Bert Oosthuizen
Business Owner: Grain Storage Projects – Africa and AgriSphere Enterprises (Uganda)
In any project especially when working on behalf of a client the success of the project manager often depends on the quality of support received from within the client’s organization. This internal support person, often referred to as a Project Assistant or Liaison, plays a vital role in ensuring smooth execution, communication, and coordination on the ground.
To be truly effective, this person must possess a blend of technical understanding, cultural awareness, and organizational insight. They must understand the company’s internal structure, decision-making processes, and communication flow. This enables them to navigate bottlenecks, obtain timely approvals, and keep the project aligned with internal expectations.
Equally important is their understanding of the local culture and the people working on site.
Projects don’t exist in isolation they operate within communities and teams influenced by regional customs, values, and ways of working. A project assistant who can bridge these cultural differences helps maintain harmony and trust among stakeholders, preventing misunderstandings that often cause costly delays.
Beyond cultural and organizational knowledge, the ideal assistant must demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills – to convey instructions clearly between the project manager and internal teams.
- Integrity and accountability – to ensure transparency in procurement, reporting, and on-site activities.
- Proactive problem-solving – to anticipate issues before they escalate.
- Commitment to deadlines and quality – ensuring tasks are completed as planned.
In essence, the project assistant becomes the eyes, ears, and voice of the project manager within the client’s organization. When this role is filled by the right person, the project benefits from smoother coordination, fewer conflicts, and stronger collaboration across all levels.