As we have moved to implement the Program Management Framework we have also taken the opportunity to revise the job descriptions of Program and Project Management staff. We have had a plethora of job titles and job descriptions (Program Management Officers, Program Assistants, Program Coordinators, Project Coordinators, etc.) In some cases we have had people with different job titles doing similar jobs or the similar titles with different jobs.

We have rationalized these positions into four:

Program Manager

Assistant to Program Manager

Project Manager

Assistant to Project Manager

The Program Manager will support the Program Leader in managing the program, including, supporting development of program strategies and development and monitoring multi-year operational plans and monitoring and collating program outputs and outcomes. They will be responsible for developing multi-year program budgets, monitoring expenditure of projects and suggesting corrective action when needed. They will be responsible for ensuring the deployment of the institute’s Program Management Framework within the program covering all aspects of proposal development and project planning, execution, monitoring & evaluation, and closure. It is also anticipated that the Program Managers may also act as Project Managers for some projects.

In some cases, depending on the size and complexity of Program there may be a need for an Assistant to the Program Manager.

Project Managers may be responsible for one large complex project or a number of smaller projects. They will be responsible for ensuring implementation of the Program Management Framework at the project level (proposal development, planning, execution and closure), working closely with the Principal Investigator or Project Leader and other project staff and partners.

Again in some cases there may be a need for Assistant to Project Leader.

I have been working with Program Leaders and POD to identify the requirements of each of the new programs for these positions. In order to fill the Program Manager and Project Manager and Positions we are currently undergoing an internal recruitment exercise and the relevant staff have been invited to apply for these positions.

Other jobs, such as Program Accountant, Senior Administrative Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant etc. will not change in scope and staff holding these positions will be transferred to the new programs – again I have been working with Program Leaders and POD in identifying the requirements in the new programs.

As it will be March before the new Program and Project Manager positions are filled, the responsibility for project management will continue to rest with the current PMOs until then. I have also asked the PMOs to work together on the new program 2017 budgets.

Best Wishes

Iain

Iain A Wright| Deputy Director General – Research
International Livestock Research Institute | ilri.org
Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya