Das

What is your job with London 2012?
As Risk & Assurance Manager for ODA Transport, I ensure that project risks relevant to the implementation of the transport programme are identified, assessed and prioritised for effective mitigation.

How did you get your job?
I applied for the position online through the London 2012 website and then was selected after an interview with ODA Senior Management and HR.

What did you do before joining London 2012?
Before joining the ODA in February 2007, I worked for the Financial Services Authority (FSA), supervising financial services firms – identifying, assessing and mitigating risks impacting on the FSA’s objectives and consumers.

Prior to the FSA, I worked successively in international construction project management and civil engineering, management and technology consultancy and research and innovation in construction industry in London.

What experience and qualifications do you need?
As the ODA has adopted a ‘thin client’ philosophy, the role is unique and quite demanding, requiring expertise in several functional areas and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

With an MSc in civil engineering and PhD in project management and risk management, I have gathered multi-industry experience over the past 16 years in risk management, project management/programme management – in areas including transport/rail and highways, construction and civil engineering, financial services.

What training and support are available to you?
Regular one-to-ones with my line manager where we discuss, among other things, training and personal development requirements. I also participate quite frequently in relevant conferences and seminars.

Describe a typical day.
It’s quite a busy and changing environment involving multiple meetings with heads of transport workstreams, client managers, project managers/sponsors, and other relevant risk owners identifying, assessing and managing issues, concerns, risks and opportunities that would impact on the objectives of the Transport projects.

These result in various analyses and reports for management meetings and boards and other relevant target audiences as required.

I also work with our procurement professionals to ensure compliance and efficient progress of transport procurement initiatives and frameworks.

Other assurance-related activities include review of programme execution plans, contracts, as required and relevant.

As we move closer to Games time, it’s likely that my typical day will change from Project Delivery focus to Operations and Games-time focus.

What is the best thing about your job?
Working on a project of such a scale in London may happen only once in a lifetime. I also get the opportunity to work with the best professionals in their fields.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to work for London 2012?
Collaboration and teamwork are important as well as flexibility and responsiveness to tight deadlines, and being prepared for change!