Head of the Project Management Office and Digital Information & Collaboration

Working within the Projects & IT Office in MSF OCBA, the Head of the Project Management Office and Digital Information & Collaboration (PMO & DInC) will play a dual leadership role in two areas.

• The “PMO” area, aimed to provide IT/digital project leadership that allows the organization to drive innovation, foster collaboration, ensure optimal resource usage and the acquisition of digital skills.
• The “Digital Information and Collaboration” area (DInC), in charge of driving the adoption and evolution of tools and processes that empower MSF teams through information management, communication and improved efficiency.

MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Transversal

• Collaborate with the Projects & IT Lead in the definition, implementation and monitoring of digitalization and ICT/IS strategies, as well as in annual planning and budgeting processes, particularly in the context of the areas under his/her supervision, responding to the transversal MSF OCBA strategic orientations.
• Develop and monitor the annual unit budget, including assets plan, ensuring its consistency with the overall strategic objectives of Projects & IT and MSF OCBA. S/he will specially pay attention to resource efficiency, consistent reporting and creating a culture of continuous cost optimization.
• Manage talent in the unit, developing their skills and capabilities to meet the needs of the organization, as well as building on existing recruiting criteria to address new needs and skills gaps, and aiming to improve diversity in the teams.
• Ensure the appropriate day-to-day management of the Unit, including staffing, administration and other relevant functions.
• Identify, manage and mitigate risks and issues related to her/his unit, based on the OCBA risk appetite profile and leadership guidance.
• As part of the commitment to strategic partnership with all areas in OCBA, s/he will collaborate with the rest of the IT leadership in overall partnership efforts (business relationship management) for assigned departments and functional areas, with a dedication between 5 and 10% of her/his time.

Specific to the PMO area
Project & service portfolios / project management

• Propose and apply best practices and methodologies in the management of IT projects and processes, advising project managers in their selection and application.
• Work with the IT leadership in a demand management model, to evaluate and prioritise new project initiatives, as well as in business needs response and in feasibility analysis processes.
• Collaborate with the IT leadership in the management of the projects & services portfolio, monitoring progress and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, leading efforts when needed in terms of implementation and/or operationalization.
• Ensure proper engagement with stakeholders is in place and at the core of all projects and initiatives.
• Lead and guide the team of Project Managers, optimizing performance during all phases of the project lifecycle. S/he will specially ensure PMs do extensive stakeholder engagement as per the needs of each project, both outside and inside of IT.
• Oversee the allocation and use of resources in projects under the PMO, to optimize efficiency and performance.
• Ensure the correct transition of projects to regular service operations, meeting defined requirements and needs and ensuring proper documentation.
• Propose and lead project evaluations when needed, to discover lessons to apply in new cases.
• Lead the implementation and run of project information solutions, inc. management and KPIs, to inform management and facilitate decision making.

IT Service Management

• Supervise the deployment of IT Service Management (ITSM) processes, adopting best practices and standards adapted to the needs of MSF and the field.
• Jointly with the P&IT Lead, ensure alignment of IT projects and services in OCBA with defined ITSM practices.
• Oversee the management, support, and evolution of OCBA ITSM tools.

IT / Digital Learning

• Supervise the definition and execution of a program for the development of digital competencies amongst OCBA staff, aligned and coordinated with OCBA learning & training strategies, policy frameworks and HR/L&D teams.
• Oversee the development and deployment of training programs and educational materials for the OCBA staff to acquire and maintain necessary digital and/or IT-related skills.
• Promote and coordinate the dissemination of IT training actions, ensuring a continuous evaluation and improvement approach is observed.

Specific to the Digital Information and Collaboration / DInC area

• Define and oversee the implementation of information management policies, procedures, and digital tools, aligning with best practices and MSF adopted standards.
• Ensure proper engagement with stakeholders regarding knowledge / information management projects and solutions is in place and at the core of all DInC initiatives.
• Oversee the design and implementation of digital collaboration and process automation processes and tools.
• Supervise the maintenance and support of collaborative applications, ensuring efficient upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Establish the necessary coordination mechanisms with the Head of Information Security to ensure that MSF OCBA’s digital information and collaboration solutions are effectively secured and that risks are mitigated.
• Ensure that all information management and collaboration solutions comply with information security, privacy and architecture / apps governance policies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• University degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, IT/IS Management, etc.), or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum experience of 7 years working in IT, change, transformation, projects or programs, with at least 4 or more working in project, program or portfolio management.
• Relevant experience managing big and/or complex teams. (at least 3 years)
• Relevant knowledge and experience of project and financial management (IT project experience is not mandatory but it is strongly desirable).
• Experience in managing technology providers including development of strategic partnerships, negotiation of technology contracts, monitoring service delivery, and addressing vendor performance issues.
• Knowledge of ITIL or similar service management practices
• Previous experience working with MSF or other humanitarian organizations is an asset.
• Experience working with a diverse, non-technical, geographically dispersed organization is a strong asset.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required. French is an asset.
• Enterprise Architecture Knowledge is an asset.