The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Portfolio, programme and project support PROF

Providing support and guidance on portfolio, programme and project management processes, procedures, tools and techniques.

Updates for SFIA 9

  • There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions).
  • Content and/or readability changes have been made to levels 2, 3, and 4.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • defining portfolios, programmes, and projects
  • cultivating and applying new or changed working practices across a portfolio
  • managing the rate at which new projects are started to fit the available capacity
  • advising on the development, production and maintenance of business cases time, resource, cost and exception plans
  • advising on the use of software tools
  • tracking and reporting progress and performance 
  • facilitating portfolio/programme/project meetings and workshops
  • advising and sharing knowledge on standards and how to comply.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 1

This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 2

Assists with the compilation of portfolio, programme and project management reports.

Maintains programme and project files from supplied actual and forecast data.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 3

Provides administrative services to project boards, project assurance teams and quality review meetings.

Uses recommended portfolio, programme and project control solutions for planning, scheduling and tracking.

Sets up project files, compiles and distributes reports.

Provides guidance on project management software, procedures, processes, tools and techniques.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 4

Supports programme or project control boards, project assurance teams and quality review meetings.

Takes responsibility for the provision of support services to projects. Uses and recommends project control solutions for planning, scheduling and tracking projects.

Sets up and provides detailed guidance on project management software, procedures, processes, tools and techniques.

Provides basic guidance on individual project proposals. May provide a cross programme view on risk, change, quality, finance or configuration management.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 5

Takes responsibility for the provision of portfolio, programme and project support.

Advises on the available standards, procedures, methods, tools and techniques.

Evaluates project and/or programme performance and recommends changes where necessary.

Contributes to reviews and audits of project and programme management to ensure conformance to standards.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 6

Leads implementation and delivery of portfolio, programme and project office services.

Defines the approach/policy and sets standards for the support provided for managing and monitoring portfolios, programmes, and projects.

Manages resources to ensure delivery of effective services/resources in line with current and planned demand.

Reviews and improves the delivery portfolio, programme and project office services.

Portfolio, programme and project support: Level 7

This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.