Good Work: Empowering Conservation Through the Department of Conservation’s Enterprise Portfolio Management Office
Department of Conservation – Cultivating Excellence with the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO)
The Department of Conservation (DOC) embarked on a mission to enhance its project management capabilities, supported by the establishment of the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO). Our role was multifaceted, involving not only the initiation of the EPMO but also the support and rejuvenation of challenging projects.
The Initial Challenge: Strengthening Project Management
The challenge lay in supporting the Director of the EPMO in setting up this vital office and addressing the struggles faced by ongoing projects within the department. The goal was to instil effective project management practices and ensure the success of key initiatives.
Our Strategic Approach: Nurturing Conservation Initiatives
One of our significant contributions was to the ‘Jobs for Nature’ initiative, designed to provide employment opportunities in the conservation sector to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative called on organisations to undertake conservation work in collaboration with DOC, funded by the government.
Additionally, we extended our support to regional teams across the country participating in this initiative. Our focus was on ensuring that projects were well-positioned for success, that control environments were suitable for the tasks at hand, and that reporting mechanisms to the EPMO were robust and aligned with the unique nature of conservation work.
Project Execution: Fostering a Conservation Renaissance
Through our concerted efforts, approximately 250 contracts were established with various organisations across the country. These contracts facilitated the execution of conservation work that might have otherwise remained undone.
Project Impact: Fortifying Conservation Initiatives
The impact of our involvement with DOC’s EPMO and the ‘Jobs for Nature’ initiative is profound:
- Conservation Renaissance: Key areas, such as pest control, fencing, ski fields, and wetland restoration, have been invigorated through this initiative. The projects have not only provided much-needed employment but have also played a pivotal role in safeguarding New Zealand’s unique natural heritage.
- Operational Excellence: Our support ensured that each project under the ‘Jobs for Nature’ umbrella was poised for success. By setting up effective control environments and robust reporting structures, we bolstered the accountability and transparency of these initiatives.
Our partnership with DOC’s Enterprise Portfolio Management Office reflects the transformative potential of effective project management in the realm of conservation. By establishing the EPMO and rejuvenating vital initiatives like ‘Jobs for Nature,’ we have contributed to the preservation of New Zealand’s precious natural ecosystems and provided meaningful employment opportunities during challenging times.
