Job Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Project Management Office (PMO) Coordinator to support Ethiopia’s Reconciliation Commission for a short-term assignment under the Ethiopia Regional Programming Option activity. The PMO Coordinator will assist Ethiopia’s Reconciliation Commission to provide overall management and oversight for the Commission’s work in collaboration with the Project Management Commissioner within the Reconciliation Commission.

The anticipated dates for this assignment are March 1, 2020 to April 15, 2020.

Position Background:

The Project Management Office within the Reconciliation Commission is responsible for the planning and execution of all significant projects and programs. It has the highest degree of scope and impact to fulfill the mission laid out by the Reconciliation Commission. Next to the commissioners, under the supervision of the Commissioner chairing the PMO committee and in close consultation with OTI/Creative, the PMO Coordinator is expected to be the nerve center of the whole operation making sure that the various centers of activity of the commission are run smoothly, professionally, ethically and efficiently.

The PMO is set up with hybrid roles combining functions that are typically known as supportive and control. As part of its supportive function, the PMO provides technical support such as developing templates, best practices, resource mobilization and traditional administrative, human resource, technology and procurement services to functional managers organized under the relevant committees of the Commission. The controlling functions of the PMO primarily cover compliance to standards, methods, and tools for project management such as tracking, monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and learning activities.

The PMO Coordinator will play a critical role in collaboratively working with functional (program) managers for the achievement of all project goals and objectives.

Reporting& Supervision:

The PMO Coordinator will report to Creative’s Regional Team Leader and work closely with the Reconciliation Commission’s Commissioner to achieve the objectives of this activity.

Expected Outcomes:

• Effective joint planning and implementation of the Commission’s projects.
• Development of a reporting system for projects.
• Ensuring the appropriate hardware and software installation for all the committees of the commission.
• Appropriately manning and effectively running the Project Management Office.
• Trainings of project management methodology, regulations and implementation tools.
• Development and implementation of a well-coordinated multi-project work environment for the commission.
• Standardization of project scope of work.
• Development and implementation of administrative documents and templates.
• Development and implementation of appropriate descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of the various functionaries of the commission.
• Along with the various committees of the commission, contribute towards the preparation of high-quality specialized reports of the commission.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design strategies, systems and structures that support the realization of the missions and visions of the Commission and ensure their smooth functioning;
• Conduct strategic stakeholder value analysis and ensure alignment and integration of the commission’s strategies with that of key stakeholders including relevant line ministries of federal and state governments;
• Create organizational culture and framework that allows learning, thinking, changing, and renewing in response to changes that may arise within the immediate and larger organizational and country contexts;
• Create a networked talent model that is enabling, empowering, engaging and energizing team members by ensuring shared leadership, mission clarity and alignment of personal and organizational values and behaviors;
• Conduct a critical review of draft strategic plan and propose necessary modifications to align the mission;
• Establish and ensure proper functioning of support systems including finance, human resource, technological, procurement, and communications;
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and templates for planning, implementing, reporting, evaluating, and documenting learning as well as process improvements;
• Supervise the hiring of local professionals for the various committees of the commission, ensure the right talent is recruited, on boarded, supported and held accountable for delivering results based on jointly developed requirements;
• Lead collaborative effort with the relevant teams to develop project charter for their assignments that covers primary goals, objectives and strategies, stakeholder​;
• Coordinate internal resources and external resources including outsourced services for the seamless execution of projects;
• Ensure that all projects activities are delivered on-time, within scope and budget;
• Measure project long term and short-term performance using appropriate tools and techniques;
• Perform risk management to minimize project risks;
• Delegate project tasks based on junior staff members' individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels; and
• Perform any other relevant task assigned by the commissioners in the PMO committee.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, or related field and/or a Bachelor’s Degree with ten years of experience;
• At least five (5) years of direct experience and training in managing complex projects, preferably in a relevant field such as transitional justice, legal reform, or governance;
• Written and spoken fluency in Amharic and English;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, project staff, and other beneficiaries; and
• Experience working in Ethiopia and with Ethiopian government institutions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment.