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

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Principal Director, the Senior Director Project Development & 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/PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Supports the Principal Director in providing inputs in the development and implementation of the Branch’s strategic and operational plans;
• Provides leadership to staff through effective objective/goal setting, 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 provision 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 & 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 prioritization of appraised projects for provision of advice to the PIMC; 
• Presents prioritization reports for appraised projects to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and Public Investment Management Committee (PIMC);
• Manages the development, implementation and on-going 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 
• Direct the process of evaluating and validating the adequacy and appropriateness of MDA’s 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 foster 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, implement, monitor and review 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 tracks and monitors progress on projects. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Sound planning, coordinating, organizing, problem solving and time management skills 
• 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. 
• Planning and Organizing – Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Problem Solving and Analysis - Logical problem solving and analytical 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. 

QUALIFICATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Masters’ degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Sector Management or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution
• Four (4) years of 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:

• Working with 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.