Job Description and Person Specification
Please note this statement is for information only and does not form part of a contract. This
list is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake such duties as may be assigned
to you by ActionAid from time to time. Employees are expected to be flexible in their work in
order to deliver the objectives of the organisation.
Job title
Contract type
Grade/starting salary
Reporting to
Direct reports
PPA Programme Officer
Fixed-term Contract (31st July 2016)
Band 3
PPA Programme Manager
None
Context
Are you passionate about making a real difference?
As part of the global ActionAid family, we are helping to build a fair and just world where
everyone can claim their rights. To achieve this we work with local people in more than 45
countries to fight hunger and disease, seek justice and education for women, hold
companies and governments to account and help communities cope with emergencies.
In the UK our role is to raise funds to reduce poverty in the communities and countries where
we work, to take action for long term change and to act in solidarity with people fighting
poverty and injustice in poor countries. We aim to make a stronger global difference by
working closely with ActionAid International and our country programmes around the world.
We want to achieve a way of communicating that creates a powerful emotional, intellectual
and practical connection between people here and in developing countries so as to motivate
and engage our supporters. We believe success will be driven by connecting people,
demonstrating our impact, seizing opportunities and key moments, working with others,
focussing on ethical and sustainable approaches and harnessing technology and digital. We
are a value driven, forward thinking organisation, focused on achieving long-term and
sustainable change in the lives of the poorest people in our world.
This role will contribute to the Programme Funding Team’s objectives by providing support to
DFID’s Partnership Programme Arrangement (PPA) Programme. ActionAid’s PPA with DFID
is a five year (2011-2016), £20 million programme, focusing on five countries, managed from
ActionAid UK’s London office, but working across five countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan,
Nigeria, Uganda and Ethiopia).
Purpose of the Role
To support the management and monitoring of ActionAid’s PPA with DFID. Working closely
with the PPA Programme Manager and colleagues within AAUK, AAI and AA countries,
provide operational and administrative support for the effective functioning of the PPA and
reporting to DFID.
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Key tasks and responsibilities
Support the Management of the PPA:
 Be the central contact with the PPA countries, providing them with up to date information
on the PPA and technical guidance on the delivery of the PPA and reporting on it.
 Regularly monitor DFID guidelines and policies and share across the PPA team and
countries.
 Establish and maintain systems for effective functioning of the PPA on planning,
reporting, finance and managing communications between PPA stakeholders and the
smooth operation of the PPA team.
 Review PPA evaluations and reports and provide feedback.
 Facilitate shared learning opportunities with PPA stakeholders through the PPA HIVE,
monthly Skype calls with countries, workshops, and other online mediums.
 Support and facilitate at PPA learning workshops.
 Ensure information about the PPA programme is available to key internal contacts
 Provide support to the wider PPA team from AAI and AAUK.
 Manage and maintain programme intranet space (PPA hive), ensuring that news and
information is posted and distributed in a timely manner.
PPA M&E and Reporting:
 Manage the quarterly reporting process, providing analysis of data submitted and
feedback to countries.
 Support the delivery of the PPA global logframe to ensure ActionAid is able to fulfil its
programme commitments to DFID.
 Support the development of guidelines and policies that will enable ActionAid to increase
its capacity to effectively manage and deliver on the PPA.
 Contribute quality analysis of data and reporting for the PPA annual reports.
Administrative and logistical support:
 Manage the day to day finances of the PPA, including submitted DFID claims, tracking
spend against budget and raising awareness to the PPA Programme Manager where
needed
 Maintain a library of case studies and documentation related to the PPA areas
 Be responsible for recording and circulating agendas and the minutes and action points
from PPA meetings.
 Organise logistics (flights, visas, accommodation…etc.) for PPA or PPA-related
initiatives workshops, meetings and consultants as required.
Other Responsibilities
 Support engagement with NGO networks and learning groups where needed.
 Share responsibility with colleagues in the Programme Funding team to encourage
cross-departmental information and knowledge sharing within ActionAid, both in the
UK and internationally.
 Be open to change and demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach.
 Work collaboratively with other departments and be a supportive and effective team
member.
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Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
 Knowledge of programme management.
 Experience of planning, monitoring and reporting on institutionally-funded programmes.
 Sound knowledge of financial management and budgeting.
 Experience of monitoring and evaluation practices.
 Experience working in a busy team.
 Understanding of international development issues, current trend and priorities.
 Strong commitment to ActionAid’s mission, vision and values.
Desirable
 Experience of living and working in the developing world, working in a cross-cultural
setting
 Experience working on unrestricted funding
 Knowledge of women’s rights, education, livelihoods and resilience programmes.
Skills and abilities
Essential
 Excellent written and spoken English.
 Strong administrative and organizational skills.
 Self-motivated with a proven ability to take initiative.
 Ability to prioritise competing tasks and work to deadlines.
 The numerical ability to analyse financial information, budget and monitor costs.
 Good interpersonal skills, including well developed written, verbal and presentation
skills.
 Excellent IT skills, particularly in excel and word
 Ability to travel overseas occasionally
Desirable
 Fluency in a second language spoken in developing countries, in addition to English
 Facilitation and training skills, ideally in supporting partners or colleagues overseas.
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