Syria CSSF Project Officer

The British Consulate General in Istanbul is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Syria Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) Team is seeking a Project Officer to work as part of the team based in Istanbul, but could require some travel to Gaziantep and Amman.

The Syria CSSF team based in Istanbul is part of the wider UK government’s Syria Overseas Network located in Istanbul, Amman and Beirut. The network includes political and programme staff from three UK government departments – the Department for International Development (DFID); the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Programme staff manage the delivery of the CSSF of approximately £60 million annually inside Syria on a range of programmes including on security and justice, stabilisation, governance, livelihoods, education and support for political negotiations. This is in addition to the UK’s contribution to humanitarian efforts inside Syria, to which the UK is the second largest donor.

Two of the UK’s largest Syria CSSF programmes are a governance and an education programme. Both of these are supported by multiple donors and are managed by DFID staff. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting these large and complex projects. This will involve active participation in project management with a specific eye on finances. Engaging in programme meetings and building strong partnerships with colleagues and key external stakeholders. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide essential administrative support to the Syria CSSF team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Finance:

• Manage finances for the governance and education CSSF programmes; including processing invoices, monthly forecasting of finances and accruals and overall ensuring high quality financial management;
• Mastering key DFID programme management and financial software; the Aid Management Platform and Aries;
• Scrutinising implementing partners’ financial reports and invoices;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with downstream partners’ finance leads to ensure regular communication on financial forecasts, and variance.

• Participate in and support key governance and education programme activities, such as annual reviews and due diligence assessments. This could require travel to Gaziantep and Amman to meet with implementing partners;
• Support with logistics for and actively participate in programme steering boards and meetings;
• Lead on information management for the governance and education programmes and ensure adherence to DFID principles on transparency and publishing of information in the public domain.

• Support high-level and VIP visits; leading on logistics, support planning and scheduling.

• Fluent in written and spoken English language
• Experience managing project-based finances
• Computer literate and able to use Microsoft Office, in particular Excel
• Strong organisational skills
• Willing team player
• Pro-active attitude

• Working with development organisations
• Experience of working on the Syria crisis
• Arabic language

This is a full-time temporary contract of 1 year for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.

The annual salary for this position is 105,070.24 TL gross, B3 level. Please note that staff members are responsible for paying any income tax required by local law.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Turkey. The British Consulate General does not sponsor for work permits.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and a probation period of 2 months.

Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General in Istanbul are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Turkish employment law.

British Diplomatic Missions are equal opportunities employers, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. We are committed to developing a learning organisation that enhances business performance, maximises our staff’s potential and encourages staff innovation and development.

Training in DFID programme management and financial management will be provided through formal training courses and on the job mentoring.