Projects Governance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Project Governance Manager to establish and enhance our project governance framework, standardize project management methodologies, monitor governance compliance, and provide executive reporting that supports strategic decision-making.

This role is ideal for a professional with extensive experience in project governance, PMO operations, and process improvement within the banking or financial services sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive Project & Program Governance Framework aligned with the Bank's strategic objectives, incorporating governance policies, procedures, methodologies, templates, and standards based on industry best practices.
• Assess the current project management operating model, identify process improvement opportunities, and lead initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and project delivery effectiveness.
• Define governance procedures for projects and programs across the Group, establish RACI matrices for all key project deliverables, monitor compliance, and provide guidance and support to project stakeholders.
• Develop project and program quality standards across the Bank, conduct periodic governance compliance reviews for projects managed by both the Enterprise PMO and other business units, report findings to the Head of Enterprise PMO, and recommend improvement initiatives.
• Review, challenge, validate, and consolidate project reports submitted by Project Managers while standardizing reporting formats and executive presentations for Senior Management.
• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure project and program performance, governance effectiveness, and resource utilization. Analyze performance variances, recommend corrective actions, and provide regular management reports.
• Ensure governance policies, procedures, templates, and methodologies comply with regulatory requirements. Identify project risks, establish appropriate governance controls, and implement risk mitigation measures throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in the evaluation, selection, implementation, and enhancement of Project Management and Reporting Tools. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to deliver awareness sessions and training that ensure standardized reporting and consistent project performance measurement.
• Promote governance awareness and provide training to Project and Program Managers across the Bank to strengthen governance capabilities and standardize project management practices.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Enterprise PMO and other business units, supporting requests from Internal Audit, Finance, and other corporate functions.
• Review executive reports, regulatory reports, and internal/external audit findings, ensure timely implementation of corrective actions, and prevent recurrence through sustainable process improvements.
• Participate as a primary or alternate member of the Bank's Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Emergency Response teams, carrying out assigned responsibilities to support operational resilience and business recovery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Project Management and Project Governance, preferably within the banking or financial services sector.
• Strong knowledge of project governance frameworks and project management methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Process improvement and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong planning, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Advanced reporting and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in project management and business systems.
• Strong understanding of internal policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Professional Certifications

One or more of the following certifications is preferred:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• PMO-related professional certifications
• Lean Six Sigma