Project Manager Partner-A-District at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The Partner-A-District (PAD) Programme operationalises the Bank’s municipal strategy, focusing on transforming the M2/M3 municipal segment through an integrated, programmatic, and partnership-driven approach. It positions districts as strategic entry points for the DBSA to elevate the development impact in alignment with government policies. The role of the Project Manager is to manage and implement multiple projects on behalf of the PAD Programme.

Key Responsibilities    
Project & Stakeholder Management

• Implement large-scale infrastructure projects involving multiple stakeholders from cradle to completion.
• Work with the Programme Manager to develop operational plan/s for several districts and a variety of PAD projects.
• Manage allocated projects; the scope of work, delivery schedule, price and contractual conditions whilst building and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, key stakeholders, internal and external specialists.
• Serve as a key link with the Programme Manager and district/municipality representative in terms of project coordination and implementation.
• Facilitate and co-ordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the project, including professional service providers (consultants), programme partners, contractors, sub-contractors and labour.
• Manage and coordinate project activities, ensuring that work is completed to high-quality standards and safety.
• Identify and negotiate assignment of resources required for project delivery.
• Develop and manage project schedules using MS Projects and other project management tools.
• Manage relationships at various levels with the project stakeholders and partners in accordance with the PAD development objectives and stakeholder relations and communication strategy.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances, enhancing the Bank’s development support role.

Project Planning & Implementation

• Develop and implement project work plans and make revisions as and when needed.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to develop project plans and designs.
• Confirm project activities for each project are scheduled and agreed with the Programme Manager.
• Prepare and manage all project cost activities.
• Engage and agree on all project milestones and deliverables with key stakeholders and clients.

Project Control: Cost, Time & Quality

• Develop and manage project budgets and timelines,ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget for each allocated project.
• Conduct regular progress and technical meetings with the relevant teams.
• Conduct regular inspection visits at project site(s) to monitor that project activities follow the predetermined schedule and project milestones.
• Manage project accounting, including budget management (contracts), approval of progress payments, tracking of team expenses and minimising the risk exposure.
• Review, verify and submit invoices/claims of contractors and/or professional service providers to the Programme Manager for approval.
• Maintain strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Compile project risk register and proactively manage project risk and mitigate as necessary.
• Manage changes to the project without unduly affecting the stated objectives and benefits.

Project Feedback & Reporting

• Provide timely feedback to Exco, management, committees, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on project progress, communicating regularly with project stakeholders to keep them informed.
• Action site meeting minutes and action plans.
• Conduct and compile project close-out reviews and lessons learned report.

Business Development

• Collaborate on the execution of the origination strategy in the municipal sectors to drive infrastructure investment.
• Identify and originate viable projects for preparation, scoping, feasibility studies, and business case development.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of high-quality, bankable investment opportunities through proactive business development and sector expertise.

Project Contract Management

• Develop and issue contract instructions in accordance with conditions of the contract (in consultation with Legal).
• Monitor performance by identifying and resolving areas of concern.
• Actively manage, measure progress against the contract’s performance and ensure adherence to the contract conditions and timelines.

Project Commissioning

• Manage and facilitate the availability of all site handover documentation.
• Coordinate the submission of as-built drawings and user specifications where applicable.
• Manage and coordinate the close-out phase of the project and ensure compliance.
• Manage audit and compliance queries from stakeholders.
• Complete handover and ensure sign-off by client.

Project Health, Safety & Environmental

• Implement the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and any recommendations from audits carried out within the project environment.
• Assure compliance with the project Environmental Approval (EA) conditions, develop a culture of safety and health within the project environment by promoting the aims and benefits of proactive safety and health interventions.
• Conduct effective control, management and follow-up of incidents.
• Advise and evaluate contractors on compliance with the approved safety plan and ensure that the Safety, Health & Environmental Standards are adhered to.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Successful origination, management and implementation of allocated projects:
• Percentage of performance targets met as per the PAD execution plan.
• Quality of delivery of projects.
• Risks monitored and mitigated.
• Stakeholder/Partners' satisfaction with agreed projects.
• Compliance with Health & Safety legislation and protocols.
• Quality of presentations and reports.
• Clean audit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management/ Business Management/ Built Environment (Civil, Development Planning, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying).
• Registration as a Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 8 years’ demonstrated work experience as a Project Manager or similar role.
• Demonstrated technical experience with Project Management tools such as Microsoft Project and Planner.
• Proven track record in managing engineering/ construction projects/built environment in various disciplines.
• Sound knowledge of the JBCC, NEC, GCC and other relevant building contracts.
• Knowledge and understanding of all legislation relevant to the business of DBSA (i.e. PFMA, MFMA, PPPFA, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex strategic projects to successful completion.
• Strong understanding government planning cycle and processes.
• Demonstrable track record of working with high-level government stakeholders.
• Understanding of complex regulatory environments of municipalities/metros, state-owned enterprises, and other government entities in South Africa.

Desirable Requirements

• A relevant postgraduate qualification: Postgraduate qualification in Engineering/ Project Management/ Business Management or a Master’s degree.
• Professional Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP).
• Strong knowledge and experience in local government and complex regulatory environment, and track record of working with high-level government stakeholders, the municipal planning cycle and processes.
• Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE), and South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP).
• A project management qualification at an NQF Level 6.
• Supply Chain Management and Processes.

Deadline:9th July,,2026