Why would you need a project manager?
While project management can have a reputation for being a distraction or added 'faff', good project management allows you to do more with what you have and produce additional benefits as opportunities arise without compromising your original objectives.
Project managers are responsible for:
1. Planning so the project stays in scope and on time.
This includes supporting workflow management, staying focused on the project plan and funded deliverables, and guarding against scope creep (i.e. saying "no, not yet" to ideas that could distract from the current project, and supporting their later development and delivery).
2. Monitoring project progress and tracking key data.
This allows us to focus our resources where needed to support impactful delivery. By tracking key data, project managers also support with data-driven decision making where required.
3. Dealing with risks and issues as they arise so delivery can continue.
Every project will encounter roadblocks and curve balls. By actively monitoring and controlling for risk you reduce the potential for delays or large changes to project scope - and the project delivery team has back up to support them through any potential disruptions.
4. Facilitating communication across all stakeholders for the duration of the project.
This includes seeking permissions, reporting to funders, communicating with and understanding beneficiaries, and monitoring the needs/concerns/wins of the project delivery team.
5. Ensuring high quality project delivery.
This looks different for different projects, but can include monitoring outputs and key milestones, closing out projects, and supporting continuous improvement and lessons learned.
I have often joked that project managers should be called 'problem managers', as we are usually most visibly useful when the proverbial hits the fan. A large part of any project management role is 'rolling with the punches' and ensuring continual progress in light of any new circumstances or constraints. To do that well, good BAU project management is essential - particularly where communications with funders may be needed (i.e. change of use requests for areas of the project budget).
