Portfolio Manager: Project Management at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To formulate the specific Programme Management Office (PMO) strategy and associated delivery plans related to multiple practice areas, ensure practice integration and operational implementation through the achievement of PMO and business objectives; and oversee and deliver on strategic outcomes for projects and programmes under managed portfolio.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in information Technology and/or Project Management or Computer Science or Engineering AND 10-12 years' experience in Information Technology and Project Management environment), of which 3-4 years ideally at management level.

ALTERNATIVE 

• Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in information Technology and/or Project Management or Computer Science or Engineering AND 12 - 15 years’ experience in Information Technology and Project Management of which 3-4 years ideally at management level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Software testing - Have a working knowledge of the following applications: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Project. Must have an in-depth knowledge of HP Quality Centre.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Formulate strategies and tactics with respective Heads as input to the Enterprise Investment Prioritisation Committee for the prioritisation of Programmes and Projects to be delivered for each Strategic and Operational Portfolio. Enforce the application of PMO best practice methodologies as basis to for portfolio delivery.
• Facilitate integrated planning across projects and programmes to deliver the aggregate portfolio balance the best way to achieve business tactical intention through policy, process, people, and task determination for the delivery of projects and programmes. Ensure the adopted outputs and outcomes are contingent to organisational capability and capacity, conceptualise and create awareness of the long-term effects of the desired outcomes on the organisational strategic objectives.
• Act as enabling driver of best operating practices for managing the delivery of the Project Management Life cycle within the triple constraints of scope, cost, and budget. Develop and own practice to monitor and report on Programmes and Projects, resolving escalated issues and mitigating risks impacting deliverables by taking corrective action where necessary, based on the advisement and decision making of the Business Sponsors and Owners of the relevant initiatives. Drive regular formal reviews of projects and programme and critically assess the work carried out. Manage the aggregate portfolio change process to ensure the achievement of the set objectives. Ensure a basis is set for benefits realisation and that the business case is monitored for continued viability. Manage the aggregate integrated delivery across all Infrastructure/business/IT systems targeted for a project/release to ensure infrastructure/disparate IT systems remain sound and meet performance requirements.
• Monitor critical project and organisational changes and engage all stakeholders to evaluate impact on scope, cost, and time. Ensure the change control process is initiated and concluded in agreement with the Sponsors and Owners and that exceptional cases that impact the viability of the business case are presented for approval at the respective Investment Prioritisation or Project Steering Committees.
• Ensure all control [ERAIDW, cost centres) issues, risks, provide project/programme sign-off. Where required, ensure that programme and project cost centres are appropriately closed, including of returning unspent / non-committed funds to the central capital budget pool(s).
• Possess knowledge of project management, Business/IT/Infrastructure, Change Management and uses these to engage at all levels and ensure projects/programmes are delivered under defined governance, legislative requirements, EPMO minimum standards and controls applicable to the project environment. 
• Provide portfolio oversight and strategic positioning on the contract, procurement, cost processes, engage in managing and providing input to supplier related relationships, issues and risks that relate to delivery and ensure these are highlighted and addressed in alignment with relevant policies and procedures. 
• Form and foster relationships with clients, project management team, internal and external stakeholders as a means to promote integrated Programme and Project delivery while ensuring changes in strategic objectives are communicated and incorporated across the portfolio. 
• Manage and develop the project management teams under portfolio to operate at their full capability and ensure processes are in place for the optimal allocation of resources in line with their skills, knowledge, and experience. 
• Develop tactical strategy and delivery plans in support of functional objectives in partnership with leadership.
• Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements.
• Ensure the development and implementation of multiple practices in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to continuously improve all functions and systems in line with national, regional, and organisational changes.
• Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical excellence.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact, and use to develop best fit alternatives, driving best practice solutions.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately.
• Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy development objectives appropriately.
• Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies, and procedures, and direct the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation.

Governance

• Implement governance, risk, and compliance policy in own practice areas to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
• Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in a specific functional area.

People

• Plan & develop enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources.
• Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems, and achieve objectives.
• Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised areas.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability.
• Draw up a budget aligned to business unit delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency.

Client

• Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Build strong relationships and develop service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service.