Programme Manager: Technology Platforms Programme at Technology Innovation Agency

Qualifications 

• 4 years Degree in Life Sciences or Engineering fields
• Possession of a Project/Programme Management qualification would be an added advantage

Work Experience

• 3 years of experience in a technology development or innovation environment
• 3 years of experience in technology-based commercialisation or technology-focused programme/project portfolio management
• 3 years of direct stakeholder engagement and management through the provision of financial and non-financial support in a technology-based context

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning, Management and Reporting

• Facilitate scoping of new platforms in collaboration with DSTI and other key stakeholders
• Draw up a Framework and Work Plan, and issue formal documentation to external parties (collaborators, 3rd parties, implementation partners)
• In collaboration and consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers, create and produce a detailed Annual Work Plan which identifies and sequences activities needed to successfully execute the Technology Platforms Programme
• In collaboration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, coordinate implementation, determine resources (time, funds, assets, etc) required to execute the programme
• Facilitate review of progress made in the platforms; revise the schedule as required
• Management and reporting of finances in consultation with clients
• Coordinate and facilitate new platforms or programme approvals in consultation with relevant stakeholders
• Prepare and submit reports regularly as set in the DSTI-TIA agreement and related TIA reporting as may be required

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the TPP such as the Research Institutions, Higher Education Institutions; Department of Science, Technology  and Innovation; co-funders and TIA staff
• Liaise with and coordinate 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 platforms’ personnel receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programme
• Ensure that qualified consultants have contracts before they undertake work on the programme 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 platforms’ teams in line with work plan and platforms agreement

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

• Execute the programme according to the TPP Workplan and operational plan
• Develop forms and records to document programme/project activities – be able to track the progress at any given point in time
• Set up files/databases to ensure that all platforms’ information is appropriately documented and secured
• Execute the programme according to the TPP Workplan and operational plan
• Develop forms and records to document programme/project activities – be able to track the progress at any given point in time
• Monitor the progress of the programme and make necessary adjustments and process alignments to ensure its successful completion on time, on schedule, and in accordance with signed contracts
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the programme
• Consolidate and review sub-programme reports on completed work in regular consultation with relevant Portfolio Managers at TIA and implementation partners to ensure alignment with the programme's goals and standards
• Provide updates to the programme team on platforms and programme progress and work with stakeholders to urgently resolve bottlenecks

Programme 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 programme

• Ensure that TPP deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
• Evaluate outcomes of the technology platforms as established during the planning phase
• Arrange stakeholder meetings with various stakeholders to Identify and address programme 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
• Follow-up on Key Performance Areas to be met within the programmes