Programme Manager: Strategic Industrial Bio-Innovation Programme (SIIP) at Technology Innovation Agency

Minimum Requirements

Qualification:

• 4 years Degree in Biotechnology/ Science/ or Engineering.
• Possession of a Project Management Certificate would be an added advantage

Experience:

• 3 years’ technology innovation experience
• 2 years’ experience in a commercial or portfolio management context
• 2 - 4 years’ experience in Project Management and/or management of Programmes in financial and non-financial trends for technology development and investment support; enterprise development and stakeholder relationship management. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Planning, Management and Reporting

• Facilitate the scoping of the new project(s) in collaboration with the DSI and other key stakeholders.
• Draw up a Work Plan and issue formal documentation to external parties (collaborators, 3rd parties, implementation partners).
• Create in collaboration and consultation with the relevant Portfolio Managers in the Technology Innovation agency to produce a detailed Annual Work Plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed to successfully execute the Strategic Industrial Bio-innovation Programme.
• In collaboration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, coordinate implementation, determine the resources (time, funds, assets, etc) required to complete the project.
• Facilitate review of progress made in the project(s) in consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers and all other staff that will be affected by the project activities; revise the schedule as required.
• Management and reporting of finances in consultation with Portfolio Managers.
• Coordinate and facilitate new project(s) or programme approvals in consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers.

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the SIIP such as the Research Institutions, Higher Education Institutions; Department of Science and Innovation; co-funders and TIA staff.
• Liaise with and coordinate the activities of the staff and/or volunteers according to the established policies and practices of the organization.
• Ensure that personnel files are properly maintained and kept confidential.
• Ensure that all project personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the project.
• Ensure that qualified consultants have contracts before they undertake work on the project as appropriate.
• Identify, build and nurture trust and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead conversations with industry around issues and specialisation.
• Interact closely with stakeholders.
• Liaise with the project team on a regular basis in line with approved Workplan and project terms of reference

Implement the project(s) or sub-programme(s)

• Execute the programme according to the SIIP Workplan.
• Develop forms and records to document programme activities – be able to track the progress at any given point in time.
• Set up files/databases to ensure that all project information is appropriately. documented and secured.
• Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments, process alignment as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project on time and on schedule and as aligned to the signed contract commitments of the SIIP.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project.
• Consolidate and Review the sub-programme reports on the work completed in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Managers at TIA and implementation partners on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the programme set goals and standards.

Project Control

• Write reports on the programme for management and for funders.
• Communicate with funders as outlined in funding agreements.
• Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to senior management on a regular basis (quarterly).
• Report on all programme funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all financial records for the project submitted are up to date.
• Prepare financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in funding agreements.

Evaluate the project

• Ensure that the SIIP programme deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality.
• Evaluate the outcomes of the SIIP programme as established during the planning phase.
• Arrange stakeholder meetings to meet with the variety of stakeholders to discuss highlights & challenges.
• Make recommendations based on the outcomes of meetings with stakeholders.
• Financial reconciliation to ensure that funding agreements are honoured.
• Follow-up on outstanding transactions and activities in the funding agreements as well as the milestones to be achieved.
• Identify and address programme challenges and highlights.