Portfolio Leader

Job Description

Research and Data Collection Methods Team – Portfolio Leader

The Research and Data Collection Methods team supports quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis across OPM, working closely with other teams. This includes supporting the design and implementation of large scale quantitative surveys and a range of qualitative data collection approaches. The portfolio forms part of the Statistics, Evidence and Accountability Programme.

We are looking to recruit a portfolio leader for the team. The role will include managing a growing team of specialists who span both quantitative and qualitative disciplines, supporting the team to work on a wide range of projects across all sectors covered by OPM and leading processes for strengthening research and data collection capacity across OPM.

Responsibilities will include:

· Leading the team and strengthening their capacity to support quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research and data collection activities across OPM

· Promoting the development and sharing of knowledge and good practice in these areas, and the development of capacity, across OPM and with external clients.

· Working with staff from across OPM in winning and implementing projects with large research and data collection components.

· Providing technical advice in the design and implementation of relevant studies

· Maintaining and developing OPM’s intellectual capital, profile and networks

· Contributing to the development and implementation of strategy for the programme as a whole

Main Accountabilities:

The Portfolio Manager will manage the portfolio to achieve its strategic objectives; intellectual contribution; reputation and revenue, while maintaining an active personal practice of high level consulting engagements.

This comprises the following tasks:

· Defining and achieving the portfolio’s business and financial objectives and targets, ensuring effective collaboration with other teams across the company.

· Working with colleagues from across OPM to ensure efficient and effective use of the portfolio’s human and financial resources to deliver high quality research work and broader company targets.

· Strategic development and marketing of the portfolio’s capabilities

· Defining and achieving a pipeline of work to deliver the portfolio’s agreed business objectives.

· Effective line management for staff members including setting performance targets, monitoring their achievement and dealing with staff management issues.

· Personal participation of the portfolio’s intellectual capital development activities

· Develop and organise an effective knowledge management approach and system to provide effective support in relevant technical areas across OPM.

· Develop and implement an effective knowledge marketing strategy.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development of business, market, operational and financial strategies and plans for the programme as a whole and, within that context, lead the development of strategies and plans for the portfolio.
• Work with the team to share knowledge and to develop organizational capacity in the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data across the organisation.
• Market the company’s and the portfolio’s activities to clients including donors, partner government ministries and other parties.
• Organise the portfolio and ensure that it is appropriately staffed. Develop and maintain a strong network of Associates and external consultants to support the work of the portfolio, and manage OPM’s relationships with them.
• Ensure that portfolio staff are effectively managed, motivated, developed and rewarded, within the framework of the company’s staff performance management and remuneration policies.
• Working with other teams from across OPM, develop and identify market opportunities and convert them into projects. Lead tenders for, and personally deliver and manage, a group of major projects.
• Assign responsibilities for managing consulting projects to suitably qualified staff, and personally manage selected projects of strategic importance to the company. Participate in other selected OPM client projects as appropriate.
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the portfolio, ensuring that it is properly coordinated with other parts of the company
• Monitor the performance of the portfolio in relation to agreed objectives, plans and targets, and ensure that action is taken to address any concerns
• Develop and maintain the portfolio’s intellectual capital. Identify, plan and implement advisory, training and organisational support services in related fields.
• Be accountable for sales, gross margin and profitability of all projects within the portfolio in order to deliver the portfolio and other performance targets.
• Undertake other duties reasonably required by the Programme Director including participating in programme meetings, and managing relationships with clients.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A degree and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline with a strong analytical dimension, ideally encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches
• An established reputation in the collection and analysis of data to inform policy and programming based on significant relevant experience, preferably including developing country context.
• An understanding of the operation of development programmes and experience of working with senior officials from government and international agencies.
• Experience and capabilities in guidance, business management and people management, with aspiration to be a thought leader in selected technical areas of the portfolio
• Experience of managing medium to large projects and multi- disciplinary teams, preferably in a relevant consulting environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in at least one relevant foreign language is desirable but not essential

About the Organization

OPM is a successful, growing organisation, with nine international offices and over 300 staff across the globe. We offer a unique opportunity to be part of a world-leading international development organisation that truly values its people. It is our staff that make us who we are, and we take time and energy to help them grow and develop.