Digitization and Projects Manager at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose 

The Digitization and Projects Manager will be responsible for supporting and facilitating the management, coordination and implementation of various projects that touch on Group Digital Operations Function. The holder of the role will work closely with the Project Managers running these projects and other critical stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of projects. The job will require persuasiveness, approachability, likeability, adaptability, and skills in project management. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

• Serve as a POC (point of contact) and liaison for programmes and projects touching on any group Digital Operations department or function.
• Liaise with Pre-development stakeholders (Business Process Innovation, Business Analysts, Solution Architects, UI/UX Designers and Subject Matter Experts – SMEs) to ensure business requirements for any project are documented before project work commence.
• To monitor and promote progress on the programmes of projects being undertaken and ensure that problems and blockers are identified early and actioned by the relevant Project Manager, reporting any items of concern to the Digital Operations Manager.
• Coordinates with Subject Matter Experts to create comprehensive test plans and scenarios used in program level User Acceptance Testing (UAT) test scripts.
• Contribute towards the closure of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) issues as a liaison.
• Supports the coordination of post Development activities ensuring timely completion of Post-Dev activities notably Quality Assurance, UAT, Operational Readiness, go-live and pilot period.
• Supports in the delivery of BAU projects i.e. those initiatives being run within the Digital Operations Departments/Functions.
• Focuses on continuously improving existing processes, including managing project files, and recommending improvements to digital architecture.
• Act as key conduit for information both internally within Digital Operations departments and externally with key Departments within Equity and external partners.
• Collect and collate all relevant data and information required for reports and ensure all information is readily available for internal and external meetings i.e. KPI meetings, weekly huddles etc.
• Assist and support in ensuring all project target dates are met, i.e. management of project tracker log, valuation submissions and final accounts.
• Completion and submission of all documentation as required by management.
• Preparation and management of all live project files, ensuring each has scheme briefs, walk sheets and details.
• Providing notification of completed works to all stakeholders in liaison with project owners.
• To perform the job in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures, especially the Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work Policy.
• Attend department meetings as and when required.
• To perform any other duties as may be reasonably required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• At least an Undergraduate Degree from a recognized university.
• Experience of digitizing services.
• PMP / PRINCE II certification
• 5+ years of banking operations experience including a minimum 1 year in project management.
• Appreciation of Robotic Process Automation.
• Knowledge of Project Management Methodologies - must be well-versed in project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, Scrum etc.
• Project planning skill is essential for project liaison officer as it lays down the foundation of the project lifecycle in the organization.
• Project Management Software Proficiency - must have a working knowledge of project management software to ensure smooth operations and a steady workflow in the team.
• Critical thinking is important for thinking outside the box and coming up with ideas or solutions that can benefit the organization.

Key Competencies and Skills 

• Communication Skills (both written and verbal) - Being able to communicate clearly is the most important skill for a project liaison Officer as they must communicate with the stakeholders, their project team, or other higher management.
• Listening Skills - To understand the project scope, objectives, plans, and tasks, it is important for a project liaison Officer to have good listening skills. 
• Risk Management - to analyze the impact of the risk and accordingly take calculated risks for the benefit of the organization.
• Negotiation Skills - to negotiate terms with stakeholders, clients, or vendors.
• Problem-solving skills are crucial as it helps project liaison Officer come up with solutions for unanticipated problems that could arise during the project process.
• Time management becomes a very important skill to avoid exceeding the deadlines and increasing the budgets for the project