Project Manager, Project Management Office (PMO)

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.  

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Project Management Office (PMO) at ALU plays a pivotal role in driving cross-functional projects that enable ALU’s growth and operational efficiency. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking team that collaborates with multiple departments to ensure projects are delivered with excellence. Our focus is on strategic alignment, continual improvement, and embedding a culture of innovation across the organisation.

We value a collaborative and inclusive environment that celebrates teamwork and the diverse perspectives of our global community. Through strategic project oversight, we contribute to ALU's long-term goals of nurturing Africa’s future leaders.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Project Manager, leading the PMO, will oversee a portfolio of strategic projects, ensuring they align with ALU’s mission and deliver sustainable change. Acting as the ‘Change Champion,’ you will drive the modernization and transformation of key org-wide processes and operational systems, new business models, governance, and culture. This role demands a high level of independence, the ability to manage a multi-year commitment, and close collaboration with leadership to integrate and scale innovative solutions.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Project Roadmap: Develop, manage, and refine the overall project roadmap to ensure alignment with ALU’s strategic goals, managing end-to-end project delivery from initiation to handover.
• Change Champion: Serve as the face of the program, leading efforts to modernise systems, integrate new technology, and foster a sustainable transformation across the university.
• Business Process Optimization: Consult with key stakeholders to map "As Is" processes and develop "As Required" approaches, ensuring best practices are applied to refine business systems.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with departments across ALU to align new demands, manage project governance, and ensure projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Innovation & Digital Integration: Stay ahead of market trends and emerging technologies, leveraging them to drive digitalization and progressive thinking across operations and governance.
• Change Management: Develop and execute robust change management plans that ensure staff buy-in and long-term success of initiatives.
• Project Monitoring: Track progress against key deliverables, budget, and timeline, providing regular updates to senior leadership and project sponsors. 
• Project Control: Manage overall portfolio performance and provide regular updates to leadership and project sponsors with focus on outcomes
• Training & Development: Build and manage training programs to ensure teams are equipped to sustain project outcomes and contribute to the university’s continual improvement culture.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Project Management Expertise: 7+ years of experience in managing strategic, cross-functional projects with a proven track record in delivering large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Continual Improvement & Lean Thinking: Experience in business process improvement, digital integration, and managing multiple, complex initiatives across diverse environments.
• Change Management: Demonstrated experience leading change initiatives, acting as a ‘Change Champion’ and implementing new business models and governance structures.
• Consulting or Operational Experience: Ability to analyse, deconstruct systems, research industry best practices, and propose solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
• Budgeting & Financial Management: Strong experience in project budgeting, financial management, and cost control to ensure projects are delivered within financial constraints.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Functional Skills

• Advanced Project Management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• High proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage project budgets effectively.
• Familiarity with digital solutions and industry trends related to digitalization and automation.

Soft Skills

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Communication & Influencing: Strong presentation, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and inspire others.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving skills with a focus on business process optimization and innovation.
• Change Agent: Passion for driving change, with the ability to champion new ideas and lead cultural transformation.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a strong sense of initiative and accountability.