Project Manager (Planning) – Fixed Term Contract Jobs

Job Purpose

To manage, under supervision, components of projects within the specified time frame, budget, quality, innovation, and legal requirements. Contribute to managing multifunctional interfaces.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification and Experience Required

• Relevant National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 7) in Project Management / Operational Research AND 5-7 years’ experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security, and/or software environment, of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

Alternative

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years’ experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security, and/or software environment, of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Strong understanding of project and portfolio planning principles.
• Ability to develop, review, and analyse project and programme plans.
• Experience coordinating planning inputs across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of planning and scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel-based planning models).

Job Outputs

Process

• Apply PMO methodologies for projects, ensuring inputs and deliverables are on time and meet standards.
• Work under supervision on projects with limited scope, such as small projects or work streams in larger initiatives.
• Conduct research to solve problems and find new solutions.
• Plan and manage projects or work streams that affect specific business areas.
• Use practical knowledge and judgement to make decisions.
• Apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Execute process and procedural changes, implement them, and provide guidelines and support.
• Use knowledge and judgement to consider policy implications and reach decisions.
• Gather information and provide reports with recommendations in your area of expertise.
• Plan and schedule your activities to improve quality and service delivery.
• Apply knowledge to identify trends and risks in methods, systems, and procedures.
• Communicate interpretations and judgements on work outputs and queries.
• Develop and refine project-level plans, integrating them into the enterprise Master Plan and aligning with organisational standards and release schedules.
• Validate planning assumptions with stakeholders, review submissions for feasibility and alignment, and identify gaps.
• Consolidate planning inputs for programme or portfolio views and facilitate workshops and meetings.
• Act as a liaison to resolve planning issues, communicate requirements and deadlines, and prepare governance artefacts.
• Track actions and maintain audit trails for compliance, escalating risks or constraints.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, assist in scenario modelling, and support planning artefacts and communication.

Governance

• Comply with governance and compliance procedures, identifying and escalating risks.
• Ensure planning artefacts meet quality and completeness standards, supporting internal frameworks and reporting.

People

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with peers and team members to meet objectives.
• Help develop planning team capabilities and mentor Project Coordinators on basics, tools, and standards.

Finance

• Adhere to policies and procedures for cost effectiveness and reducing financial costs.
• Align planning timelines with approved business cases and confirm budget availability.

Client

• Understand and adhere to customer service delivery, providing specialist support to meet expectations.
• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, building positive relationships and opportunities for feedback.
• Ensure client-facing teams are prepared and their needs are included in planning, helping business units align plans with operations.

Behavioural Competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory Skills
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis Skills
• Application of Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Ability to Persuade and Influence Others
• Ability to Mobilise Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Confidence
• Ability to Build Sustainability

Technical Competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Programme and Project Management – with emphasis on planning, sequencing, and integration
• Reporting
• Business Knowledge
• Efficiency Improvement
• Planning and Organising
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Programme / Project Administration Skills – with emphasis on planning, sequencing, and integration
• Conflict Resolution and Influence, especially in facilitating cross-domain alignment