Job Description

• Job Title: Director of Projects Department (Emirati)
• Sector: Strategy Sector
• Department: Project Management
• Grade: Job Grade 16
• Job Family: Strategy & Excellence
• Sub-Family: Project Management

Reporting Lines

• Reports Directly To: Executive Director of Strategy Sector
• Direct Reports:
• Senior Project Specialist
• Project Specialist
• Senior Officer

Job Purpose

To lead the strategic planning process for projects and oversee project management activities within the authority. This includes establishing a unified methodology for projects and contributing to the development of operational plans and sector strategies at the organizational level.

Key Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and execution of the annual operational plan, including KPIs, targets, projects, programs, and budget requirements in coordination with relevant organizational units.
• Develop project management policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines, and ensure compliance across all organizational units.
• Lead the development of strategic project objectives, initiatives, and programs aligned with the authority's long-term strategy.
• Manage and direct the review and evaluation of proposed projects to ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
• Oversee the management of the project portfolio, tracking progress against timelines, budgets, resources, and KPIs.
• Supervise the development of project performance management plans and provide improvement recommendations aligned with strategic goals.
• Monitor implementation of initiatives, projects, and events while ensuring integration and effective coordination among stakeholders.
• Lead the review of all project management documentation, including project plans and risk management plans, and provide guidance for improvement.
• Oversee project closure processes, ensuring proper documentation of deliverables and lessons learned.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to sectors and departments on project management best practices.
• Oversee preparation of progress reports, analyze deviations and challenges, and develop mitigation plans.
• Lead the development of methodologies to measure the impact and effectiveness of projects and programs.
• Ensure efficient project risk management through assessment and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Oversee project budget allocation and monitor compliance to avoid overspending.
• Lead capability development within the project management function, including training and knowledge transfer.
• Represent the authority in relevant meetings and events and report to senior management.
• Support innovation and institutional excellence initiatives aligned with the authority's strategic agenda.
• Ensure compliance with information security policies and report any breaches.
• Adhere to occupational health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Perform any other duties related to the role as assigned.

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure timely submission of data and reports to leadership with recommendations for operational improvements.
• Monitor monthly and quarterly performance results, identify gaps, and lead corrective action planning.
• Track project management performance through KPIs and identify areas for improvement to support sector strategy.

Financial Management

• Manage project budget allocation and ensure compliance with approved plans, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Consolidate all workforce-related budget inputs for project management and submit them for approval.

People Management

• Develop workforce planning strategies, recruitment, training, and development plans to ensure operational efficiency.
• Set departmental objectives for direct reports and conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews.
• Monitor performance and provide guidance to ensure objectives are achieved.
• Identify required competencies.
• Provide guidance to department managers on operational and people management matters.
• Support and direct managers to ensure effective execution of operational requirements.

Stakeholder Management

Internal Stakeholders:

• All organizational units within the authority

External Stakeholders:

• Semi-government and private sector entities
• Relevant local and federal entities

Required Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited university

Professional Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
• Ability to develop policy recommendations and legislative inputs
• Experience in managing high-impact programs and working with multiple stakeholders
• Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating strategic initiatives
• Knowledge of sector trends and ability to develop enabling strategies and policies