JOB VACANCY NOTICE: British High Commission Abuja (Chevening Scholarships Officer)

VACANCY NOTICE NO – 09/15 ABJ
POSITION : CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS OFFICER
SECTION : BHC ABUJA, CHANCERY
GRADE : A2
POSITION TYPE : ONE YEAR CONTRACT
SALARY : ₦335,411 PER MONTH,

Main purpose of job:
To be responsible for owning and running the BHC’s annual Chevening Scholarship application process. Working closely with the Chevening Secretariat in London, to ensure candidates are well informed and managed through the full application process, including preparing to leave for the UK and returning to Nigeria.

To maintain contact with and reenergise the Chevening Alumni network in Nigeria, including liaising with leaders to determine customer needs and establishing how the BHC could support.

To provide ad hoc support to the Press and Public Affairs Team at BHC Abuja and BHDC Lagos.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Ensure the BHC manages the application process smoothly, keeping up-to-date knowledge of developments through the online system.
• Coordinate and prepare BHC staff to be able to assess applications and conduct candidate interviews.
• Maintain good contact with the Chevening Secretariat and respond quickly and helpfully to their needs.
• Ensure the BHC promotes the Chevening Scholarship programme effectively throughout the year as part of a focused and well-implemented communications campaign.
• Organise and deliver departure and arrival events for Chevening Scholars in coordination with BHC Abuja and BDHC Lagos.
• Maintain real-time contact with current Scholars, seeking their feedback of the process and reflecting their experiences around the UK in Nigeria Network.
• Manage and maintain the network of Chevening Alumni in Nigeria, including seeking ways the BHC can provide specific, tailored support to their needs.
• Assess the potential for the BHC to develop partnerships within Nigeria to support Chevening Scholars and working with seniors to develop and implement an engagement plan aimed at gaining companies’ support.
• Where capacity permits, provide support to the Press and Public Affairs Team, with a particular focus on routine press monitoring and providing support to BHC-led media events.

Key competences required:

• Competence 1: Delivering a Quality Service
• Competence 2: Collaborating and Partnering
• Competence 3: Engaging Internationally
• Competence 4: Changing and Improving

Language requirements:
Language: English

Level of language required: Excellent command of written and spoken English

Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Essential on arrival:

• IT literate with specific knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel programmes
• Working experience and knowledge of Social Media, including Facebook and Twitter
• Min 2 years experience in Bursary/Scholarship role or similar work experience

Desirable:

• Experience of managing complex processes
• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Experience of working with Communications and/or Public Relations

Learning and development opportunities:

• International Communication Skills Course run by the FCO in London
• There are also opportunities to learn about and implement the FCO’s communications planning guide, to ensure communication is well targeted, delivered and evaluated
• Other formal and informal learning and development opportunities accessible through the FCO will be made available

NOTE:

• All applicants must be legally able to work in Nigeria with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• The British High Commission in Abuja is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
• Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Nigerian employment law.
• Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
• If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

Employment will be subject to obtaining the appropriate security clearance.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English, by email to: Recruitment.Africa@fco.gov.uk

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent (last 24 months) appraisals to the same email address.

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 09/15 ABJ, and the position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 09/15 ABJ, and the position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

Only electronic applications submitted via email will be accepted.

The closing date is 16 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.