• Application Deadline: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
• Position: Technical Advisor


• Job Type Full Time


• Qualification BA/BSc/HND


• Experience 15 years


• Location Abuja


• Job Field Project Management 
  

Job Purpose

• The Technical Advisor, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will provide technical direction and management to support the effective implementation of the Technical Department activities.


• Will support the CEO in a high-level capacity for technical oversight and ensuring integration of all project’s technical areas.


• She/he will ensure successful project outcomes by overseeing efficient implementation, minimizing risks, reducing costs, and enhancing success rates.


• As well as enhance PAID's visibility as an effective research firm, solidify its reputation in project services, and bolster its competitive position in sustainable development partnerships.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide vision, direction, leadership, and management oversight in developing and implementing programs, projects, strategies, and the technical department.


• Lead the overall development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and supervision of all technical department proposal writing, project activities and personnel.


• Lead the coordination of all projects in line with client's requirements and Preston Associates quality standards.


• Contribute to proposal writing and technical reports in line with bilateral and multilateral organizations and other major funders standards, ensuring Preston Associates quality control and quality assurance standards.


• Lead the quality management system and standard of the Technical Department (TD)


• Develop departmental goals and targets, implement, and evaluate results building a continuously improved system


• Ensure departmental compliance to Preston Associates systems and standards, federal and international law governing the development sector


• Lead the TD and collaborate with other HoDs in implementation of Preston Associates strategies


• Oversee project risk assessment and mitigation


• Submit quarterly departmental report to the CEO to be presented to Board


• Consistently update the CEO on industry trends and development to guide organizational decision making


• Integrate AI and big data solutions into PAID’s existing systems, to enhanced Preston Associates capabilities and productivity


• Analyze large datasets to extract valuable insights and drive data-informed decision-making


• Lead, develop and deploy machine learning models to optimize operational efficiency and enhance customer experience


• Provide technical guidance and support Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data-related initiatives


• Oversee the overall coordination and management of consortiums activities and initiatives


• Lead identifying, establishing and maintaining relationships with business partners, clients, organizations, relevant government agencies and other key stakeholders


• Monitor partnership performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing necessary adjustments to maximize the value of each partnership


• Organize and facilitate training and technical support to enhance capacity, sustain programs, and expand service coverage for Preston Associates.


• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars etc. on behalf of the organization


• Source and assist to identify key industry and project specific experts locally and internationally, manage consultants, subcontractors, and sub-awardees.


• Mentor, train and motivate direct reports to create a culture of teamwork, inclusivity, and an enabling work environment


• Travel as required in the line of your work

Knowledge Management (KM):

• Provide guidance on knowledge management to create a knowledge management strategy and framework.


• Leverage existing platforms to support and advance knowledge-sharing within the organization


• Lead knowledge management efforts, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into future project activities


• In collaboration with the GC & HR, drive Preston Associates' learning agenda to foster the development and use of best practices to improve outcomes in program initiatives


• Facilitate in collaboration with the GC & HR, knowledge acquisition through trainings leveraging AI and big data tools for organization growth


• Continually develop the systems, standards, documents, activities, and personnel of the department


• Oversee the development and revision of papers, presentations, articles, publications on Preston Associates activities and development sector trends


• Collaborate with the Public Relations team on any industry related information.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Rate of proposal success and contracts awarded


• Rate of project success and lead time closure


• Rate of return clients


• Rate of referral from past/current clients


• Budget management


• Process improvements


• Risk management


• Rate of quality assurance compliance


• Rate of compliance to company policy

Required Skills and Competencies

Skills/Knowledge:

• Master's or Doctorate Degree and a minimum of 15 years' work experience in public health, sociology, law, knowledge management, education, project management, public policy, international development, economics, or related field.


• Previous result-based programs engagement with women, children, and youths, with a minimum of 12 years working in the technical implementation of international development programs is an added advantage.


• Expert in technical adviser on international development awards, grants, contracts, sub- awards, finance, and compliance.


• Proficient in project management with experience from an established organization.


• Proficient operational experience with multilateral (IMF, UN, WHO, EDF etc.), bilateral organizations (USAID, FCDO, DFID, CIDA etc.) and other major funders e.g., the Gates Foundation, MasterCard Foundation, etc.


• Expert communicator – verbal and written - technical writing, attention to details and interpersonal skills


• Proficient researcher, development sector policies, procedures, best practices, grants, contracts, and compliance.


• Expert in analytical (including analyzing large datasets, quantitative, and qualitative analysis), documentation, compliance, proactive, problem solving, conflict resolution, innovative, creative, critical thinking and decision making


• Strong understanding of business development and customer service,


• Expert knowledge of key performance indicators and project evaluation methods.


• Proficient in management (including consortium, program and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning), leadership, organizational skills.


• Expert at accurately interpreting complex documents and policies.


• Strong quality control, quality assurance, and risk assessment skills.


• Strong ability to network, collaborate, negotiate, mentor, train and influence outcomes and teamwork


• Ability to enhance PAID's visibility as an AL, big data development sector and research, solidify its reputation in project services, and bolster its competitive position in sustainable development partnerships.


• Proficiency in project management software, analytical software (python, DevResults, TolaData, PowerBI, Tableau etc.), statistical software packages (SAS, SPSS, R, etc.), Microsoft teams, and other relevant softwares.