Current Vacancies: I. Senior Project Manager / Project Manager... 2
I. Senior Project Manager / Project Manager Introduction Maxwell Stamp PLC (MSP) is recognised as one of the world s leading development consultancies. Established in 1959, we have over 50 years of experience in over 170 countries and territories around the world and have developed a reputation for successful implementation across a wide range of development areas. MSP s head office is in London and within the MSP group we have permanent operating subsidiaries and joint ventures in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Kenya (Nairobi), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) and the United States (Washington DC). Our wide range of clients includes national and regional governments, international organisations, NGOs and public and private sector companies. MSP is currently structured into five technical practice centres. Each practice area is made up of a number of highly qualified consultants and internationally experienced practitioners, who are involved in both the bidding cycle and on-going projects. MSP also has specialist Project Support, and Project Management units ensuring professional management of projects. On a day to day work basis MSP has a horizontal, non- hierarchical structure where personal initiative is encouraged, high standards demanded and individual contributions recognised. The working environment is demanding, open, friendly and mutually supportive. Project Management Unit The Project Management Unit (PMU) is responsible for delivery of the long-term projects. The core function of the PMU is to manage project teams and resources in an efficient, cost effective and timely manner and to deliver the project outputs in a way that meets the expectations of the client in terms of deliverables and value for money (VfM), while also meeting internal performance indicators. There are at present five grades of staff within the PMU: Head of the PMU Deputy Head of the PMU Senior Project Manager (SPM) Project Manager (PM) Junior Project Manager (JPM) It is envisaged that the PM at all grades will take responsibility for leading on and/or assisting in the management of several projects depending on complexity, and actively participate in strengthening project management processes, systems and procedures. All project management staff are responsible to the Head of the PMU for implementing the principles and procedures set out in the company s Project Management Manual. The project management role includes supervision of the project field team through the team leader as well as lead responsibility for liaising with the client. In the field, the team leader will have the intellectual, technical and management lead on delivering the activities as well as day-to-day supervision of the team. A project director (PD) from the technical practice area is assigned to each project and will provide corporate technical and financial oversight for the project, and as such the project manager will report to the PD on project progress and risks on a regular basis. The PM must be willing to travel on a regular basis and may be required to work in fragile states/hostile environments.
Senior / Project Manager Role The PM will generally be responsible management of large and more complex projects and/or be expected to take on a larger number of projects. The PM will ensure that projects are implemented in line with company policies and procedures, within agreed internal targets, as well as in compliance with the client contract and regulations. As requested, the PM will also assist with business development tasks, and will also be expected to take a pro-active role in developing project management policies, systems and procedures. The final job title will be dependent on the selected individual s level of experience and skill-set. Specific Tasks Business Development: Review the PMU checklist to identify potential omissions from the budget, proposal and contract to ensure that the TOR and financial targets are achievable Review internal project budget format prepared by practice areas in consultation with the Head of PMU and the Practice Leader and recommend changes Review the draft contract and prepare an analysis on any issues to inform contract negotiations with the client (e.g. budget omissions; reporting timelines; deliverables; invoicing frequency) Review the project details against the new business guidelines to ensure that the practice area has fulfilled all their responsibilities prior to handover to PMU Project Management: Assist to establish a corporate presence during mobilisation, including company registration and address taxation issues Support mobilisation and establishment of field operations and logistics, including procurement, facilities, bank accounts, etc. Ensure that adequate and appropriate financial management systems are put in place for projects for effective financial accounting, management and reporting Set out clear reporting and communication lines and maintain ensure effective relationship management with project teams, clients and stakeholders Lead on or assist in recruitment of personnel for projects, including development of TORs, adverts, interviews, etc. Negotiate and manage client contracts and subsequent amendments, ensuring that all contract requirements are met and adhere to client policies and procedures Negotiate and manage contracts and amendments with consultants and service providers Review and approve consultant, service provider and client invoices Ensure clear planning and management of work programmes and project teams Maintain an MS Project schedule outlining plans and progress on key project tasks Prepare budgets, financial forecasts and provide overall financial oversight on projects as required internally, by the client and recipient Ensure the projects deliver results and can demonstrate good VfM Ensure financial and technical information systems are able to deliver information that supports VfM analysis Quality assure deliverables, technical documents and management reports Performance manage team members and service providers, and ensure processes are appropriately documented
Develop and implement a project risk management policy and framework, including duty of care, and actively assist project teams in finding solutions to complex issues Ensure key internal project documents and files are up to date and approved Ensure monthly internal project meetings are held to review progress and actions, including financial review of budgets and expenditure Undertake regular field visits to attend project meetings, meet with clients and stakeholders, quality assure team members and service providers, oversee project technical and management progress, update project plans, risk assessments, etc. General: Actively propose and assist in the development of new policies, systems and procedures for the management of projects to enhance project delivery, accountability, meet client expectations, and improve internal performance Adhere to and ensure that actions of project teams are compliant with company policies a nd procedures and acceptable ethical behaviour Prepare relevant internal reports on project performance on a monthly basis and as otherwise requested Undertake other tasks commensurate with the role and position which may reasonably be requested Competencies Candidates must demonstrate that they have the following attributes: Significant experience in management of international development projects Relevant qualifications, ideally in project management and/or international development Experience with key international donors Effective planning, management, negotiation and leadership skills Demonstrable problem solving skills Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with knowledge of Microsoft Project desirable Broad understanding of technical issues relevant international development sectors Experience in managing culturally diverse teams to deliver goals and achieve targets. Fluency in English is essential, with other languages desirable Self-starter requiring minimal supervision Willingness to undertake regular overseas travel, often required over weekends, and travel to insecure or fragile locations Experience in project start-up and/or close-down
Performance expectations The company expects a PM to: Manage projects efficiently and ensure that all internal, client and stakeholder requirements and expectations are met and exceeded where possible Ensure that all projects under management receive positive internal and external review and audit findings, and that MSP is assessed favourably under any supplier management systems implemented by clients Contribute to cross project lesson learning ensuring that methodologies and processes are standardised and efficiencies gained (where appropriate) Keep the Head of PMU and Project Directors informed of progress and of any significant risks or other developments Demonstrate effective working relationships with project teams, clients and stakeholders, as well as internally within MSP Demonstrate contribution to the development of policies, systems and procedures that enhance performance of the company and projects Effectively represent and promote the interests of the company Seek to develop and enhance MSP s relationships with client networks and partner firms Continually raise and enhance awareness of MSP services and capabilities Seek opportunities to build on and extend MSP programmes Remuneration The package comprises a basic salary, 25 days annual leave, travel insurance, life assurance equivalent to four times basic salary and private medical insurance (after successful completion of the probationary period). The basic salary will be commensurate to the level of the candidate selected. There is a ten month probationary period. The basic salary is reviewed on an annual basis to coincide with the anniversary date upon which employment commenced. Salary progression depends solely on personal performance. In addition the London office has a small but well equipped gymnasium. How to apply Only candidates who have the required qualifications and experience should send their current CVs and a cover letter of no more than one page to permanentstaffapplications@maxwellstamp.com clearly stating Application for Project Manager Role in the subject line. The cover letter should set out clearly the reasons that the candidate feels well qualified for the role, backed up by detailed achievements. As an equal opportunities employer Maxwell Stamp encourages applications from women and people living with a disability. Candidates must also demonstrate they have the right to work in the UK. The closing date for applications is the 9 th November 2015. Candidates must also be willing to provide two references and should be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.