Main purpose of job

The post is in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development’s team (FCDO) at the British Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, with an option of working remotely. The job holder will be responsible for developing the Business Case for further UK ODA support for English language teaching in Mongolia, including conducting a study to assess Mongolia’s needs, and how the UK can best support these.  The job holder will lead on programmes and policies related to UK support for English language teaching in Mongolia. The post holder will shape key aspects of policy work working closely with the Mongolian Ministry of Education, as well as provide direct support to the EO Project Officer and DBT colleagues.

Role and responsibilities:

The British Government is committed to supporting Mongolia to expand its English Language teaching capacity in line with legislation passed by the Mongolian Government in 2023. The initial period of UK support runs until 31 March 2025. During this period, Ministers have requested that the UK run in-country short-term English language training for Mongolian teachers and conduct a study that assesses the development needs in Mongolia and how the UK would be best placed to respond to and assist these. The job holder will be responsible for writing the Business Case to be submitted to Ministers for future ODA allocation.

This is an exciting role for an experienced and motivated person with programme and policy capabilities. The Programme Manager role will support BE Ulaanbaatar to achieve the agreed priorities, ensuring policy and programmatic coherence and value for money. The post holder will support policy engagement with Government of Mongolia officials on issues around English Language teaching, and work with BE Ulaanbaatar colleagues from FCDO and DBT, and London geographic and thematic Departments. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining and further building a strong network of relevant private sector, civil society and Government stakeholders across Mongolia, identifying linkages and synergies, and areas of impact through influence. The role requires coordination with other international partners supporting English language training in Mongolia, including other Embassies, IFIs, and NGOs. The post holder will be expected to provide corporate contributions which might involve UK high level visit coordination including briefing, and development policy related corporate returns related to the team’s agenda. 

For programme management aspects of the role, the job holder will provide support across the different team portfolios in line with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF). This includes (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Design, oversee and implement a study to assess the development needs in Mongolia related to English language teaching, and how the UK would be best placed to respond to and assist these.
• Lead on the development of a Business Case to be submitted for Ministerial review to secure further ODA funding as part of the Spending Review.
• Lead on new programme design of English language projects agreed with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. Helping to design and draft new project documents.
• Lead on reviewing of programme reports and representing the team in external meetings.
• Drafting and setting up programme management arrangements including MoUs, commercial contracts, and accountable grant.
• Develop relevant ToRs and other project documents to support programme delivery and ensure effective financial management.
• Engage with programme partners and beneficiaries on formal and informal reviews, using information, data and evidence to identify performance issues, ensure appropriate levels of performance are achieved and recommend remedial action.
• Lead the effective management and administration of assigned programme(s), contribute to developing high quality and compliant programme documentation, including submissions, concept notes and business cases.
• Develop close relationships with implementers and across HMG, working to build their understanding of FCDO processes and priorities, and improving their performance, and building relationships with the relevant government leads at national and district level.
• Contribute to the implementation of programme, team risk strategies, focusing on risk identification, mitigating the risk of fraud and corruption, and ensuring other risks are addressed in liaison with programme suppliers as required.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

The Job Holder will manage up to £500,000 for the duration of this contract.  

• Aptitude to develop excellent project management skills; 5+ years’ relevant experience in managing projects or programmes in bilateral /multilateral agencies, civil society, and/or government.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to engage with senior colleagues and high-level external stakeholders with credibility.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Graduate degree or equivalent professional qualification – e.g. finance, project management, business administration, international development
• Strong presentation and drafting skills in English with the ability to communicate complex issues, written and verbally, clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a proven ability to accurately forecast and manage expenditure
• Good knowledge of computer programmes (particularly MS Office and internet/intranet & numerate with excellent Excel) with aptitude for learning new systems.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, anticipating problems and taking appropriate action as required.
• Ability to comply with corporate systems/procedures/policies while juggling multiple tasks with a commitment to deliver.

Language requirements: 

Language: English, with Mongolian an advantage.

Level of language required: Excellent command of English. Knowledge of Mongolian is a benefit but not essential.