Project Management Junior Officer, UK at Palladium

Programme Context

The Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Programme – Phase 2 (IFSLU2) is one of the flagship programme in the Natural Capital and Climate, Environment and Natural Resources practice areas at Palladium. IFSLU2 is split into three components, this position is primarily focused on Components 1 and 2, with collaboration and coordination opportunities for working with Component 3. IFSLU2 is a grants and technical assistance facility that supports businesses and investment models in which the private sector, public sector and communities can achieve improved returns from forests and sustainable land use whilst protecting existing forest, restoring degraded land and improving agricultural land management and production practices. All this work is focused across the tropical forests belt.

IFSLU2 will run for 5 years from 1 February 2025. Depending on performance and subject to funding, the programme may be extended for a further 5 years (up to 2035). The programme is funded by the UK government.

Primary Responsibilities

The Junior Officer will support the Project Manager through responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

Finance

• Manage programme payments and expenses, coordinating the processing, sign-off and approval processes in line with programme and company processes and system requirements;
• Supporting with management of the programme budget through reviewing and analysing monthly project transactions and expenses;
• Analysing the project finances for internal reporting and client queries;
• Reviewing regional Field Voucher payments and supporting with processing;
• Supporting with the preparation of client billing, forecasting and financial reporting;
• Maintaining data and records on P4F systems;
• Maintaining and updating the programmes finance tools and documentation.

Operations

• Support with programme procurement and supplier contract management, including contracting suppliers, conducting due diligence and tracking payments;
• Support with the implementation and review of the PM/Operations Manual;
• Manage the programme asset register, ensuring adherence to company and client asset management requirements;
• Support with coordination of the annual programme audit;
• Support with the planning and coordinating of key team travel, events and other programme;
• Support Regional Operations and Finance teams to ensure smooth operations of regional project offices;
• Serve as a point of contact and support for the wider P4F team on appropriate project management processes;
• Contribute to the development of Project Management processes;
• Act as a point of contact between programme staff and Palladium functions, including Contracts &
• Compliance, Safety and Security and IT;
• Upload and manage documentation, guidance and tools to the programme management systems e.g.
• SharePoint and Monday.com.

Team Management

• Managing and drafting team contracts;
• Supporting with coordination of the performance review process;
• Monitoring team leave, timesheets and payroll across the team;
• Support with recruitments, contracting and onboarding for new employees or consultants;
• Support with updating internal HR records.
• Reporting
• Support progress against programme milestones and Supplier KPIs;
• Support the drafting of quarterly, annual and extraordinary reporting.

Grants Management

• Supporting the Global Grants Team with any required administration of the Project Funding portfolios, including financial administration and compliance procedures.
  Other duties as reasonably requested.

Reporting Line

You will report directly to the Project Manager. You will also work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Grants Fund Senior Officer(s).

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is interested how a complex, global programme with a successful track record is managed and is pursuing a potential career in project management. The ideal candidate has the following skills and attitudes:

Essential

• Eagerness to learn and develop skills in project management. 
• Knowledge of project finance and experience with basic budget management;
• Basic understanding of how to conduct analysis and interpret qualitative and quantitative data. 
• Fluency in English - excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups. 
• Strong organisational skills and careful attention to detail;
• Advanced Microsoft Office user (including but not limited to good working knowledge of Excel).
• Adaptable (keen to try new approaches, employs agile thinking, flexible and open to change).
• Innovative (intellectual curiosity, solution-based problem solving).
• Accountable (ensures work quality, organisational skills).
• The right to work in the United Kingdom without sponsorship

Desirable

• Qualification, educational background or professional experience in project management or subject relevant to the role.
• Experience in an organisation or private company running FCDO-funded or other large international development programmes.
• Experience or interest in international development, climate, nature or sustainable land use.
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and/or Bahasa Indonesia