Project Scheduler at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Job Description    

• The role of the Project Scheduler is to review project scopes, client requirements, objectives, and constraints within the Infrastructure Delivery Division (IDD) to develop effective scheduling strategies that enable timely and efficient project delivery. The role ensures that programme and project teams are fully supported in translating project plans into practical, realistic, and measurable project schedules that guide execution, monitoring, and successful completion.

Key Responsibilities    
Scheduling Strategy Development

• Review project scopes, client requirements, objectives, and constraints to develop comprehensive scheduling strategies that enable efficient and timely project delivery.
• Develop integrated project plans that define the execution approach, sequencing, and key milestones to meet project objectives.
• Identify areas requiring further scope definition and ensure scheduling strategies are aligned with overall project and programme goals.

Schedule Management

• Develop and implement the Project Schedule Management Plan (PSMP) and contribute to the development of Infrastructure Programme Implementation Plans (IPIPs) and Project Execution Plans (PEPs).
• Prepare and maintain project-specific procedures and standards related to schedule management and control.
• Support project teams in translating project plans into realistic, resource-loaded, and fully integrated project schedules, including Master Schedules and detailed activity schedules.
• Verify that all schedules adhere to established standards, templates, and reporting requirements across the division.

Schedule Analysis and Reporting

• Conduct detailed schedule analysis to assess time impacts, delays, and forecasting trends, including management of schedule reserves.
• Identify and communicate early warnings to project teams regarding potential schedule deviations or risks, and propose corrective or acceleration measures.
• Determine and monitor project milestones and critical paths, including identification of near-critical activities.
• Facilitate full integration of schedules across all project disciplines, i.e. engineering, design, procurement, and construction — including contractor and subcontractor schedules.
• Perform Earned Value Analysis (EVA) to assess project performance and progress against baseline schedules.
• Maintain, update, and report on schedules regularly, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to all relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare schedule close-out reports that document historical performance, deviations, and lessons learned to improve future planning and execution.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and contractors, to ensure alignment and effective communication on project schedule expectations, updates, and performance.
• Present schedule status, forecasts, and risk insights to project and programme and relevant forums.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Percentage of programmes/projects with approved baseline schedules completed within the required timeframe after initiation.
• Number and percentage of project schedules updated and submitted monthly against total active projects.
• Percentage of PSP (Professional Service Provider) and contractor schedules analysed, reviewed, and validated monthly.
• Submission of accurate and up-to-date project and programme schedule status reports within defined reporting deadlines.
• Percentage of project schedules successfully loaded and updated on the Project Portfolio Management System (PPMS).
• Number of schedule-related risks identified and remedial or recovery actions proposed and implemented for PSPs and contractors.

Expertise & Technical Competencies    
Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Project Planning and Scheduling, or an equivalent qualification.

Experience

• 10 years of relevant experience as a Project Planner/Scheduler, preferably within the infrastructure or built environment sector.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and management of project and programme master schedules across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and processes.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality reports and presentations for technical and executive audiences.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise project and programme management systems, ensuring data integrity and integration across platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Extensive experience in the implementation and use of Primavera P6 and MS Project for project scheduling, tracking, and performance analysis.