Unit Head – Project Management Office (PMO) (AVP / VP) - TJ / 1913681

Our client, National Bank of Pakistan, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional for the position of Unit Head – Project Management Office (PMO) at the AVP/VP level, based in Karachi. As one of the largest and most influential banks in Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan is committed to supporting the nation’s financial well-being and driving sustainable growth through its extensive local and international branch network. The Bank aims to transform into a future-ready, agile, and sustainable institution, and this role will play a critical part in advancing its digital banking initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive project and program management frameworks aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives.
- Oversee project portfolios to ensure alignment, scalability, and consistency across various business units.
- Collaborate closely with business, IT, and analytics teams to translate organizational priorities into actionable project plans.
- Drive project governance, quality management, and performance tracking to enable data-driven decision-making.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and workshops to promote transparency and effective communication among stakeholders.
- Evaluate and implement project management tools and methodologies to enhance planning, execution, and reporting processes.
- Manage vendor relationships and external partnerships to support project execution and adoption of best practices.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the PMO team, enhancing their technical, strategic, and leadership capabilities.
- Define and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and metrics to assess project performance and portfolio impact.
- Stay informed about emerging trends and regulatory requirements related to project and portfolio management.
- Perform additional assignments as directed by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum graduation in Project Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Analytics, or an equivalent discipline from a Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized university or institute.
- At least 6 years of professional experience in Banking, Fintech, Telecom, Capital Markets, Financial Institutions, or Software Houses, including a minimum of 3 years managing IT and/or Digital Banking projects or programs.
- Proven experience in establishing and implementing PMO frameworks, including governance structures, policies, standards, templates, and performance monitoring processes.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills to effectively drive change and ensure project alignment.
- In-depth knowledge of project governance, portfolio management, and reporting tools such as MS Project and JIRA.
- Demonstrated ability in cross-functional coordination, stakeholder management, and executive reporting.
- Proficiency in translating complex project requirements into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
- Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and hybrid project delivery methodologies.
- Strong risk management and budget control capabilities across project portfolios.
- Experience managing vendor contracts and overseeing vendor performance.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- A Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or related fields is preferred.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP, CSM, or SAFe will be considered an advantage.
- The position offers a contractual employment term of three years, with the possibility of renewal at the discretion of management.
- Compensation and benefits will be provided in accordance with the Bank’s policies and rules.

This role is based in Karachi. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited for panel interviews. The Bank is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, religion, or disability. No travel allowance or daily allowance will be provided for interviews. Applications must be submitted within 10 working days from the date of the job posting; late applications will not be considered.