Principal Officer

Description:

HM Treasury is offering an exciting and high-impact opportunity for a FCDO Spending Principal, an individual passionate about public service, international development, and fiscal stewardship. In this key role, you will be instrumental in ensuring effective budget oversight, delivering value for money, and supporting UK national security and international development objectives.

As part of the International Finance & Development (IFD) team, you will work across the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs, manage interactions with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and advise Ministers on complex fiscal issues. This includes managing relationships with major associated bodies such as the British Council and the BBC World Service, especially during periods of international crisis or geopolitical urgency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide timely and strategic advice to Ministers on a wide range of FCDO spending issues, including main/supplementary estimates and fiscal planning.

• Oversee the annual FCDO budget, ensuring expenditures align with international diplomatic and development priorities while maintaining value for taxpayer money.

• Collaborate with the Defence, Diplomacy, and Intelligence (DDI) team to coordinate Treasury responses during international crises.

• Scrutinize spending across non-ODA programs, resolving in-year funding challenges and negotiating future budget allocations.

• Develop expert knowledge of FCDO’s budget structures, contingent liabilities, and associated risks to government reserves.

• Maintain strong working relationships across HMT teams and FCDO, fostering collaboration, transparency, and shared strategic objectives.

Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in budget oversight, strategic financial planning, and high-pressure advisory roles.

• Strong ability to manage multiple high-level priorities and provide sound judgment in fast-paced, evolving international environments.

• Ability to build and sustain cross-government partnerships, particularly in complex and high-stakes diplomatic or security settings.

• Confident communicator with experience presenting evidence-based policy recommendations to senior stakeholders and ministers.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s Birthday.

• Flexitime options, allowing for up to 2 additional days off monthly.

• Flexible working patterns (including part-time, job-share, and condensed hours).

• Access to a defined benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.

• Season ticket loans, cycle-to-work schemes, and employee support networks.

• Supportive, diverse workplace with access to various professional networks and societies.