Job Title:
Project Management Officer
Job Grade:
Band 4
Directorate:
Transformation
Job Reference Number:
P01274
The Role To support Project, Programme or Portfolio Managers to deliver their projects and programmes. To manage the delivery of small uncomplicated projects To provide practical support and advice on project management methodologies across the Transformation Unit and ECC.
Job Purpose Supporting a Project or Programme Manager. Key Accountabilities To provide support within an agreed remit:
To draft project governance documentation for the Project or Programme manager to approve, and assist them through the governance process as required.
To scope, research and cost different options, in order to support Project or Programme Managers to produce business cases.
To monitor project progress with respect to time, cost quality and scope.
To advise on progress being made and any corrective action taken to ensure milestones are achieved and deliverables are of the correct quality.
To pro-actively seek out information to enable accurate and timely reporting to the Project or Programme Manager, such that issues are identified early and prompt actions taken for resolution or escalation.
To ensure required actions are recorded and progressed as agreed, escalating issues to the Project or Programme Manager, or where needed, directly to the Portfolio Manager.
To provide project status reporting information for a Project or Programme Manager to present to their Portfolio Manager.
To facilitate project meetings, workshops and reviews, preparing presentations as required.
To deputise, in the short-term only, for an absent Project or Programme Manager.
To develop and maintain effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders.
To liaise with the Business Owner and other key stakeholders as directed by the Project or Programme Manager.
To create and maintain project management documentation to appropriate standards including: project plans (in Microsoft Project or equivalent), management reports, and risk, issue and change logs.
To ensure that information is organised in a systematic fashion to enable auditors/inspectors to perform an audit trail through a project’s life-cycle.
To act as custodian of all master copies of project products. Supporting a Portfolio Manager
To gather, produce and present status reporting information for a number of projects or programmes. To undertake a quality assurance role with regards to project or programme delivery, and advising the Portfolio Manager as to the issues raised. Running small projects:
To take responsibility for delivering small projects as required, under the guidance/authority of a senior manager, ensuring adherence to all Transformation Support Unit requirements throughout the project life-cycle.
Transformation Unit Development:
To provide advice and support on project management techniques. To develop and implement project/programme management tools to support the TSU to deliver an effective and efficient service within ECC. To perform independent reviews of projects/programmes (peer reviews) to ensure that standards are being followed in an acceptable manner. Other:
To ensure all aspects of Essex County Council’s policies and procedures are adhered to. To maintain a sound understanding and awareness of new and emerging project/programme management methodologies to ensure that project governance and management processes reflect best industry practice. To undertake CPD. Health and safety To mentor other members of the team where required To take on any other activity that could be reasonably expected of the role holder Required to be independently mobile throughout Essex. Knowledge, Skills and Experience
A relevant degree and/or alternative professional qualification, or equivalent by experience.
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Experience of working in a successful change management environment and of using structured project methodologies.
Can demonstrate a theoretical knowledge and understanding of the technical, behavioural and contextual elements of project management as could be practised within a project and can evaluate their value to projects.
Level 2: Able to use the following skills where minor discretion is required in resolving unexpected/non-routine problems in respect of: o Project lifecycles, governance. o Methods and procedures. o Information management and reporting.
o Configuration management.
Level 3: Good skill level, able to use discretion to resolve unexpected/non-routine problems and can identify when issues need to be escalated in respect of: o IT skills (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) o Communication and team work. Non Essential
Level 1; Basic/routine use of the skill would need assistance to resolve unexpected/non-routine problems in respect of: o Project delivery
Values and Behaviours Customer Focused & Proactive Working together we proactively engage with our customers and listen to their needs in order to continuously improve our service.
Understands customers’ needs and takes ownership for the outcome Proactively looks for ways to improve service delivery by seeking customer feedback Work with the customer to implement solutions & challenge process for a positive customer outcome Make decisions that are appropriate to the role, and provide recommendations when escalating decisions upwards
Enabling & Empowering Working together, we provide confidence and trust to support the delivery of the right services for our customers.
Makes the appropriate decisions through consultation with internal and external stakeholders /customers Influences an environment of trust and co-operation through personal demonstration of the corporate values Prepared to share own decisions and be considerate of the opinion of others Quickly and effectively adjust to new situations and environments, focussing on solutions and not barriers Prioritise the needs of the group / organisation ahead of your own
Effective & Efficient Working together we will achieve our objectives in the best possible way, so that we deliver the results that make the biggest difference to the people we serve.
Takes responsibility for delivering and managing work within timelines and expectations Regularly challenge the status quo, looking for ways to improve both the customer experience and value for money Demonstrates personal accountability, focussing on the outcomes achieved versus the effort required Works collaboratively to provide effective service delivery
Safeguarding Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-Employment Checks appropriate to this Job Profile Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to ensuring all recruitment is undertaken fairly, effectively, safely and in accordance with legislation. The information below provides pre-employment screening guidance for candidates applying to this job at Essex County Council. Role Requirement: Not working with children or vulnerable adults and with no access to sensitive information relating to children or vulnerable adults Pre-Employment Check Self Declaration (Unspent convictions only) References
Definition A declaration of unspent convictions must be completed by all employees who do not work directly with vulnerable adults or children A minimum of two employer references will be required -one of which must be the last employer. Any gaps of 4 weeks or more will be explored by the manager at interview stage. Where appropriate additional character references will be taken up
Medical
All new recruits and employees whose role changes significantly are required to complete a medical health questionnaire
Eligibility / Right to work in the UK Regulatory qualifications and professional registration (subject to role)
Proof is required and original documentation will be sought i.e. passport or full birth certificate Original qualification certificates and proof of registration with a professional body is required (if applicable)
