Jobs at H. Pierson Associates

Job Summary:

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, driving institutional establishment, ensuring regulatory enforcement, and overseeing the integrated planning and operation of all public transport systems within the State to achieve the Authority's transformation mandate.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development

1. The Managing Director provides overarching leadership, direction, and executive stewardship for the entire Transport Authority.
2. The Managing Director is responsible for translating government policy, Board directives, and legislative mandates into strategic action, operational programmes, and measurable results.
3. Lead the development, revision, and execution of the Authority’s long-term strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the state government transportation vision.
4. Provide policy direction, strategic prioritisation, and institutional reform leadership across directorates.
5. Lead the establishment and scaling of the organisation, from the ground up.
6. Serve as the Chief Advocate for the Authority's strategic policies and legislative needs with the State Government, Executive Council, and House of Assembly.
7. The MD oversees all directorates, including Public Transport, Infrastructure Engineering, Shared Services, Corporate Investment, Safety and Security, Internal Audit, and the Legal Secretariat.
8. Approve executive appointments within Directorates.

Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement

1. Establish and enforce comprehensive regulatory frameworks, operating standards, and safety guidelines for all public transport operators.
2. Oversee the development and implementation of transparent, cost-reflective, and politically sensible public transport tariffs and fee structures.
3. Ensure the Authority, its partners, and operators adhere strictly to all Federal and State laws, including environmental, safety, and operational regulations.
4. Approve operational manuals, SOPs, and service guidelines for transport delivery.
5. Champion internal and external audits, risk assessments, and internal control improvements.
6. Oversee policy input for transport infrastructure planning and alignment with engineering designs.

Financial Sustainability and Revenue Generation

1. Ensure prudent financial management, transparency, and accountability across the Authority's operations.
2. Develop and execute robust Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) strategies, leveraging technology for fare collection (e.g., electronic ticketing) and optimising non-fare revenue sources (e.g., advertising, commercial leasing of terminal space).
3. Lead efforts to attract, secure, and manage private sector investments, grants, and development finance (DFI) funding for major transport infrastructure projects.
4. Provide leadership over the financial health of the Authority, ensuring responsible budgeting, expenditure control, revenue optimisation, and grant management.
5. Approve annual budgets and long-term financial plans, ensuring fiscal sustainability.

Stakeholder Management & Public Engagement

1. Maintain critical working relationships with the State Governor's Office, the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant governmental agencies (e.g., Physical Planning, Environment).
2. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Authority, managing public relations, communicating major policy shifts, and promoting public confidence in the transport system.
3. Serve as principal representative of the Authority to the Governor (in transportation-related matters), in relation to Ministries, State House of Assembly, transport operators, unions, regulatory bodies, donor agencies, private partners, and the public.

Leadership, Governance & Organisational Culture

1. Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
2. Mentor other members of the Transport Authority leadership team, contributing to their professional development and growth.
3. Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Urban Planning.
2. Master’s degree in Transportation Management, Transport Planning, or a related transportation discipline.
3. Executive education from world-class institutions (e.g., Harvard Kennedy School, London Business School).
4. Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
5. Certification in Public–Private Partnerships (PPP).
6. Minimum of 15 years of total professional work experience.
7. Prior work experience in institutions similar to LAMATA or equivalent organisations is preferred.
8. Experience within the transport sector is required.
9. At least 10 years of industry-specific experience.
10. Minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior management level.

Key Skills & Competencies

1. Deep understanding of multimodal transport systems (BRT, buses, rail, NMT, ferries).
2. Knowledge of urban mobility trends, demand forecasting, and transport modelling.
3. Ability to translate transport master plans into implementable programmes.
4. Experience developing transport policies, regulations, and operational frameworks.
5. Ability to evaluate operational performance, service reliability, and cost efficiency.
6. Knowledge of transport regulations, licensing, safety standards, environmental and emissions-related requirements.
7. Experience developing regulatory guidelines, tariff frameworks, permits, operator performance metrics, and enforcement systems.

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The Director, Planning & Research is responsible for leading the strategic planning, data analysis, research, and technical feasibility studies that form the foundation of the Authority's policy and investment decisions. This role drives the data-driven transformation of the State's transport sector, ensuring that all regulatory interventions, infrastructure projects, and operational decisions are based on rigorous analysis, best practices, and long-term sustainability models.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

1. Plan, coordinate, and implement the Authority research projects.
2. Design and execute surveys and research projects that will provide information about the users of public transport in Abia for administrative decision-making, institutional reporting, and possible publications.
3. Initiate and direct research necessary for the formulation of evidence-based policies on critical areas such as transport franchising, fare tariffs, urban road user charges, and public transport subsidies.

Data and Research Management

1. Designs, maintains, manipulates, and queries specialized databases and information systems for research, planning, and accountability.
2. Maintains research data warehouse system and an indexed archive of information and reports suitable for responding to surveys, questionnaires, and federal and state data collection or accountability requirements.
3. Applies appropriate quantitative and qualitative research design and statistical techniques to collect, prepare, and maintain data in the preparation of periodic reports related to transit operations in the state.
4. Develop, review, and update Abia State Comprehensive Transport Master Plans (CTMP).
5. Ensures that meaningful, appropriate, and accurate data and supporting documentation are provided as needed to meet the decision-making needs of ABSTA

Economic and Financial Analysis

1. Develop sophisticated financial models to assess the viability of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, ensuring risks are appropriately allocated, and conduct rigorous economic analysis to support the determination of fair and sustainable fare structures and regulatory fees.
2. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to transport efficiency, emissions reduction, safety, and financial sustainability across the entire regulated transport sector.

Collaboration and Partnership

1. Collaborate closely with relevant State agencies (e.g., Physical Planning, Lands Bureau), Federal agencies, academic institutions, and international development partners (DFIs, World Bank) to leverage expertise and data for planning purposes.
2. Supervises state-wide planning, assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
3. Analyze all trends and identify and resolve all users’ trends.
4. Coordinate with various teams to prepare all proposals for various functional project teams.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

1. Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
2. Mentor other members of the leadership team, contributing to their professional development and growth.
3. Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 10 years’ research experience.
2. Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
3. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent; additional certifications in Data Analysis and Modeling, Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA), or related areas are an advantage.
4. Proven progressive experience in strategic planning, economic analysis, or research, including at least 8 years in a senior leadership or director-level role within the transport sector, urban planning, infrastructure, or public policy environments.
5. Strong, demonstrable understanding of Nigerian and global urban transport systems, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in sustainable mobility.
6. Minimum of 7 years’ industry experience.
7. At least 5 years’ experience at the senior management level.

Key Skills & Competences:

1. Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse socioeconomic environment.
2. Understanding of computer software associated with research, such as spreadsheets, statistical software, data warehousing, databases, and the integration of the above.
3. Accreditation standards as they pertain to planning, research, and data to support the process.
4. Research theory and methodology; advanced applied statistics; report writing; survey design.
5. Knowledge and experience in leading comprehensive master planning, annual planning, and program review.
6. Proven competence in developing and managing complex, multi-modal urban transport master plans.
7. Experience in formulating, reviewing, and evaluating public policy, particularly in regulated infrastructure sectors.
8. Expertise in conducting Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), project appraisal, and financial feasibility studies for major public works/PPP projects.
9. Proven ability to leverage data analytics, GIS, and modern planning technology to solve complex urban mobility challenges.
10. High capacity for complex analytical thought, statistical interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making.
11. Ability to translate abstract planning concepts into concrete, long-term policy and investment strategies.

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The Director, Transport is responsible for overseeing the operational performance and strict regulation of all public transport service providers and networks within the State. This role ensures the continuous delivery of safe, efficient, and coordinated mass transit services by managing operator compliance, service quality standards, and integration across various modes. The Director is the principal driver of the Authority's regulatory mandate in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

1. The Director of Public Transport provides leadership and technical direction for all public transport planning, service delivery, route management, franchising, scheduling, monitoring, and operational compliance.
2. Lead development of long, medium- and short-term public transport plans.
3. Develop service plans, network restructuring proposals, and new route concepts.

Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance

1. Produce Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) estimates, fleet deployment strategies, service frequencies, and operational adjustments.
2. Supervise the route franchising framework, including operator selection, permit approval, and contractual obligations.
3. Define and enforce operator performance metrics, incentives, and penalties.
4. Ensure operator compliance with safety, service quality, customer service, and operational standards.
5. Oversee the Operations Control Centre (OCC), including real-time monitoring of schedule adherence, headways, incidents, and service delivery.
6. Manage operational disruptions, incident reports, accidents, route blockages, and emergency response actions.
7. Oversee customer complaint handling, service audits, mystery rider assessments, and satisfaction surveys.
8. Recommend improvements to bus stops, terminals, and passenger amenities.

Service Quality and Performance Management

1. Monitor planned vs. actual service delivery and issue weekly and monthly performance dashboards.
2. Define, monitor, and enforce KPIs for punctuality, reliability, cleanliness, customer service, and standards across all public transport modes.
3. Interpret and communicate transit policies and operational procedures.
4. Respond to public inquiries and resolve service issues across transit, fixed-route, and paratransit operations.
5. Maintain effective professional relationships and communicate clearly (written and verbal) with stakeholders and the public.

Operational Integration and Technology

1. Oversee Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) deployment, including control room systems, electronic fare collection, real-time passenger information (RTPI), and traffic management technologies.
2. Ensure mandatory collection, accuracy, and timely submission of operational data (ridership, GPS tracking, revenue data) by all franchised operators.

Safety and Security

1. Ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, women, children, and elderly passengers.
2. Work with Engineering on road designs, construction impacts, diversions, and operational mitigation.
3. Develop and enforce best-practice safety protocols, emergency procedures, and operational risk mitigation measures.
4. Coordinate response to major incidents and service disruptions, ensuring rapid restoration of service and minimal commuter impact.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

1. Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
2. Supervise, organize, and review the work of staff; lead staff training, evaluation, and performance improvement.
3. Mentor emerging leaders within the Transport Authority, supporting continuous professional development.
4. Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Transport Planning/Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or Operations Management.
2. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
3. Professional certifications in Safety Management Systems or internationally recognized transport safety standards.
4. Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
5. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
6. Minimum of 10–15 years of total professional work experience.
7. Prior experience in institutions similar to LAMATA or equivalent organizations is preferred.
8. Experience within the transport sector is required.
9. At least 7 years of industry-specific experience.
10. Minimum of 7 years’ experience at the senior management level.

Key Skills & Competencies:

1. A strong focus on execution, systematic monitoring, and meticulous enforcement of standards and procedures.
2. Ability to make quick, informed, and firm operational and regulatory decisions under pressure, particularly during incidents.
3. Proven ability to manage, regulate, and negotiate effectively with powerful private transport unions and commercial operators.
4. Understanding of transport planning, fleet management, and intelligent transport systems.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Know-How
6. Direct experience managing or regulating public transport service providers (either as an operator or regulator) is essential.
7. Proven ability to navigate the operational and logistical complexities of the Nigerian transport environment.
8. Methods and techniques of delivering public transportation programs. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation