Lead Project Management Specialist

Islamic Development Bank

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

To lead the Project Management (PM) for LLFMU projects under the guidance of the Head of LLFMU. The role develops and
designs policies, standards, methodologies, tools and templates related to project management. A core responsibility of this
role will be to develop, maintain and communicate a centralized dashboard providing visibility on the status of ongoing LLFMU
projects. To provide quality technical assistance to the LLFMU, particularly the Head, in planning, KPIs setting and
monitoring, budgeting, coordination, implementation, execution, controlling, follow up and reporting on LLFMU business and
projects.

Responsibilities/Activities:

Strategy and Operational Planning:

  • Contribute to the development of strategy, work plans and KPI’s for the LLF Management Unit ensuring their alignment to IsDB strategies and LLFMU mandates.
  • Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines for the LLFMU Unit and ensure their effective implementation and compliance across all work areas by all stakeholders. 
  • Contribute to the preparation of the Unit’s annual budget ensuring all resources (human, materials and financial) are adequately provided to meet the business requirements and achieve the Unit’s strategic objectives.
  • Lead the development and management of new and/or existing initiatives and innovations to enhance the effectiveness of the LLFMU and the LLF operations.
  • Coordinate on behalf of the Head of the LLFMU with other relevant stakeholder departments across the Bank for consistency on strategic issues, integration of policy commitments, and knowledge sharing.

Project and Portfolio Management:

  • In coordination with the Head of LLFMU and relevant stakeholders in IsDB, identify relevant development projects, around the world, to meet the existing and emerging needs of the Muslim communities in the chosen areas.
  • Lead the launch and development of the annual pipeline of projects for the LLF in coordination with the relevant IsDB teams and external partners.
  • Advising project teams and other internal Bank stakeholders on meeting compliance requirements for LLF financing e.g., the relevance, readiness, and results aspects of LLF project candidates, selection criteria, communication and visibility concerns, results-based management, etc.
  • Lead the project preparation and implementation facility planning, review and contribute to business cases developed by project teams for Consultants to prepare project designs, and oversee the project execution under the LLF Project preparation and implementation facility.
  • If required, source and recruit qualified staff and assign them to the projects, portfolio, or related Fund operations after providing necessary induction and training.
  • Lead the monitoring and facilitation of the progress of the projects and portfolio as per the Project Plan, flag any quality or delivery issues with the project team and related Bank stakeholders and troubleshoot and resolve the same in a timely manner to avoid delays in completing the projects.
  • Ensure obtaining necessary clearances/approvals, from the relevant authorities, whenever required to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
  • Whenever necessary, manage communication and visibility of media materials related to specific projects and/or programs in general. 

Management Reporting:

  • Lead the preparation of and submit periodic reports to the Head of LLFMU and other stakeholders on the progress of ongoing projects, feedback on the handed-over projects and any other relevant information.
  • Advisory support to the Head of LLFMU on Operational matters and establishing and maintaining relationships and communications within IsDBG as well as external partners (LLF Donors, development partners, government counterparts, and others) and promote linkages in the relevant areas.
  • Provide technical executive briefings and advice to the Head LLFMU and IsDB Representatives on the LLF IC(Senior Management) on policy papers, reports and proposals to aid in decision-making related to the LLF.
  • Report to the Head of LLFMU, any problems faced during the project implementation stage, that may require his interventions

Knowledge Sharing and Development:

  • Keep abreast with the development interventions being carried out by other agencies, share best practices and identify areas where IsDB and LLFMU and make contributions.
  • Share knowledge and experience of LLFMU projects with other Units within IsDB and seek opportunities for joint collaborations.
  • Coach, mentor and develop junior staff in the Unit.
  • Participate in setting Unit and Individual objectives, monitor the same on regular basis and ensure achievement by all. 

Qualification & Experience:

Academic and professional qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, international development, Engineering, social sector or related field. Higher qualifications will be preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the development sector including portfolio and project management, strategy management, monitoring and evaluation, analytics, program development,   with multi-lateral sector experience. A Minimum of 3 years in the managerial / supervisory role.

Languages

  • English - Mandatory
  • Arabic - Preferred
  • French - Preferred

Source: http://www.isdbcareers.com/careers/isdb/VacancyDetail.aspx?VacancyID=160816