Project Manager (Planning) - Fixed Term Contract at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To manage, under supervision, components of projects within the specified time frame, budget, quality, innovation, legal requirements and contribute to the managing of multifunctional interfaces.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 7) in Project Management/ Operational Research AND 5-7 years' experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security and/or software environment of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

ALTERNATIVE #

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years experience in planning / managing software projects, IT, security and/or software environment of which 5 years at functional specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Strong understanding of project and portfolio planning principles.
• Ability to develop, review, and analyse project and programme plans.
• Experience coordinating planning inputs across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of planning and scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel-based planning models).

Job Outputs:

Process

• Apply the PMO methodologies for projects ensuring that inputs and deliverables are timeous and up to specified standards.
• Work under supervision in the context of projects where work is assigned that is limited in scope (small project or contained work streams within a larger initiative)
• Conduct research to investigate areas of concern to resolve problems and identify new solutions.
• Plan and manage projects/work streams and initiatives in area of accountability that impact on specific business area.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and judgement to arrive at decisions.
• Correctly apply applicable legislation, including amongst other policies, procedures, and SOPs in the delivery of work outputs.
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the change, and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to consider policy implications and to arrive at decisions / conclusions.
• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation.
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems, and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Develop and refine project-level plans, ensuring their integration into the enterprise Master Plan and alignment with organisational standards and release schedules.
• Validate planning assumptions with key stakeholders, review submissions for feasibility and strategic alignment, and identify gaps or unrealistic elements.
• Consolidate planning inputs for higher-level programme or portfolio views and facilitate workshops and coordination meetings across delivery teams.
• Act as a liaison to resolve planning gaps or conflicts, provide structured communication on requirements and deadlines, and prepare artefacts for governance.
• Track planning-related actions and maintain audit trails for compliance, while identifying and escalating risks or constraints that may impact sequencing or capacity.
• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, assist in scenario modelling, and support the completion of planning artefacts and clear communication of expectations.

Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks.
• Ensure all planning artefacts submitted for governance meet required quality and completeness, and support compliance with internal planning frameworks, processes, and reporting standards.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Help develop planning team capabilities and mentor Project Coordinators on planning basics, tools, and documentation standards.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.
• Align planning timelines with approved business cases and confirm budget availability with Finance.

Client

• Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Ensure client-facing teams are ready and their needs are included in planning, and help business units match their plans to operational requirements.

Behavioural competencies

• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory Skills
• Trust
• Respect
• Problem Solving and Analysis Skills
• Application of Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Conceptual Thinking
• Championing the Mandate
• Ability to persuade and Influencing Others
• Ability to Mobilise Teams
• Driving for Excellence
• Leveraging Diversity
• Confidence
• Ability to Building Sustainability

Technical competencies

• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Programme and Project Management – with emphasis on planning, sequencing and integration
• Reporting
• Business Knowledge
• Efficiency improvement
• Planning and organising
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Programme / Project Administration Skills - with emphasis on planning, sequencing and integration
• Conflict Resolution & Influence, especially in the context of facilitating cross-domain alignment