Head of Project Management Referrals Unit

Reference: 110600325
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 20 Jul 2011

General Information

The main focus of the Project Management and Referrals Unit (PMRU) relates to the quality assurance of the Secretariat’s projects and contracts. The PMRU reviews project proposals for design quality and compliance before they are approved. The Unit also provides policy advice and programme co-ordination support, and prepares briefs and analysis on issues relating to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) for the Secretariat’s management and governing bodies. The Unit may also assist member countries in identifying alternative sources of development assistance, where the Secretariat is not able to provide assistance directly.

Job Summary

The Programme Adviser reviews all projects submitted for funding by the Secretariat’s three funds – CFTC, Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Youth Programme - to ensure conformity with policy and procedures and to provide quality control. The post-holder also provides advice on the technical assistance programmes of the Commonwealth Secretariat to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness and programme delivery against expected results. Working in conjunction with the Strategic Planning and Evaluation Division and Corporate Services Division, the post holder is responsible for inputs into strategic and operational planning, budgeting and performance reporting.

Task Description

The post-holder:

• Directs PMRU staff, organising and overseeing the Unit’s work to ensure that it meets expected quality standards and timeframes;
• Oversees the appraisal of all project proposals to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and consistency with the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan;
• Identifies and contributes to measures to improve and maintain the quality and robustness of project design and to strengthen project appraisal and management in the Secretariat;
• Coordinates the preparation of CFTC performance and briefing documents;
• Provides guidance on resource mobilisation;
• Liaises, as necessary, with the High Commissions in London and CFTC Primary Points of Contact in other member countries; and
• Provides information on the Secretariat’s development assistance activities to governmental, inter-governmental and non-government organisations.

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