Job Vacancies @ British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria – 2 Positions

The British Government is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Deputy Head of Corporate Services, HEO
2.) Sector Director - Energy

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, 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 ID: 29/22 LOS
Location: Lagos
Start Date: 1 October 2022
Type of Position: Permanent
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Job Subcategory: Corporate Services Support
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Description

• The British Deputy High Commission (BDHC), Lagos, employs over 150 staff, and is the centre of our trade, private sector development, and law enforcement cooperation with Nigeria.  We also act as a regional hub for a number of projects and services across West Africa. BDHC Lagos is part of the UK’s wider diplomatic network in Nigeria and operates in partnership with the British High Commission, Abuja.
• Our Corporate Services team is the core of BDHC and responsible for the entire operational platform including Estates management, Transport, IT, Finance, Human Resources (HR) and Protocol.
• Working closely with the Head of Corporate Services (HCS), the Deputy Head will provide effective Corporate Services to the BDHC, ensuring excellent service delivery, value for money and robust compliance.  You will be expected to deliver results both individually and through leadership of the large (70+)  Corporate Services section.
• Alongside your specific portfolios, you will support the HCS in giving the team strategic leadership and in developing staff. You will also deputise for the HCS when required.

Roles and Responsibilities
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Corporate Services - General:

• Supporting the HCS in the day-to-day running of the BDHC platform. Delivering high-quality services in all Corporate Services functions.
• Responsibility for specific portfolios within the platform and all related activities.
• Ensuring excellent customer service, value for money and compliance with policies/ procedures and audit requirements.
• Setting clear performance standards and monitoring performance against Key Performance Indicators across the platform.
• Contributing to strategic planning for the platform, working with the HCS and the Nigeria Network CS Management team.
• Building and maintaining a constructive interface between Corporate Services, other sections in FCDO and external service providers.
• Long-term planning to ensure the consistent provision of Corporate Services during periods of high demand.  This will include financial and team planning.
• Crisis preparedness: You will play a key role in ensuring that the BDHC is fully prepared for any crisis, coordinating preparedness across the Corporate Services team and supporting crisis logistics specifically.
• Leadership and management of projects and change management where required.
• Deputising for the HCS as required and undertaking the HCS role during periods of absence.

Financial Management:

• Responsible for leading on all finance related process including; management of Post’s operational budget, forecasting, reconciliation and all other finance related processes. Working proactively with budget holders and the Head of Procurement to ensure accurate, timely and evidence based forecasts are produced.
• Maintaining a clear overview of financial and compliance performance at post, proactively ensuring compliance with all financial risk management and audit requirements, escalating any identified risks with identified areas for improvement.
• Leading on providing financial reports to HCS, SLT and Network Finance Manager, presenting information in a clear and accessible way to inform strategic decisions.
• Improving post capability on finance and risk management by sharing guidance, tools and training opportunities.
• Working with Nigeria Network Finance Manager to provide advice, direction and assurance on all finance issues within the category portfolio.

IT:

• Oversight and management of all IT related activities at post, including leading on IT change management activities, all major IT service incidents and IT security at post.
• Leading the IT support team to assess, diagnose and troubleshoot user and system issues. Monitoring tickets and managing through to resolution, working closely with key stakeholders and service providers, to ensure issues are resolved according to SLA’s.
• Managing IT suppliers to ensure efficient and secure service delivery, according to FCDO standards.
• Ensuring all service and support functions remain responsive to customer needs.
• Managing and communicating all technical change with appropriate governance.
• Putting in place a programme of continual service improvement across the wider service delivery function.

Transport:

• Responsible for managing the Transport section by ensuring the Transport Manager provides an efficient and effective transport service.
• Working closely with the Security team and all other key stakeholders to ensure safe delivery of Transport services.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Line management- Transport Manager (EO), 3 x ITSO officers (AO), 1 x Post Accountant (AO), 1x Fuel Officer(AO): ensuring regular feedback on their performance and conducting annual appraisals on time. Assist staff with their training and with learning and developing.
• Counter signing of up to four other AO staff.
• Oversight of 25 drivers in the Transport team.
• Oversight and management of post admin budget circa £2.3 million

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Corporate Services management or a similar environment.
• Excellent communication skills – written, oral, one-to-one, group, formal presentations – ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Budget management skills/experience.
• Able to adapt to a quick changing and evolving business environment; working proactively and autonomously.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver high quality results on multiple areas of work with tight deadlines.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• ACCA/ICAN/CIMA diploma
• Minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience in IT support services and IT Management.
• Degree in Computer Science; with professional Information Systems qualifications, Microsoft would be preferable
• Experience of managing IT Service Desk processes
• Experience in user desktop support, in particular Microsoft Exchange, Office 365 and MS Teams
• Knowledge of NTEs, VPNs and global communication methods.
• Good working knowledge of networking and PC infrastructure

Required behaviours:

• Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace

Salary  
USD 2,432.34 / Month

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• The British Deputy High Commission Lagos encourages a learning and development culture.
• Training for all aspects of the role will be available and wide varieties of personal development opportunities are available to all BDHC staff.
• If you have previously applied for this position, there is no requirement for you to resubmit your application.

Application Closing Date
18th August, 2022.

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

Important Information / Notice

• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
• Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff are able to work within the BDHC but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to Obtain the relevant permit; Pay fees for the permit; Make arrangements to relocate; Meet the costs to relocation
• The British Deputy High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government /publications/success-profiles
• Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position

Job ID: 19/22 LOS
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Grade:Grade 7 (G7)
Type of Position: Permanent
Start Date: 1 November 2022
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Job Subcategory: DIT
Job Category: Department for International Trade roles (DIT)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

• The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s Department for promoting free trade and open market access, UK exports and investment. In Africa, DIT supports the development of strong, prosperous and peaceful African nations, through trade and investment partnerships delivering mutual benefit for the UK and Africa.
• DIT brings together trade policy, promotion, and finance expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world, and to help businesses succeed.
• This is a great opportunity to take a leadership role, operating with a high level of autonomy, shaping our work in Africa in renewable energy, a very important sector for the Continent.
• The UK offer includes world-class capability in project creation, development, design and execution, in technology and the provision of equipment, in skills and training, in innovation and investment from corporates, and from private equity. Africa’s renewable energy needs are huge and the Continent is in need of reliable partners like the UK who can deliver sustainable solutions.
• Your job will be to work independently with senior level African buyers and key UK companies. You will help UK firms to create new, and expand existing business, and build up investments in Africa. This includes identifying the very best opportunities in Africa and the right strategies and markets together with UK companies, informing, challenging and helping UK companies at board level to create plans that support new effective market entry, and successful engagements with major projects.
• You will guide DIT country teams to understand the UK offer, and help them to evaluate projects in terms of their best alignment to deliver outcomes that match UK interests, and to work effectively in support of UK business interests in their countries.
• You will lead DIT’s work with the key UK businesses interested in renewable energy in Africa.
• You will develop a strong understanding of the current state of energy development in Africa, the greatest opportunities for the UK, identifying new projects on the horizon as well as driving existing projects forward.
• You will learn to understand the key barriers to UK trade and investment, and ensure that our work in this area is prioritised effectively, and that adequate action is taken to resolve these barriers.
• You will engage UK companies early on when opportunities start to arise in Africa. You will liaise with key buyers, increase their understanding of UK expertise, and help key buyers to engage with UK companies.
• You will create and lead a small number of very high quality events that reflect the unique quality of the UK offer in renewable energy, and that advance our interests with key buyers.
• The successful candidate will have autonomy and will be expected to bring a step change in UK business, drawing on the full set of tools available, including UK export finance, UK Government capability working with host Governments, and all the UK’s private sector USPs, to create partnerships based on sustainable growth in our trade.
• This will require strategic thinking, drive, leadership and an ability to understand and link up different tools and approaches, creativity and problem solving in work with stakeholders to ensure the right outcomes are achieved, together with sales and delivery skills in working with key buyers.
• The jobholder will join a dynamic team of experts from the private sector, committed to support UK business interests and Africa’s economic growth. This is an exciting time to join DIT Africa, as we deliver on our ambition to be Africa’s trade and investment partner of choice.

Roles and Responsibilities
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

• You will lead and deliver DIT Africa’s work in the renewable energy sector.
• You will create and deliver a sector plan focussed on outcomes and with clear priorities, goals, milestones and deliverables.
• You will create greater awareness in the UK, organise focussed sector events, and provide an evidence based view of the key areas for UK business engagement.
• You will create a pipeline of key projects and opportunities, and ensure there is appropriate and strong support for UK companies in making progress on these projects.
• You will lead a pan-Africa virtual sector team working in the sector. You will work together with UK stakeholders to advance your interests.
• You will lead this work, securing outcomes through the wider DIT Africa team across the continent, providing them with direction, helping to upskill them, and ensuring a consistent high standard of delivery and service.
• You will lead a strong programme of relationship management with major UK companies in the sector.
• You will lead accounts at Africa CEO level, working with senior leaders to understand their strategy, priorities and objectives, and market access concerns, delivering additional support for them that matches their needs, helping to realise the best possible opportunities in Africa.
• You will deploy support across the full range of DIT and HMG interests (trade policy, market access, export and business support, planning and strategy development, and new investments).
• You will also create your own relationships with buyer Governments, and your role will include some occasional travel when conditions permit to African countries.
• You will use your own experience of business to role model and secure better services for UK business among the DIT Africa family. You will have autonomy to drive forward our work in this key sector, helping country teams in DIT Africa to find new opportunities, develop new deals, resolve problems, and win projects

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Team of 10 advisers, who you will matrix manage in coordination with their Country Directors.
• Operational budgets for travel and subsistence, and marketing and communications.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Undergraduate Degree or other relevant professional qualification relevant to energy.
• Knowledge of renewable energy projects, having worked in the private sector to develop renewable energy projects, with at least ten years of experience working on energy, preferably in multiple markets in Africa, not just one.
• At least 5 years’ experience in leading teams at a senior level within a private sector business, operating with autonomy to deliver success and project impact.
• Experience of working with government departments in Africa at a senior level to secure progress on renewable energy projects
• At least 5 years of leading the development of new areas of business in Africa for international companies, or at one of Africa’s most successful private sector firms
• Proven track record of cross-team collaboration
• A positive, resilient, flexible and adaptable “can-do” attitude that can see a way through challenges.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Knowledge of the UK, a keen interest in sustainable development.

Required behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Leadership, Working Together

Salary
USD 4,837.39 (gross monthly)

Other benefits and conditions of employment:
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• You will have access to the full suite of DIT and FCDO learning and development opportunities including the FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy, training in the UK, and will be encouraged to join DIT’s trade profession. We also provide regular in-house learning opportunities and are committed to supporting further academic opportunities.
• Our staff who demonstrate great leadership potential are encouraged to apply for the FCDO’s pan-African Emerging Leadership Programme.

Application Closing Date 
12th August, 2022.

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

Additional Information  

• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to:
  • Obtain the relevant permit
  • Pay fees for the permit
  • Make arrangements to relocate
  • Meet the costs to relocation
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government /publications/success-profiles. Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• The British Deputy High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.

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