Senior Program Manager

Job Summary


The Senior Program Manager will serve as the linchpin in synchronizing our high-energy teams, streamlining our project processes, and ensuring that each client engagement is executed on time and within scope.
In this pivotal role, you will develop and implement project management best practices, oversee cross-functional coordination, and work directly with senior leadership to drive results that resonate with our transformative mission for Africa.
You will make use of the best-in-class digital project management tools, design, implement, oversee and finetune processes over time, train and coach individuals within the firm to adhere to these processes and report periodically to management on the strategic impact of the processes.
This role is critical not only to the smooth operation of our current projects but also as a cornerstone of our ongoing efforts to drive operational excellence at VIISAUS. By establishing clear systems and empowering our team with best-in-class practices. It is a senior-level position that sits within the office of the Chief Operating Officer and reports directly to the COO.


As a Senior Program Manager your responsibilities will be to:

System and Process Development:


Design, implement, and refine comprehensive PMO frameworks that streamline project planning, execution, and monitoring across our diverse service areas.


Operational Excellence:


Develop robust systems and structures that support effective workflow management, resource allocation, risk assessment, and deadline adherence for multiple, concurrent projects.
Be an active part of the planning and proactive resource management that occurs during proposal writing, daily task management and stakeholder mapping before new projects are undertaken


Tool Optimization and Implementation:


Spearhead the adoption and optimization of advanced program management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Monday.com) to track project performance, drive efficiencies, and provide actionable insights.
Advocate for the training and mainstreaming of these tools across all areas of the company


Strategic Collaboration:


Work directly with the COO, current PMO Head and senior leadership to alignPMO initiatives with our broader organizational mission, ensuring that enhanced operational structures drive client satisfaction and business expansion.
Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:
Define and track key performance metrics, lead regular reviews, and implement continuous process improvements to elevate operational performance.
Oversee regular strategic project/programme management review meetings, providing actionable insights and recommendations to the COO and senior leadership.
Ensure seamless execution of project/programme processes and implementation plans by coordinating cross-functional teams and aligning business unit objectives.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in programme management.
Identify areas for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance the overall programme management framework within the organization.


You’d be a good fit if you:


Have at least 8–10 years’ experience in programme/project management and PMO leadership, preferably in a consulting or dynamic professional services environment.
A track record of building, deploying, and refining PMO systems in a setting with concurrent, high-pressure projects.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations, or a related discipline is required.
Have a Master’s degree – ideally an MBA from a reputable academic institution
Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile, Scrum Master) are highly regarded
Demonstrable proficiency in using and optimizing tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana,
Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms.
Strong data analysis skills to monitor project performance, forecast trends, mitigate risks, and drive ongoing operational improvements
Experience in designing and implementing scalable systems and processes that can support multiple simultaneous projects
Capacity to align detailed project management operations with high-level strategic visions, addressing challenges creatively and proactively
Comfortable working in a fast-changing environment, adept at managing competing priorities, and skilled at navigating ambiguity
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, essential for seamless stakeholder coordination and for fostering collaboration across the firm


Skills & Competencies:


Proven ability to lead and inspire teams; adept at mentoring staff and creating a culture of accountability and continuous learning
Capacity to align detailed project management operations with high-level strategic visions, addressing challenges creatively and proactively.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, essential for seamless stakeholder coordination and for fostering collaboration across the firm.
Comfortable working in a fast-changing environment, adept at managing competing priorities, and skilled at navigating ambiguity.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.