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Project Manager – Real Estate

Role Purpose

The Project Manager – Real Estate is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering real estate and facilities projects from concept through completion. Reporting to the Manager, Real Estate, the role oversees the acquisition, design, construction, renovation, and occupancy of office facilities while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with organizational standards.

The position works closely with senior management, internal business units, consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, landlords, legal advisors, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of projects. The Project Manager provides technical expertise, project leadership, contract administration, and construction oversight while maintaining compliance with organizational policies, quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Management

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the full project lifecycle, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and meet organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop comprehensive project plans, work schedules, and implementation strategies.

• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.

• Coordinate project activities from project initiation through final completion.

• Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions to address delays or risks.

• Ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets and agreed timelines.

• Maintain effective communication with all project stakeholders throughout implementation.

• Support the Senior Project Manager and Manager in delivering the department's work program.

• Prepare regular project status reports for management and project stakeholders.

2. Design and Technical Coordination

The role provides technical leadership during the planning and design stages of construction and renovation projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate architectural, engineering, and technical design activities.

• Review design proposals to ensure compliance with organizational standards and project requirements.

• Provide technical guidance during office development, refurbishment, and renovation projects.

• Collaborate with consultants and engineers to develop practical and cost-effective design solutions.

• Ensure building designs comply with applicable building codes, accessibility standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.

• Support the preparation of technical specifications and construction documentation.

• Monitor design quality throughout project implementation.

3. Real Estate and Site Evaluation

The Project Manager supports real estate planning by assessing potential office locations and facilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Identify and evaluate potential office sites and commercial properties.

• Conduct site inspections and feasibility assessments.

• Assess buildings against operational, technical, and financial requirements.

• Support lease negotiations and property acquisition processes.

• Review lease proposals and recommend appropriate commercial terms.

• Provide technical advice during property selection and transaction processes.

• Coordinate due diligence activities before lease or purchase decisions.

4. Procurement and Contract Management

The Project Manager oversees procurement activities related to construction and facilities projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Support procurement of consultants, contractors, suppliers, and specialized service providers.

• Prepare technical specifications, scopes of work, and procurement documentation.

• Participate in tender evaluations and contractor selection processes.

• Administer construction contracts and consultant agreements.

• Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations.

• Review variations, change orders, and contract amendments.

• Ensure procurement activities comply with organizational policies and applicable regulations.

5. Construction Management

The role oversees construction activities to ensure projects meet quality, cost, and schedule expectations.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervise construction works throughout implementation.

• Monitor contractor performance and project milestones.

• Coordinate site meetings with consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders.

• Ensure construction activities comply with approved drawings and technical specifications.

• Identify construction risks and implement mitigation measures.

• Monitor quality assurance and quality control processes.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and security standards.

• Coordinate testing, commissioning, and final inspections before project completion.

6. Financial and Budget Management

The Project Manager is responsible for managing project finances throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop project budgets and cost estimates.

• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.

• Forecast project financial requirements.

• Review contractor payment applications and invoices.

• Prepare payment documentation for approval.

• Monitor project cost variations and recommend corrective measures.

• Ensure effective utilization of project resources while maintaining financial accountability.

7. Stakeholder Management

The Project Manager works with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with business units to understand operational requirements.

• Coordinate communication between consultants, contractors, landlords, and service providers.

• Present project updates to senior management and governance committees.

• Build productive relationships with clients and project partners.

• Facilitate project meetings and stakeholder consultations.

• Resolve project-related issues through effective negotiation and communication.

8. Documentation and Reporting

Maintaining accurate project documentation is an essential responsibility of the role.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare project implementation reports and progress updates.

• Maintain complete project records and document control systems.

• Ensure contracts, drawings, approvals, and correspondence are properly filed.

• Maintain accurate project schedules and budget reports.

• Prepare project presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Support project audits by maintaining complete and accurate documentation.

9. Project Close-Out and Post-Occupancy Support

The Project Manager ensures projects are successfully completed and transitioned to end users.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate final inspections and project handover.

• Manage testing and commissioning activities.

• Verify completion of outstanding works before project closure.

• Coordinate occupancy planning and transition activities.

• Monitor post-occupancy performance and address defects during the warranty period.

• Evaluate completed projects and recommend improvements for future initiatives.

• Ensure all project documentation is completed and archived.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Master's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or another related discipline.

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field from a recognized institution.

• Professional certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2, or an equivalent project management qualification is an added advantage.

• Registration with a recognized professional body where applicable.

Required Experience

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• At least five (5) years of progressive experience managing construction, real estate, or facilities projects.

• Proven experience managing projects from planning through completion.

• Practical experience in design coordination, construction supervision, and contract administration.

• Experience preparing project budgets, schedules, and cost forecasts.

• Experience managing consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Experience procuring goods, works, and consulting services.

• Experience working in developing countries, particularly within Africa, is desirable.

• Previous experience working for an international organization is an added advantage.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of French is an added advantage.

Key Competencies and Personal Attributes

Project Management Competencies

• Strong project planning and scheduling skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Knowledge of construction project management methodologies.

• Excellent contract administration and procurement management skills.

• Strong understanding of building systems, construction methods, and sustainability principles.

Technical Competencies

• Sound knowledge of architectural and engineering design principles.

• Understanding of workplace planning, interior design, fire safety, and security standards.

• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical reports.

• Strong budget management and financial analysis skills.

• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office applications.

Communication and Leadership Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.

• Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Effective presentation and reporting skills.

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams.

Personal Attributes

• Strong client-service orientation.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

• Results-oriented with a commitment to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Adaptable, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.

Application

Go to World Bank Group on worldbankgroup.csod.com to apply