Over the last several weeks I have been in conversations with colleagues and clients about what are the specific Knowledge Management (KM) roles that are essential for a KM project and/or program to succeed. Since there could be a myriad of the types of KM projects that can be initiated, the roles needed to successfully execute the KM project will vary. In determining the role(s) that are suitable for your KM Program/Project you will need to know what responsibilities are associated with each role and the core competencies needed to be successful in executing effectively. Armed with this information you must match the KM role, responsibility and core competency to your needs. Once that is completed, assigning the right people is the next step and determining what gaps in personnel exist (if any). If there are gaps in the personnel needed for your KM initiative leverage the information detailing the KM roles, responsibilities and core competencies to fill the necessary roles.
The roles of KM professionals consist of but are not limited to Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO), KM Program Manager, KM Project Manager, KM Director, Operations KM Director, KM Author, KM Lead, KM Liaison, KM Specialist, KM System Administrator, Knowledge Engineer, Knowledge Architect, KM Writer, Knowledge Manager, and KM Analyst. Knowledge management has both soft and hard competencies. The soft competencies include ensuring that knowledge processing is aligned with the organization’s business goals and objectives, and is integrated into the organization’s everyday business and work. It also includes software development, business and systems architecture and workflow management. The hard competencies include elicitation and representation of knowledge (both tacit and explicit) and it also includes structural knowledge in the form of business rules and business process.
Note: The KM Roles, Responsibilities and Core Competencies originally appear in Knowledge Management in Practice, by Dr. Anthony J. Rhem, published by CRC Press.
The following is a snapshot of the KM Roles, Responsibilities and Core Competencies for Knowledge Manager and KM Specialist:
| KM Role | Role Description | Responsibilities | Core Competencies |
| Knowledge Manager | Knowledge Manager works with the KM Program and/or Project Manager to implement KM initiatives. | The Knowledge Manager has the following responsibilities: -Manages KM efforts (often serves as a KM Project Manager or Product Owner)
-Looks across KM processes to capture tacit and explicit knowledge – Balances technology, information, processes and individual and organizational learning within a culture of shared values.· Creates ways to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage |
Knowledge managers should also have a general understanding of knowledge architecture, but do not need an in-depth knowledge.Extensive experience and senior technical expertise in the field of Knowledge Management or Capacity Development preferably in an international development organization with a proven track record of successfully delivering KM strategies. Has worked in a developing country and has a good knowledge of international development issues, trends and approaches. Proven experience in the design and delivery of capacity development, coaching and mentoring activities, particularly adult learning techniques, replication of best practices. Strong knowledge and practice of Results Based Management (RBM), experience in performance measurement and program evaluation. Strong communication skills both written and verbal, excellent report writing and organizational skills. Leadership· Excellent communication· Time management/ability to prioritize· Development or management of information systems to support complex business processes· Project management of IT projects· Significant knowledge and use of relational database systems· Survey design· Finding assembling and analyzing verbal and numerical data from internet, databases and paper-based sources· Dissemination of information in a way that is accessible, manageable and which supports the work of individualism an organization· Experience of working effectively in a diverse team, maintaining good working relationships· Excellent information technology skills including relationship database programming and/or reporting skills |
| KM Specialist | The Knowledge Management specialist is engaged in the support of the KM Policy, Planning Research and Metrics for knowledge management. | KM Specialist Responsibilities Include:
Lead/contribute the development of a knowledge management strategy and associated implementation plan. ·Lead/contribute to the development and execution of the KM Governance Plan· Develop a comprehensive mapping of KM information sources and knowledge, including processes -Contribute to the develop and ongoing maintenance of the knowledge management system(s) ·Create a approach for guiding on going analyses needed to address observed KM gaps and for identifying opportunities for innovation, process, procedure and policymaking/adjustments – Oversee capacity building and support for internal knowledge acquisition, management and sharing; ensure relevant communities of practice are developed and strengthened. Support development of staff, consultants and key partners and on all aspects of knowledge management |
Knowledge engineers need in-depth competency as it pertains to Knowledge Architectures as well as Knowledge sharing, collaboration and transfer techniques and methods. |
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