Plan and Manage Work (Developing)

70% on-the-job learning

• Read the Start Right Guide from the Policy Project.
• Learn about your agency’s policy project management methodology.
• Practise using commissioning discussions to clarify priorities and the scope of your contribution to projects.
• Understand the various roles in a project and how they contribute to the project’s objectives.
• Lead the development of small pieces of advice, or lead the development of advice on minor projects.
• Learn how to break down the different streams of work in a project, by identifying tasks and sub-tasks, deliverables and milestones.
• Keep your manager informed on progress with allocated work. Identify well in advance if you are having difficulties meeting competing priorities, and suggest strategies to address this.
• Seek feedback from your manager about the key priorities, risks and opportunities in your work.
• If you have excess capacity, alert your manager and suggest projects you could assist with.

20% learning from others

• Talk with your colleagues about the common risks to planning a policy project (e.g. changes in ministerial direction, changes in organisational priorities, lack of the right skill sets, the minister’s availability).
• Participate in project team meetings and discuss expectations with your manager and senior policy analysts.
• Learn from more experienced colleagues about budgets and tracking spending on projects.
• Seek advice from senior colleagues on scoping and sequencing your parts of a project.
• Learn from senior colleagues how to track progress in achieving milestones.

10% formal learning

• Take an introductory project management course. For example:
  • Project Management Fundamentals by Wellington Uni Professional
  • Managing Policy Projects by Brightstar.
• Take training on your agency’s project management practices and systems.
• Take time management courses.