A1 Human Capital Development Team Leader 63 views

REPORTS TO: Development Director

 TYPE OF CONTRACT: Permanent

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is the British government’s department responsible for managing and delivering the UK Aid programme globally in 35 countries. It also works through and supports several multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and United Nations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic strategic thinker with strong leadership qualities, ability to manage change and innovation, and a strong commitment to improving Ethiopia’s human capital. FCDO, British Embassy, Ethiopia is looking for an experienced team leader to manage our ambitious human development portfolio. With commitments of over £540 million, we aim to reach millions of Ethiopians and improve their access to education, health, water and sanitation services. You would lead the British government’s policy dialogue with Ethiopian ministers across the human development portfolio and manage a team of sector leads and specialists. You would also be a member of the Embassy leadership team.  If you are passionate about these issues and have the expertise to drive this agenda, here is an opportunity to have real impact on Ethiopia’s human development during this period of rapid change.

Background

The Human Capital Development Team in the British Embassy leads UK Aid’s efforts in Ethiopia to strengthen the reach, quality and efficiency of basic service delivery systems in Ethiopia. Our current portfolio includes programmes for strengthening climate resilience in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector, improving access, quality and inclusion in the education sector, especially in disadvantaged communities  and expanding the range and quality of health services to end preventable deaths, and provide greater choices in family planning.  You will be at the forefront of UKAid’s systems building efforts working closely with Ethiopian government Ministers, senior colleagues from development partners (World Bank, UN) and British Embassy teams. With the exciting development of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office you will have the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the new structure.  Our business planning will see major shifts in our human development programming which will require strong direction. In order to support the demographic transition, achieve greater prosperity and help people adapt to climate change, we will continue to prioritise investment in primary and secondary education, particularly for girls. We will take a more focused approach, prioritising reproductive, maternal and new-born health to avoid preventable deaths and help build shock-responsiveness basic services to tackle challenges such as the current COVID 19 pandemic, reduce internal displacement/humanitarian need, and mitigate risks of conflict. There will be great opportunities for career development and professional development both within the Embassy and externally.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

Purpose of Job

Provide strategic direction, leadership and oversight to the Human Capital Development Team, engaging and motivating a diverse range of team members. to deliver an annual portfolio c.£100m and support the British Embassy’s policy engagement on human capital development and strengthened and sustainable government systems.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, this post will:

• Deliver policy and programmatic outcomes for the human capital portfolio engaging with other teams across the Embassy on demography, prosperity, and governance.
• Lead a team of 12 staff, with direct line management of one senior adviser and four advisers. Currently the team comprises one Senior Health Adviser (seconded to Ministry of Health), 5 advisers (Social Development, Health, Education and WaSH), 1 Economist, 1 Deputy Programme Manager, 3 Programme Officers and 1 Assistant Programme Officer.
• Ensure proactive and adaptive programming, financial and risk management of the team’s portfolio (annual expenditure of approximately £100 million). The portfolio includes some of FCDO Ethiopia’s largest programmes, considered to be at the cutting edge of basic services delivery, including working directly through GoE systems.
• Provide support to Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) of different programmes on policy influencing, including demographic dividend, gender/equity, safeguarding, domestic financing, budget allocation formulae, and quality.
• Lead, as appropriate, work on strategy and direction to ensure that FCDO Ethiopia’s programme reflects evidence, builds understanding and shared narrative across the British government of what works in human capital development, as well as the challenges, risks and opportunities.
• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that the office runs effectively, with good people management, strong cross-office collaboration and sound decision-making on the future trajectory of FCDO Ethiopia.
• Work closely with other colleagues across the British Embassy, developing, delivering and reviewing aspects of FCDO’s programme in support of the wider British government strategy in Ethiopia.

Person Specification:

• A proven track record of strategic leadership on policy, programme delivery and stakeholder engagement with well-developed political economy skills.
• Ability to lead in a complex and changing environment, with an adaptable style that drives engagement, inclusion and performance.
• Communication and influencing skills, and ability to build credibility, trust and authority with external stakeholders at senior/Ministerial levels (in GoE, UN agencies, World Bank, other bilaterals and the UK).
• Experience in setting strategic direction and taking a team through a period of change or transition.
• Strong interpersonal and people management skills, both in terms of managing international teams, building team cohesion and resilience, and developing talent and promotion opportunities.
• Significant experience of managing programme resources, following rules and principles to maximise accountability and impact, and countering aid diversion and corruption.
• A strong grasp of basic service delivery policies, principles, challenges, opportunities and programming.
• The post is open to generalists. However, knowledge and experience in either education, health, social development or governance with appropriate management skills would be an advantage.