British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria - South Africa Deputy Head - Prosperity and Policy Programmes Vacancy

In 2015, the UK Chancellor announced a new cross-Whitehall Prosperity Fund with the primary aim of supporting growth in partner countries. This came into effect on 1 April 2016.

South Africa has been identified as a priority partner country for the Fund, and the Prime Minister announced around £50m of such programmes for South Africa during her bilateral meeting with South Africa’s President Ramaphosa in London in April 2018.

The Fund now represents one of the most important tools the UK has to support the most pressing areas of South African economic growth, and underpin our bilateral relationship - it has been referenced positively by the President as recently as the State of the Nation Address in February 2019.

There are 10 programmes in the Portfolio, ranging from Anti-Corruption to Skills; Future Cities to Trade.

The opportunities to deliver positive change are enormous, but the funding – while large – is not infinite, and we need to work collaboratively and in partnership with other actors and donors (including within the UK Government) while promoting the UK’s expertise in all of what we do.

This role is at the heart of a large team which will grow to 21 staff by the end of the year, spread across 6 Posts in 4 countries – most of whom will be in South Africa.

As well as line management of up to 6 of the individual programme leads, the role-holder will represent the programme externally, including public speaking and accompanying the High Commissioner and visiting Ministers.

The individual will have a specific responsibility for cross-cutting portfolio issues including enhancing coordination between programmes and MREL, and strategic communications.

They will deputise formally for the Head of the Team during periods when he is away (around 6 weeks a year) and a 10% deputising allowance will be paid for this.

Travel internationally (including to London 2 or 3 times a year) and around South Africa will be required.

We are seeking a delivery-focussed individual with experience of managing dispersed and diverse teams, ideally with a background in development, who can join and add value to our friendly and innovative team which has a reputation for excellence and inclusivity.

Portfolio management

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):