GRM International - Palladium develops and delivers solutions that create positive impact for communities, businesses, societies and economies. We transform lives and create enduring value by working with governments, corporations and non-profit organisations. Palladium is built on the idea that progress will be supported by four key pillars: International Development, Strategy Execution Consulting, Impact Investment, Training and Events
We create positive impact through more than 100 current projects with more than 2000 employees operating in over 90 countries.
Purpose of Position For assigned projects, the Manager / Sr. Manager, Project Operations serves as part of the corporate management team.
This team is responsible under the leadership of the Project Director and management of the Director, Project Operations for the management and delivery of projects.
The specific purpose of the position is to manage implementation of effective and efficient operational, financial and compliance activities to deliver projects in accordance with contractual obligations, company policies, Group Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines and client rules and regulations.
The position periodically contributes to the development of policies, processes and procedures that align with best practice in project management.
Primary Responsibilities
Plan and manage the operational aspects of project start-up and closeout to ensure delivery of required inputs to these processes from corporate services, service providers and stakeholders
Serve as the primary liaison between corporate services and the project
Support corporate registration in-country and ensure all legal and financial requirements are met and maintained for the entity and project
Prepare and maintain project specific components of the project operations manual
In collaboration with corporate services, provide training and guidance to project staff on and ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs and Guidelines and client rules and regulations (covering as required security, occupational health and safety, risk management, planning, human resource management, monitoring, reporting, finance, procurement, logistics, IT, communications, audit support and all other operational matters)
Establish project offices and office infrastructure
Participate in the development and maintenance of project work plans
Support the development and presentation of internal and external reporting (for example: Monthly Management Reports (MMRs), quarterly Internal Project Reviews (IPRs), project risk assessments, annual reviews, and client deliverables) and ensure these outputs are fit for purpose
Ensure project issues and risks are logged, monitored, reported on, managed and mitigated; escalate risks and issues to corporate/project leadership, as required
In collaboration with Internal Audit/Systems Review, conduct periodic compliance checks on processes and internal controls
Monitor and maintain compliance with head/prime contracts
Monitor and report on overall progress against agreed targets, milestones, outputs and activities
Develop, manage and support contract amendments as required
Establish project levels of delegated authority in accordance with company policy and manage the process for higher-level approvals as required
In collaboration with Finance establish project account codes, ensuring they are fit for purpose and meet client’s and project’s requirements for cost allocation, monitoring and evaluation, and value for money (VFM) reporting
In collaboration with Treasury, set-up project bank accounts with appropriate company and project signatories
Monitor expenditure against budgets and forecasts, including staff costs, operating expenses and procurements
Support project human resource planning and recruitment and contracting and coordinate inputs and support from the company’s HR and Recruitment teams
Support development of project subcontractor / grant management procedures compliant with the company’s SOPs and Guidelines and client’s rules and regulations
Facilitate field office leases
Monitor and ensure quality of field procurement; ensuring compliance with company anti-corruptions and due diligence processes
Report monthly on the status of partner budgets/invoicing and grants
Participate in capture planning, providing inputs on operational requirements, including but not limited to the requirements for company registration and banking arrangements
Minimum Education and Experience Required
A relevant Bachelor’s degree (with a Master’s degree preferred).
A minimum of 7 to 9 years relevant work experience.
A minimum of 4 to 6 years project management experience with DFID, DFAT, USAID or other donor client(s).
Experience managing large and complex projects.
A minimum of 4 to 6 years of people management experience, including setting performance objectives, managing for results, giving and receiving feedback, performance evaluation and mentoring and coaching.
A minimum of 2 years of work experience in a developing country or similar environment.
Key Competencies and Professional Expertise Require:
Formal Project Management training and expertise.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Financial acumen and the ability to interpret and analyse financial reports.
Strong management skills with ability to mentor, coach, lead, develop and evaluate staff.
Willingness to travel and work abroad a minimum of eight weeks per year in developing countries and elsewhere.