Head, Project Management Office (PMO) at AIICO Insurance

• The Project Management Office (PMO) sits within the MD’s office. The Project Management Office is the standard setter for project management processes and approaches across the organisation, working with an agile approach to deliver a range of strategic and transformation projects.
• The Head PMO is a critical and trusted leadership role as the strategic support to the CEO and business leaders, working across all levels in the organisation to set project management standards and deliver strategic objectives using Agile approaches and to ensure goals and projects are completed within approved timeline.
• In this role, you will help drive strategic business planning as we continue to double our growth year on year.
• This role will build and lead an effective team to deliver projects for the organisation, working closely with Heads of teams, the Senior Leadership team, and Executive Office. The Head of Project Management Office will also manage and provide ad-hoc support for integrated, income-generating, innovative programmes of work. This is a fast-paced, think-on-your-feet position as you interact and build key relationships with business leaders and executives across the organization.

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and set-up of AIICO Insurance Plc’s project management office, establishing the PMO as a central function within AIICO Insurance Plc
• Ongoing management and continuous improvement of the PMO, ensuring that AIICO Insurance Plc has the project management capabilities to deliver large complex projects across our internal operations and strategic implementation.
• Serve as the overall enterprise Project Portfolio Manager and liaise with other interfacing business units to review, select, sequence and report change initiatives/projects to Executive Management
• Oversee the management of a portfolio of cross-organisational strategic or transformational projects and programmes of work through all stages of a project life. Lead the Project Management office to ensure each project delivers quality outcomes, within agreed timelines and budget.
• Provide flexible, best practise project management solutions for a variety of projects. Use appropriate tools, techniques, methodologies to deliver the best solution for the organisation –whether that be Agile, Waterfall or Scrum etc. approaches
• Prepare, defend, and manage the operational budget of the PMO and adjust project constraints based on financial analysis.
• Ensure effective project control, change control, risk management, budgets ,resources, and testing processes are developed, implemented, and maintained across the portfolio.
• Identify and develop opportunities for process enhancement and subsequently building / supporting business cases for change.
• Facilitate the speedy resolution/mitigation of all issues and risks encountered in the delivery of various projects.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and monitor direct reports, business stakeholders and other project resources.
• Lead the ongoing development of AIICO Insurance Plc’s project management methodology and toolkit.
• Establish a consistent approach to oversight and performance reporting of large-scale projects.
• Manage the central pool of project managers, leading the recruitment and onboarding of new project managers when relevant.
• Establish and manage the project selection and initiation framework to ensure all proposed and ongoing projects are relevant and aligned with AIICO’s strategic objectives.
• Resource planning and deployment of project managers to projects, working closely with colleagues across AIICO Insurance Plc to understand need for project management support.
• Work closely with colleagues across teams to ensure that robust project management principles are embedded in key processes (e.g. programme development and mobilization)
• Act as project management coach and advisor for team and senior colleagues across AIICO Insurance Plc
• Drive Change management and adoption of changes from completed projects/change initiatives.
• Establish and manage the Benefits Realization Framework for all projects within the organization.
• Demonstrate and model a commitment to our shared values, behaviours, and inclusive practices.

SKILLS / COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS (JOB SPECIFIC)

• Broad business experience driving execution and adoption of key strategic programs across large teams.
• Dedicated professional who leads through ambiguity and independently runs projects with minimal direction.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and executive presence
• Ability to work in a flexible manner in line with the organization’s objectives and willingness to undertake other duties as reasonably requested.
• Experience working in a fast paced, always-changing, entrepreneurial environment.
• Project management skills and experience
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and lead the implementation of communications strategy, policy, and operational plans, to a successful outcome.
• Strong financial analysis, budget planning, and management experience and skills

OTHER SOFT SKILLS

• Very comfortable with technology and digital tools.
• A good listener, who does not talk too much.
• A professional who understands boundaries.
• A “technically” sound (technical can also be a generalist) individual, who is also of sound character.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.sc / HND in project management, business, or any related management field.
• Professional Certification in the project, business management or related management field would also be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience supporting a CEO, business leaders, or other senior executives.
• Assertive, take-charge personality
• Strong project management and communication skills, both verbal and written.