Project Manager

Responsibilities

Duties may be flexible, and the following list is not exhaustive:

·       Responding to new requests for support from the Centre’s clients and helping define and operationalise projects. This includes:

o   working through the project lifecycle with clients and partners

o   building workplans and approaches for successful delivery.

o   supporting procurement and recruitment activities, finding the right expertise and partner teams

o   managing stakeholders and relationships through effective communication

o   coordinating internal teams and external partners

o   preparing and maintaining costs, budgets, forecasting and financial reporting (internal and external)

o   assisting in completing important compliance and vetting processes to ensure we engage only fully qualified and eligible experts and partners in the work we do.

·       Contractual, budget and project management of the portfolio. This may include support on:

o   set-up of new projects in company financial and project management systems

o   initiating request to our Commercial Team to issue contracts for team members and partners

o   managing suppliers including negotiation, and performance monitoring to meet project objectives, budget, and quality standards

o   liaise with relevant stakeholders and coordinate activities to ensure effective implementation and alignment with project objectives

o   monitoring progress against plans, working with Project Leads to ensure timely progress.

o   assessing and reporting delivery risks

o   financial checks, reviewing invoices from teams, partners, and monitoring spend against budget.

o   reviewing reports and other outputs produced by teams on assignment, and assistance with formatting, copy edit and presentation.

o   accurate forecasting of expenditure on live and anticipated projects, to support client reporting and financial management.

o   supporting technical activities such as workshops or small research tasks.

o   travel bookings and planning for the Centre’s team.

·       Applying Centre and corporate systems to the projects under the post holders care, keeping relevant registers and databases, and programme specific management information systems up to date (NB, this is with respect to content/data maintenance rather than technology/IT maintenance)

·       Engagement in Centre and ELTAF team learning and development activities, where we draw together technical and process learning from delivery of the multiple assignments and services to help us improve and share with other DAI colleagues or wider audiences.

Across both aspects of the role, the postholder will be responsible for applying ELTAF and corporate systems to the Centre projects and activities under their care, keeping relevant registers and databases, and programme specific management information systems up to date (NB, this is with respect to content/data maintenance rather than technology/IT maintenance).

Skills and experience

·       A key feature of the role will be managing multiple small projects and initiatives in parallel, and so excellent organisational and planning skills with ability to delegate effectively, multi-task efficiently, and prioritise workloads will be required.

·       It will also require problem-solving abilities, including working independently, with high attention to detail.

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills in English with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences.

·       Preference for additional language skills in French and/or Spanish.

·       Ability to take initiative and work proactively and effectively as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team in a hybrid working environment.  

·       Ability to work enthusiastically as a valued team member across multiple client teams in parallel. The role would therefore require demonstrated experience of communicating and interacting with different types of stakeholders.

·       Ability to engage with senior management, providing relevant insights and facilitating discussions to help clarify and shape ideas, ensuring alignment with project objectives and priorities. 

·       Ability to manage activities through from design to delivery, including overseeing logistical, event and administrative elements to ensure smooth implementation.

·       Experience in designing, planning, and supporting the organisation and delivery of events.

·       Commitment to ongoing learning, including technical and non-technical skills.

Application process

Interested applicants should apply via DAI’s recruitment portal, including a concise CV and a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) outlining your motivation for applying (250 words max) and the key qualities you would bring to the role (250 words max).