Agile Project Managers

The Agile Project Manager (APM) for the UNITA Alliance is pivotal in supporting and guiding WP and Task Teams across the alliance. This role focuses on ensuring effective project management, fostering collaboration, managing interdependencies, and driving the successful implementation of agile practices in a multi-institutional environment. The APM works closely with the EC, the WP and Task co-leaders, UOs, and institutional stakeholders to achieve the alliance’s strategic objectives.

Specific tasks

• Vision and Objectives alignment:
  • Clearly communicate and regularly reinforce the project long-term vision and objectives to WP and TT.
  • Collaborate with the EC to ensure that project implementation at WP and TT levels respects scope boundaries.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
  • Engage with key stakeholders across the alliance to understand their needs and expectations (VR/VP, WP1, UOs).
  • Maintain open and transparent communication channels, keeping stakeholders informed about progress, risks, issues, and changes.
• Agile Practices Implementation:
  • Implement the Agile methodology as described in the Agile Management Guide to support WP and Task co-leaders and teams.
  • Facilitate iterative monthly planning cycles to continuously refine TT plans, adapting to feedback and changes dynamically.
• Empowering and Supporting Teams:
  • Empower WP and TT to self-organize and take ownership of their work, fostering accountability and autonomy.
  • Provide guidance and support to [Structural_Viewpoint|WP]] and Task co-leaders and teams, helping them overcome challenges and improve processes.
• Managing Interdependencies:
  • Identify, map, and manage interdependencies within and across WPs.
  • Facilitate cross-team meetings and workshops to coordinate efforts and resolve dependency issues.
• Continuous Improvement and Learning:
  • Lead regular retrospectives and feedback sessions to identify and implement improvements.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring teams respond effectively to change.
• Risk and Issues Management:
  • Proactively identify and manage risks and issues within and across WPs.
  • Collaborate with WP and Task co-leaders to develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Resource and Budget Management:
  • Monitor budget spending vs planned, in collaboration with the Financial Manager, ensuring resources are used effectively to support Task execution.
• Performance Measurement and Reporting:
  • Collaborate with TT5.4 to develop meaningful metrics to measure project success, team performance, and value delivery.
  • Provide regular reports and updates to the EC and other stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and next steps.
• Quality Assurance and Control:
  • Continuously monitor the quality of Task outputs, processes, and practices, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with established QA standards.
  • Facilitate regular quality reviews across WPs, in collaboration with TT1.3, to ensure Task outcomes meet specified criteria and stakeholder expectations.
  • Ensure feedback loops integrate quality assessments and improvements into TT planning cycles, promoting a culture of excellence.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Agile Mindset: Deep understanding of agile principles and practices, adaptable to a multi-institutional context.
• Leadership: Leads by example, inspires teams, and promotes continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent skills in engaging stakeholders across cultural and operational backgrounds.
• Collaboration: Fosters a collaborative environment and strong teamwork.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical skills to navigate and resolve complex challenges.
• Adaptability: Flexible in changing circumstances with proactive risk management.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in agile project management tools and techniques.
• Quality Focus: Strong focus on QA and control, experienced in establishing and maintaining standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Experience: Previous project management experience appreciated but not required; academic or multi-institutional settings a plus. APMs receive agile training during the first three months.
• Certifications: Project management certifications desirable.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English required; knowledge of other European languages an advantage.