Project Engineer (P5) (Chief Operating Officer: Office of the Chief Operating Officer) (3 Year Fixed-Term Contract) at University of Johannesburg

Job Description:

• To manage designated projects to completion within the broader portfolio of projects aimed at mitigating disruptions in utilities and the reduction of backlog maintenance. Manage and continuously enhance the Project Management Office (PMO) by ensuring effective governance, standardisation, and delivery of projects and programmes.

Key Relationships:

• Work closely with Director Operating Excellence to implement PMO standards, methodologies and tools (PPO)
• Work with Project Consultant in the COO's office and other Project Managers to provide engineering assistance.
• Work with ED Facilities Management to coordinate supply chain support, resources and expertise required to execute projects.
• Work with external consultants, contractors, suppliers and vendors to source support required to execute projects.

Responsibilities: 

Project Initiation:

• Receive and evaluate project ideas for development into executable projects.
• Develop Project Charters and obtain necessary approvals.
• Participate in Project Prioritization and Portfolio Optimisation activities.
• Identify key stakeholders for each project and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy.

Project Planning:

• Develop Project Management Plans including the Project Schedules (Time Management), Cost Plans, Quality Plans, Risk Plans, Communication Plan and Resourcing Plan (Human Resources).
• Develop project scope with detailed client or project requirements and deliverables.
• Plan and execute the Project Procurement Plan in line with UJ Procurement Policies.

Project Execution:

• Direct and manage Project Execution.
• Perform Quality Assurance in line with the Quality Management Plan
• Mobilise, induct and manage Project Team(s).
• Generate Project Progress Reports.
• Manage Stakeholder Expectations.
• Support SCM with procurement technical support where or when required.

Project Monitoring and Controlling:

• Monitor and control Project work.
• Perform integrated Change Management.
• Verify and control Project Scope.
• Control Project Schedule.
• Generate Performance Reports.
• Monitor and control Project Risks.
• Monitor Contractor Safety Compliance.
• Generate and sign-off Completion Certificates.

Project Management Office:

• Build PMO capability across the COO domain.
• Drive continuous improvement of PMO processes, templates, and governance practices.
• Ensure adherence of governance frameworks, policies and controls.
• Provide consolidated portfolio reporting to Executives and governance structures.
• Drive adoption of project management best practices across the COO domain.
• Embed lessons learned and continuous improvement cycles.
• Support COO domain change initiatives linked to project delivery.

Project Close-out:

• Close Project or Phase.
• Close Project Procurement.
• Conduct "lessons learned" sessions.
• Issue Closure Reports.
• Demobilize Contractors and Service Providers.

Commissioning and Handover:

• Develop a Commissioning Plan and necessary approvals.
• Lead Commissioning activities.
• Lead Project handover activities to Operations Team.
• Generate Commissioning Report.
• Participate in Post-Implementation Reviews.

Minimum requirements

• An Honours degree (NQF 8) or equivalent in Engineering or Project Management or Business Management.
• Ten (10) and more years of experience in Engineering or Project Management or Operations
• Proven experience in establishing or managing a PMO function
• Experience in Project Safety Management.

Recommendations:

• PMP® (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification.
• Understanding of National and Local Governments regulations related to infrastructure development.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Results focused.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong report writing and written communication skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficiency in PMO tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Deadline:22nd May,2026