As projects, their interfaces and governance processes (both internal and external) become more complex, Project Managers are finding it harder to find time to concentrate on their core business - managing and delivering the project. The situation is exacerbated by skills shortages.

This situation is not unique to projects in the Oil & Gas sector. Within the NHS Paramedics and telephone help lines are taking some of the workload away from doctors; in the legal profession, much work is done by Paralegals to free up time for Solicitors; and in the military a Commanding Officer relies heavily on his Chief of Staff.

The Project Co-ordinator role is based upon the military concept of the Chief of Staff (CoS). The CoS provides a buffer between a project manager and his team members and supporting vendors. The CoS generally works behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes, and deal with issues before they bubble up to the Project Manager. Additionally the CoS may act as a sounding board for ideas. Ultimately the actual duties depend on the situation and the people involved. By applying this concept to projects Agile has added significant value to their client’s project governance and execution over the last 3 years.

As projects differ in nature, the Project Coordinator role differs according to the specific project scope. Adaptability and versatility are essential qualities of the Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator becomes an integral part of the project team bringing project administration and facilitation skills as necessary to ensure the project remains focused on delivering its objectives.

The Project Co-ordinator position is often assumed by experienced former senior military officers, normally (but not exclusively) with an engineering background, who are well versed in bringing order and co-ordination to potentially complex scenarios.

Coordination activities may include but not be limited to any or all of the following:

• Ensure consistent use of and compliance with internal management systems
• Preparation for internal reviews
• Optimization of project execution methods/systems
• Action tracking and close-out
• Capture and communication of lessons learned
• Meeting facilitation
• Interface management
• Risk & opportunity management
• Project change control
• Management reporting
• Coordination/assistance with preparation/submission of Permits and Consents
• Planning of critical project activity with particular emphasis on cross company co-operation
• Onshore worksite representation as and when required to communicate project information/actions
• Liaison with corporate HSEQ to ensure alignment of project delivery with corporate policies and to provide assistance with rollout of corporate initiatives.

If you want to find out more about the Project Coordinator role and how it can free up that all important resource - TIME - for your projects then please contact Ray Hall or Alan Callow on 0845 1000 251.