience and ability against the competences above
a CV
Applications to be sent via email
Closing date for all applications is Thursday 18th April.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
For further information about the job please contact Nick Crouch or Ed Bossley