Programme Manager

Number of Openings - Three

About the role

The role involves comprehensive oversight of both the technical and programmatic aspects of a key programme, with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction, effective management, and achieving value for money. The position requires the development of accurate and detailed quarterly and annual reports that reflect client priorities, while also ensuring that programme activities are designed and implemented to meet stakeholder needs. The role includes managing the programme budget to meet both ASI's and the client's financial requirements, overseeing business processes, and ensuring rigorous risk management. Additionally, the position entails managing and supporting the programme team, fostering a collaborative and motivated environment, and ensuring compliance with ASI’s Duty of Care policies. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall effectiveness and positive ethos of the Pakistan platform.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Accountability and reporting: Programme Director / Senior Programme Manager, Deputy Team Lead, and ASI Head of Pakistan

• Technical team members

• Team management (in case a senior program management role): Project Managers (2-3)

• Financial Management: Project Accountant, Local and HQ Finance Teams

• People Management: ASI Pakistan People & Talent Manager and Project’s People Coordinator

• Operational Management: ASI Pakistan Operations team

• Other ASI Program Teams

External:

• Client - FCDO

• Relevant Government representatives

• Consortium partners and suppliers

• Other consultants, donors and NGOs operating in Pakistan

Key responsibilities

Technical aspects of the role

• Oversee / Undertake the development of quarterly and annual reports for the client, ensuring reflection of client priorities along with accuracy and comprehensiveness of programme results.

• Deliver high-quality programme management, coordinating closely with the technical team to ensure activities are designed and implemented to reflect stakeholder priorities.

• Assure that programme's M&E and VfM frameworks (indicators, sources, reporting) are as precise, streamlined and timely as possible. They should be able to ensure targeted results, timely identify underperforming activities and help in reallocating resources to more impactful activities.

Programmatic aspects of the role

• Oversee the management of programme budget to achieve commercial criteria, deliver Value for Money (VfM) and meet both ASI and client's requirements for financial forecasting and reporting.

• Develop and implement business processes and management mechanisms in coordination with the Programme Director.

• Oversee implementation of Business Process Manual with particular attention to the programme recruitment and procurement processes.

• Ensure that the programme’s identification, analysis and management of risks is proactive, comprehensive and controlled. This includes active management of risks, development and implementation of solid mitigation strategies.

• Facilitate relations between Advisers and counterparts to ensure that all stakeholders remain engaged and extend full support to the programme and its objectives.

Managerial aspects of the role

• Ensure that Advisers understand ASI’s Duty of Care policies and procedures and comply with them by liaising with ASI Pakistan’s Security and Operations staff.

• Support program team's career development to fill the gaps and ensure motivation throughout the programme.

• Manage the performance of project managers (if in reporting), clearly communicate expectations and draw on their expertise effectively.

• (In case a senior resource) Play an active role on the Pakistan SMG, helping build the capability, positive ethos, and overall effectiveness of the Pakistan office.

About you

The ideal candidate shall possess:

• A post-graduate degree in public administration, public policy, economics or other relevant field or a good undergraduate degree from a renowned university.

• Advanced project management experience in an international development space.  

• Understanding of the theory and current trends in their technical or geographic area.

• Proven history of initiative and the ability to succeed in complex and time-pressured contexts. 

• An in-depth understanding of our clients and the marketplace, including:

o   Strategy

o   Political trends

o   Awareness of future business opportunities

• Understanding of how to align our client’s priorities to our commercial business development aims.

• Demonstrated success in building effective, credible client relationships and networks.

• Must possess high quality financial management, budgeting and forecasting skills.

• Excellent inter-personal skills and team-work history.

About ASI

ASI (Adam Smith International) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance.

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development.

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better.

ASI is owned and operated by its employees. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact.

What we Offer You

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI.

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Please note that you are submitting a speculative application. Should your skills and experience align with any current or future opportunities, we will contact you. We will be contacting only the shortlisted candidates.

The last date to apply for the role is January 5th, 2025.