Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will act as Sub-Saharan Africa Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network (CTEN) Support Officer. They will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the network across all of Sub Saharan Africa (16+ countries), including handling central commissions and briefing requests, convening a major annual regional CTEN conference, managing the administrative budget for the network, and acting as executive assistant to the Head of the Network (including diary planning and assistance with travel arrangements). They will also provide wider programme support to teams across the regional network as needed, surging in where teams have gaps or are facing additional demands.

The jobholder will also work to strengthen the profile of the CTEN network by leading on communications, information collation and sharing of best practice, and by organising L&D events (bi-monthly presentations and Q&A on CT topics). Moreover, they will assist the CTEN Regional Officer by supporting the implementation of country CT plans.

This is a critical role for the CTEN network, as it is the ‘engine’ behind the smooth running of the network. It would suit someone who works well independently, can build productive networks across multiple countries and government departments, can put in place and manage strong systems and monitoring mechanisms, and can provide a high level of executive support to the SMS1 head of the network. It provides an opportunity to support a high profile foreign policy priority by helping tackle terrorism in line with international human rights standards. The successful applicant will have an interest in security issues and be able to work in a fast-paced environment and deal responsibly with sensitive information.

Roles and responsibilities 

• Put in place and run a system to manage central commissions from London, coordinating inputs, tracking replies and submitting responses within deadlines. To include putting in place and implementing a system to manage regular financial and narrative reporting from Posts in line with CSSF/CTPF requirements (15%);
• Act as Secretariat for CTEN Sub Saharan Africa management meetings, setting up schedules and meeting arrangements, preparing and circulating agendas and background papers in advance, providing meeting records and following up on actions (10%);
• Set up and manage the annual regional CTEN Conference (50+ participants from across Sub Saharan Africa and London, and external participants) including handling logistics, venue, agenda, presentations, and follow up (15%);
• Promote the CTEN by enhancing its communications strategy, including coming up with ideas on how best to do it (e.g. via periodic newsletters) (5%);
• Support the Regional Officer’s work on implementing a regional Daesh CT strategy, including facilitating information sharing between Posts on IS matters, organise regional IS workshops, sharing of CT best practice, etc. (20%);
• Build and maintain productive relations across the CTEN network, maintaining a network ‘map’ of key contacts, and providing support as needed, including arrangements for CTEN visits to partner countries, and programme management support where needed – e.g. during CT programme officer breather breaks/gaps, or periods of additional demand such as CT crises. (This may require occasional travel to other Posts. The officer will undergo CTPF programme management training and CT crisis training for this role (10%);
• Acting as Executive Assistant to the SMS1 Head of the CTEN – who travels frequently and extensively – including effective diary management, and facilitating travel requirements. This includes identifying and acting on urgent commissions that arise on behalf of the Hub Head during their absences, flagging issues to the Hub Head that need their immediate attention while travelling, and delegating workstreams to others in the network as appropriate. This is a significant responsibility given the periods of Hub Head absence, and will require a sufficient level of experience, sound judgment, and security awareness (15%);
• Oversee and manage the CTEN Sub Saharan Africa Travel and Administration budgets (approx. £100,000), including forecasting requirements, approving and monitoring spend (5%);
• Manage recruitment into the network, monitoring start/end dates for CTEN roles across the Network, ensuring that job descriptions are submitted in good time for recruitment boards, and setting up recruitment panels (5%).
• Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
• Oversight of CTEN Admin budget and regional travel budget (£100,000)
• Oversight of CTEN annual conference budget

Requirements

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Security clearance (existing or ability to be cleared to DV/SC)
• Demonstrated ability to put in place strong organisational systems
• Experience in setting up and managing meetings and/or events
• Sufficient knowledge and experience of public sector to be able to manage work commissions
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems
• Ability to plan ahead and prioritise effectively
• Excellent IT and communication skills
• Ability to produce clear and accurate work with attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Strong team work/willingness to support colleagues when under pressure and able to contribute to cross-team working flexible and proactive approach

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Previous experience of working in a large organisation or network
• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or managing a network
• Previous experience as a project officer or in managing public sector resources

Required behaviours 1 

• Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pac