Senior Director, Project Development and Technical Support (GMG/SEG 5)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Principal Director, the Senior Director Project Development and Technical Support, has responsibility for directing, co-ordinating and managing the screening of draft submissions and provision of technical support, advice and guidance to MDA/SPS in the preparation of public investment project submissions, including the design and assessment of M&E Framework for project concepts and proposals; establishing a Quality Assurance (QA) framework to meet project related quality and performance requirements of MDA/SPS and PIAB; leading the establishment and execution of a communication plan to support understanding and compliance with the PIMS pre investment requirements; managing the prioritisation of appraised public investment projects; directing the review and evaluation of M&E reports from MDAs and managing the identification, reporting and organisation of training in PIMS pre-investment appraisal matters for MDA/SPS entities. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical 

• Supports the Principal Director by providing inputs in the development and implementation of the Branch’s Strategic and Operational Plans; 
• Provides leadership to staff through effective objective/goal setting and performance evaluation, 
• Manages the provision of technical support, advice and guidance to proposing authorities within MDAs/SPS Entities during the screening process so as to facilitate: 
  • Timely and appropriate responses to queries, concerns and request for information
  • A smooth and efficient flow of complete, accurate and timely information in support of the pre-investment appraisal process of the PIMS process; 
• Directs collaboration between the Project Appraisal Unit and M&E Analysts in establishing sound and logical results framework and M&E models for appraised public investment projects that are to be considered by the TRC and PIMC; 
• Leads the pprovision of support by the Technical Support Unit to the Project Appraisal Unit in arriving at recommendations and decisions in respect of project concepts and proposals;
• Leads the collaboration with Project Appraisal and Strategic Support and Administration Units to enable timely completion key outputs within areas of responsibility, including Investment Prioritisation reports and Appraisal Reports for projects recommended to Cabinet for approval by the PIMC; 
• Manages the preparation of Project Appraisal Reports for projects recommended by PIMC for Cabinet approval; 
• Directs the prioritisation of appraised projects for provision of advice to the PIMC;
• Presents prioritisation reports for appraised projects to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and Public Investment Management Committee (PIMC); 
• Manages the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of a comprehensive communications and public relations programme, aimed at promoting awareness and transparency among PIMS stakeholders, of the PIAB’s role and function, and the GOJ investment initiatives; 
• Directs the process of evaluating and validating the adequacy and appropriateness of MDAs Project Management and M&E systems and processes, and ensures findings, lessons learnt and best practices are shared with stakeholders; 
• Oversees the development of an archive of lessons learnt to inform future development of project submissions related activities; 
• Manages the Unit’s collaboration with MDAs and Project Analysis Unit, in identifying training and sensitization needs and facilitating capacity building exercises; 
• Manages the collaboration with MDAs/SPS entities in: 
  • Identifying and clarifying proposal development information needs 
  • Developing and implementing systems, tools and mechanisms to inform and facilitate project proposal development and to capture and report on quality of performance in keeping with established standards 
  • Establishing clear performance indicators, standards and quality requirements for the development of Public Investment Proposals; 
• Facilitates the collaboration with MDA/SPS, PIAB personnel and MIND, in identifying, documenting, collating and reporting on training, development and sensitization needs;
• Leads the development and implementation of a QA framework to streamline systems and processes to meet project related quality and performance requirements; 
• Directs and fosters effective communication channels with proposing authorities, so as to facilitate and ensure the adequacy of support and guidance; 
• Oversees the establishment and creation of a community of practice for management of public investment projects; 
• Develops, implements, monitors and reviews Work Plans to guide the management of Technical support activities; 
• Ensures the maintenance of Record Keeping Systems to facilitate the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the Unit; 
• Manages the preparation and submission of internal Periodic and Special Reports on areas of responsibility including the status of proposals being developed, challenges and recommendations; 
• Directs the provision of technical inputs into the development of the Management Information Systems that track and monitor progress on projects. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Planning and Organizing – Excellent planning and organization skills. 
• Research and Analysis – Strong research and analytical capabilities 
• Problem Solving - Logical problem solving skills. 
• Communication - Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Initiative and Judgment - Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment. 
• Accountability – Manages performance to achieve expected results in a timely manner.
• Quality of Output - Deliver output of a consistently high quality. 
• Customer Service – Demonstrates excellent (Internal and external) customer service skills.
• Teamwork - Be a team player. 

Technical 

• Knowledge of PIMS Operational Guidelines, legislative, regulatory and governance frameworks 
• Excellent knowledge of all phases of project life-cycles and project management principles and practices 
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and co-ordinate the work of professional and other support staff engaged in monitoring and evaluation activities 
• Sound appreciation of risks identification and strategies 
• Proficiency in results based management framework 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word and Project and Flow Chart Software eg. Lucid charts 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Masters’ Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Sector Management or equivalent qualification from a recognised Tertiary Institution; 
• Four (4) years proven work experience in an area of Project Management, including three (3) years in a managerial/supervisory position; 
• Certification or training as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or its equivalent.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Numerous critical deadlines. 
• May sometimes be required to work beyond regular work hours including on weekends. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.