Vacancy : Head, Project Management Office
Who we are
KEMMCOM is a strategic advisory firm operating in the nexus of business, government, and civil society and delivering value-added services to support business growth, mission advancement, risk mitigation and the building of sustainable entities with solid reputations.
As a dynamic company based on Africa’s political and influence capital Addis Ababa, we embody Ethiopia’s and Africa’s DNA of multiculturalism and deliver to clients services that bring in our international experience adapted to the local context of our clients.
The Job
In line with emerging needs to support and coordinate multiple projects and standardize their delivery, KEMMCOM will be establishing a Project Management Office (PMO).
Reporting directly to the CEO with a dotted line relationship to the heads of practice, the head of the PMO is expected to lead these efforts and support the development of a centre of excellence in project management in a collaborative work environment.
The ideal candidate would have a strong background and/or experience in project management with the ability to understand business needs and build a project management office that responds to these needs. A good level of judgment in a variety of situations, strong presentation and influencing skills, written and verbal communication, and organisation skills are important for this position.
Project Management: Develop and manage the Project Management Office (PMO). More specifically:
-Work with the CEO and practice heads to establish the company’s PMO
-Develop a Portfolio Management Framework; which includes project management methodologies, tools, project team organization structures, identification of risks, decision making responsibilities, etc.;
-Review existing project management policies, procedures, processes, templates and develop new ones;
-Develop, and manage the short and long term roadmap for the PMO including how it relates to other companies and KEMMCOM’s stakeholder environment;
-Manage the funding and resources allocation and spending of all projects, by ensuring all projects have funding estimates, by properly planning and monitoring costs, both temporary and consulting services and by participating in the development of operating and capital budgets;
-Conduct strategic, risk and contingency planning analysis as well as ensure longer term forecast of the demand;
-Ensure risk and contingency awareness and training for relevant employees, project managers, associates, and consultants (where applicable);
-Monitor all projects, mentor other staff, and ensure alignment with the new Agile processes;
-Ensure institutional learning from projects;
-Ensure alignment among projects and practice heads;
-Manage some larger projects by himself/herself as required.
Management and Strategic Planning
-Contribute to the development of strategic frameworks for the delivery of practice services; develops strategic directions and alternative service delivery options; develops business and operational plans;
-Participate in the development of operating and capital budgets; conduct strategic, risk and/or contingency planning analyses and prepare budget forecasts for ongoing support and renewal and for major projects; identify and choose the most cost-effective solutions that will meet overall service objectives;
-Contribute to the content and details of agreements, and how the resulting resources are to be allocated in order to deliver more effective services to the respective clients. Within delegated authority, approve expenditures and recommend invoices for payment for the acquisition of goods and services rendered in accordance with contract specifications; and recommend to management expenditures which exceed own delegated level of authority;
-Participate in the negotiation of the extent and level of service (in the case of a consulting contract), and evaluate and select the best proposal;
Communications, Innovation, PMO Trends
-Represent the PMO at internal and external meetings, working groups, committees, discussions and meetings with senior management and as required, acts as an alternative for the CEO;
-Maintain regular communications with practice leads and department heads to discuss issues, policies and practices;
-Liaise and engage with other project management stakeholders to research specific topics of interest to PMO services and support;
-Maintain an awareness of current and proposed project management and PMO issues and concerns within industry and recommends potential solutions to meet expectations and forecasted requirements;
-Plan, create and conduct presentations to staff and partners on project management trends and developments; and
-Look for opportunities to leverage project management to achieve business unit objectives.
– A minimum of Bachelors degree in IT, Marketing, Construction, Business Administration and/or a related fields from a recognised University with a GPA of 3.4 and above. Masters in Project Management from a recognised University is preferred. Degrees in fields with strong practice of project management in Ethiopia will be given priority.
-Five years experience working in a medium to large size company in Ethiopia with a track record of successful project delivery.
-Experience in a project management role in a consulting company and/or knowledge-based company is strongly desired
-A strong track record of setting and meeting pre-defined targets
-Excellent oral representation, writing, and reading skills in English, ability to communicate in more than one Ethiopian language strongly desired
-Ability to adapt to changes in a fast-growing company and provide solutions to these growing pains
-Ability to think strategically and execute with efficiency
-Ability to put the customer first in every interaction involving the company and always look for ways to improve the customer experience through tactical and operational process
-Ability to work cross-functionally with teams and negotiate constructively for the purpose of business growth using evidence
-Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with current and potential clients.
-Expert level written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic
-Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
-Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response
-Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
Forward looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions
