Director, Project Management (GMG/SEG 4)

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Chief Technical Director, the Director, Project Management is responsible for developing, managing and co-ordinating the implementation of projects for the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and its portfolio entities/agencies, consistent with the requirements of the Government of Jamaica and the respective funding agencies. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Assists with the development and monitoring of the operational plan and budget for the Projects, ensuring that they are consistent with the strategic direction of the Ministry;
• Participates in the Quarterly and Annual Performance Review to assess the achievements of the Ministry and the Unit; 
• Prepares and submits performance and other reports, as required; 
• Represents the Ministry on cross-sectorial and inter-ministerial teams and committees, as assigned. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Develops a sound framework to facilitate the identification and development of major projects, which are consistent with National and Sectorial policies; 
• Conducts pre-feasibility analyses of project ideas to determine which proposals have development potential and are worth pursuing;
• Collaborates with the technical and administrative officers in the Ministry and other external stakeholders in identifying opportunities for projects; 
• Devises and develops mechanisms for monitoring and reporting projects activities;
• Prepares reports of pre-feasibility analyses and submits to the Chief Technical Director for review and approval to carry-out feasibility studies; 
• Participates in tender invitation, evaluation and selection for feasibility studies;
• Monitors the selection of Contractors by ensuring that the tendering procedures are consistent with established guidelines and Government policies; 
• Conducts research and prepares submissions/briefs to the Minister, the Cabinet, as well as the Permanent Secretary on proposed capital projects; 
• Liaises with the Legal Services Unit to ensure that all project related contracts/agreements are constitutional and legally binding; 
• Provides technical advice to the Ministry and its portfolio agencies on project development and implementation; 
• Develops and maintains liaison with international funding agencies, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and other Government Agencies involved in project development and monitoring; 
• Prepares and submits performance and other reports as required; 
• Identifies, formulates and appraises Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport projects, to ensure that they are consistent with the Strategic and Corporate Plans of the Ministry; 
• Provides overall co-ordination and integration of the project planning and implementation process in the Ministry and its portfolio entities; 
• Develops proposal for capital projects, and negotiates with National and International Agencies in securing financial and technical assistance for the projects; 
• Participates, at the policy level, in determining the projects which should be given priority consideration; 
• Provides managerial, technical and financial support to ensure that all project components are implemented in a cost effective manner, in keeping with project requirements;
• Procures the services of consultants, equipment and supplies to support staff in the management of projects, as necessary; 
• Ensures the maintenance of a database to track expenditures on all projects, and provides up-to-date status of all projects being implemented by the Ministry and its Agencies;
• Monitors and reports on the financial resources provided for the Ministry’s capital projects, to ensure these are used in keeping with the project proposals and the financial regulations governing project funds. 

Human Resource Management 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends or initiates corrective actions where necessary;
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Ministry and recommends staffing arrangements in keeping with established human resource procedures and policies;
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training and mentoring; 
• Takes steps to address the welfare and development needs of staff in the Unit;
• Makes provisions for direct reports to have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively; 
• Ensures that direct reports are sensitized on the policies, procedures and regulations of the Public Service/Ministry; 
• Recommends disciplinary action, leave and staffing arrangements for direct reports. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Takes initiative 
• Good customer and quality focus 
• Compliance 
• Adaptability 
• Integrity 
• Methodical 
• Good problem solving and decision making skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Goal/result oriented 
• Analytical thinking 
• Good leadership and people management skills 
• People management
• Strategic vision 
• Impact & influence 
• Managing partners and external relations 

Technical/Functional 

• Knowledge of Management Principles and Practices 
• Expertise in application of Project Management Techniques and tools
• In-depth knowledge of the Project Management Cycle 
• Legislation, Regulations and Policies 
• Budget management 
• Negotiation 
• Understanding of the Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport sectors
• Expertise in the conduct of feasibility studies and cost/benefit analyses
• Sound knowledge of the general requirements of multilateral lending agencies 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• BSc. Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Science, or a related field. 
• Six (6) years’ experience, with at least three (3) years at the middle management level working on project implementation. 
• Certification/training in Project Management principles, practices, techniques and methodologies. 
• Proven experience in managing large-scale projects and leading diverse teams. 

Special Condition Associated with the Job

• Required to undertake local and overseas travel.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.