Head of Project Management

Job Summary

NOTE: This job requires the candidate to be seconded (relocate) outside Lebanon

Establish a QNB wide project management office for all planned and on-going projects in QNB. Develop the overall project management methodology, set up and manage the overall project portfolio within the QNB in consultation with International Banking Division Doha. The incumbent will also be responsible for independently managing and executing strategy assignments for business/ support divisions.

Monitor, steer, track all projects in order to ensure that projects are implemented and completed within the defined time, budget and scope with the support of the originally allocated resources. Prepare management information reports on projects on a continuous basis to brief Executive Management on the status of project completion and suggest corrective action if required

Main Responsibilities

• Shareholder & Financial:

• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to successfully monitor and track the QNB portfolio of on-going projects.
• Act as a senior manager responsible for leading and managing strategy assignments and implementation projects.
• Monitor and review financial plan for strategy assignments
• Assist the CEO in identifying, analyzing and monitoring issues that affect or could impact the profitability, growth and productivity of the organization.

B. Customer (Internal & External):

• Build and maintain strong and effective relationship with all other related departments and units to ensure the successful completion of on-going projects and strategy assignments within defined time frame.
• Act as the unique hub in QNB to verify all project requests for new projects for approval
• Present new strategy assignments and project proposals to Executive Management and obtain their approval for execution.
• Update Executive Management on the QNB project portfolio on a regular basis
• Liaise with all divisions in order to set up new strategy assignments and projects (i.e., critical path, milestones, project organization, budget, resources, etc.)
• Participate in regular project Steering Committees and propose/ suggest corrective action to eliminate potential project issues within a defined time frame
• Ensure follow-up on potential project issues with concerned parties and ensure resolution of issues within defined time frame
• Effectively communicate relevant project/ practice information to superiors and peers
• Introduce the new project management methodology successfully within QNB, jointly with Senior Project Manager from International Banking Division Doha.
• Train all project responsible parties on the new project management methodology within QNB.
• Support the business/ support divisions or countries in successfully managing and leading the implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Manage other strategy related activities, such as supporting yearly business planning, performance management and development of strategic plans across QNB.

C. Internal (Processes, Products, Regulatory):

• Coordinate with Project team from International Banking Division Doha to develop a project management methodology incl. the definition and development of all policies/ processes and procedures as well as standards
• Own and manage the preparation, development as well as project execution of specific strategy assignments or implementation projects in terms of content, scope, structure, deliverables, timing, resources and work plans
• Establish in alignment with Project team from International Banking Division Doha a methodology to manage the entire portfolio of all on-going and planned projects within QNB
• Define, develop and introduce all documentation, project control and reporting templates related to the setup of a project management office (PMO)
• Develop and foster through the establishment of best practice standards and governance, providing direct assistance/ coaching, a project management culture across all functions of the bank
• Manage the creation and maintenance of an inventory of projects incl. all related and necessary documentation and information
• Introduce the new project management methodology successfully within QNB, jointly with the Project team from International Banking Division Doha
• Lead and manage the development of aspiration and hypothesis formulation, conduct of analyses, market sizing and base-lining exercises, formulation of frameworks and strategic recommendations as well as conclusions.
• Train all project responsible parties on the new project management methodology within QNB
• Ensure the timely preparation of project status reports on an on-going basis
• Prepare updates and reports on the progress of projects to relevant management levels/committees and Board level committees
• Participate in relevant project/ team meetings as and when required and report issues and concerns to management

D. Learning & Knowledge:

• Possess a thorough understanding of Project Management theory and practice.
• Demonstrate ability to provide the senior management team with support; direction and vision, including motivating people to perform, listening to people, providing feedback, recognizing strengths and providing challenges.
• Carry out other similar duties that can be defined within the broad functional job and functional responsibilities outlined above. These may include providing all necessary training to various department staff and handling special missions assigned by the management.
• Identify areas for professional development.
• Possess a superior knowledge of strategy and business development techniques/ tools and methodologies including various strategic frameworks, concepts and practices.

Education and Experience Requirements

• University graduate with preferably a Major in Marketing, Banking, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or Information Technology (related field of study), Masters preferred
• Project Management Professional Certificate (PMP) is a must
• Prince II and PMP certification is an advantage
• Proven track record in a similar position, preferably in a PMO of a bank with international exposure
• Minimum 9 years experience in project management, preferably in the financial services arena
• Successful establishment of a PMO in the past
• Previous experience as a project manager with full responsibilities for key strategic projects
• Fundamental knowledge of economics (macro and micro), business administration and finance/ capital markets
• Training courses and certification in systems technology, management and banking

Note: you will be required to attach the following: