Project Analyst (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of the Director, Project Analysis, the Project Analyst is responsible for conducting financial, economic, social, environmental and institutional assessment of public investment concepts and proposals submitted by MDA/SPS; ensuring proposals satisfy the criteria and objectives of relevance, feasibility, sustainability and value for money; and the preparation of reports documenting findings, conclusions; recommendations and underlying rationale, for consideration by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and the Public Investment Management Committee (PIMC).

Key Responsibilities:

Technical/Professional 

• Undertakes preliminary screening of project concepts to ensure: 
  • alignment with Government’s strategic objectives/priorities and MDAs Corporate/Sector Plans 
  • concept proposal meets budget classification tests for inclusion as a project 
  • a sufficiently good prima facie case exists for proceeding to the detailed appraisal stage
• Examines the legal framework of proposing authorities to verify whether project is in keeping with their function 
• Conducts financial, economic, social, environmental and institutional assessment of all public investment proposals submitted by MDA/SPS, including: 
  • Rationale for the project - strategic justification 
  • Cost/benefits to society 
  • Social, economic and environmental impact 
  • Financial sustainability 
  • Project options/alternatives 
  • Major risks and mitigation strategies 
  • Technical design and management arrangements 
  • Monitoring and evaluation framework 
• Audits financial and economic models to gauge the accuracy of forecasts, projections and potential outcomes of proposals 
• Identifies and utilizes the most appropriate assessment and appraisal techniques and tools - NPV, IRR, ERR, CEA, etc. - to determine the viability and sustainability of projects 
• Identifies and manages the optimism bias which may result from an overestimation of benefits and an underestimation of the costs of project proposals 
• Undertakes counter-factual scenarios – “do nothing”, “do minimum”, “do something-else” – as alternative approaches to achieving project objectives. 
• Conducts research to gather secondary data to support project analysis, benchmarking and recommendations 
• Prepares detail reports on the assessment of project proposals, including the methodologies and measures employed in arriving at conclusions 
• Provides technical support to the Director in the review of reports, verification of findings and arriving at conclusions and recommendations 
• Accesses and analyzes performance data entered on the PIMIS by MDA/SPS and other stakeholders as aspects of: 
  • reporting requirements to PIMC 
  • gaining valuable lessons to guide future assessments and continuous process improvements 
• Identifies MDAs training and sensitization needs and contributes to capacity building exercises 
• Maintains knowledge of current practices and trends in the field of project appraisal and management to adequately meet the demands of the job 

Management/Administrative 

• Ensures the implementation and maintenance of record keeping systems to facilitate the efficient and effective performance of day-to-day functions 
• Attends meetings to provide updates and make presentations to internal and external stakeholders on project concepts and proposals 
• Prepares internal periodic and special reports on areas of responsibility including the status of each assigned project, problems and solutions 
• Provides inputs into the development of the Management Information Systems as required

Performance Criteria

• Appraisal of project concepts are conducted and prima facie case determined
• Appraisal/analysis of project proposal is thorough and complete and clearly establishes the degree of financial, economic, social and environmental feasibility and sustainability of project 
• Stakeholder relationships are established, fostered and maintained that supports and facilitates the effective and efficient delivery of services 
• Appropriate assessment and appraisal techniques and tools are identified and utilized in determining the feasibility and sustainability of projects 
• Project risks and contingency plans are identified, evaluated, quantified and validated 
• Performance measurement indicators and sources of verification for project objectives are identified and validated 
• Project appraisal reports are comprehensive, insightful and accurate and are prepared and submitted in a timely manner 
• Professional development activities are identified and engaged in on an ongoing basis.

Required Competencies

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams 
• Ability to listen actively and respond appropriately to others’ proposals and ideas 
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Exceptional problem solving and time management skills 
• Achievement and goal oriented with the ability to deliver exceptional results 
• Detail oriented with a keen eye for accuracy, rigor and logic 
• Exercises sound judgement and objectivity in arriving at conclusions 
• Excellent presentation and report writing skills
• Working knowledge of PIMS operational guidelines, policy, legislative, regulatory and governance framework 
• Sound knowledge of all phases of project life-cycles 
• Excellent knowledge of the methods, principles, practices and tools of project appraisal 
• Knowledge of applicable environmental laws, regulations, compliance policies and sustainable practices 
• Thorough grasp of the principles, techniques and practices of project management as they relate to environmental and social services assessment and management 
• Ability to develop and analyze financial models and undertake economic cost-benefit and risk analysis for environmental and social services projects 
• Exceptional ability to research, collect, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information/data 
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, risk management and critical-thinking skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project, Excel and Vision

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management/Administration, Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, other Social Sciences, or relevant discipline 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a project management or business/financial analysis role 
• Proven experience as a project analyst/manager in delivering successful results 
• Experience working in a social services and/or environmental management capacity in a public sector entity would be a distinct asset

OR 

• An equivalent combination of required education and experience

We thank all applicants for the interest expressed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.