The PMO Analyst role is one of the most dynamic and influential positions within a modern PMO. Analysts are the people who bring clarity to complexity, turn data into meaningful insight and help delivery teams work with confidence and control. While their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt across every project, programme and portfolio.

If you ask PMO Analysts what their job is like, many will tell you it is a role that constantly stretches them. They move between analysis, coordination, problem solving and people support, often in the space of a single morning. It is this combination of structure and variety that makes the role such a compelling career path.

This guide brings together everything you need to build a complete understanding of the PMO Analyst role. It outlines what the job involves, explores how the work adds value, highlights common challenges and points you towards the best resources to support your growth. Whether you are stepping into the role for the first time or looking to develop further, this guide gives you a clear, practical starting point for your journey as a PMO Analyst.

What does a PMO Analyst actually do?

PMO Analysts help projects, programmes and portfolios run smoothly by creating structure, clarity and reliable information. They support governance, analyse data, prepare reports, improve processes and help delivery teams apply best practice.

Most roles centre around a few core themes: maintaining consistent governance, producing accurate insights, supporting communication across teams, strengthening processes and helping others build capability. Together, these responsibilities ensure the PMO operates effectively and provides meaningful value to the organisation.

If you are stepping into the profession for the first time, our free introductory guide is an excellent place to begin.

Download the free eBook: How to Get Started as a PMO Analyst

The Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours You Need to Succeed

A successful PMO Analyst brings together the right knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours to support confident, consistent and high-quality delivery.

Knowledge – PMO Analysts need a strong understanding of governance frameworks, project and programme lifecycles, risk and issue management, planning approaches, reporting cycles and PMO services. They also need awareness of organisational context, tools, finance and stakeholder roles.

Skills – PMO Analysts rely on analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to translate complex information into clear, useful insight. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, dashboard creation and problem solving are essential, along with confidence using PPM tools and data analysis tools.

Behaviours – Professional behaviours underpin credibility. Curiosity, objectivity, ownership, collaboration and a continuous improvement mindset are vital. Analysts show consistency, challenge constructively and maintain a calm, solution-focused approach even when information is incomplete or deadlines are tight.

You can read more about the knowledge, skills, behaviours and responsibilities of a PMO Analyst in our blog: PMO Analysts – The Powerhouse of the PMO

Developing as a PMO Analyst: Using the 70–20–10 Model

Growing as a PMO Analyst is about much more than learning new templates or mastering a reporting tool. It involves building analytical confidence, strengthening your professional behaviours and developing the mindset needed to support modern delivery environments. One of the most effective ways to build these capabilities is by using the 70–20–10 development model. It helps you balance hands-on experience with learning from others and structured training.

Seventy percent: Learning through real experience

Most of your development as a PMO Analyst will come from the work you do every day. This is where you build judgement, strengthen your analytical capability and become confident in supporting delivery teams. Practical experience might include:

• Improving a project or portfolio reporting process
• Leading the update or creation of governance templates
• Building a new dashboard or enhancing an existing one
• Supporting a lessons learned or risk workshop
• Investigating data quality issues and designing solutions
• Contributing to the implementation or enhancement of a PPM tool

These activities help you move beyond day to day tasks and develop the mindset of a proactive, insight driven PMO professional.

Twenty percent: Learning from others

Support, feedback and shared experience play a big part in Analyst development. You can accelerate your growth by:

• Working with a mentor or coach
• Joining LinkedIn groups for PMO professionals
• Participating in Communities of Practice
• Connecting with other Analysts or PMO colleagues to share ideas
• Attending webinars, conferences or networking sessions
• Asking stakeholders for regular feedback

This kind of social learning builds confidence, broadens your perspective and helps you feel more connected to the wider PMO community.

Ten percent: Learning through formal training

Structured learning gives you the frameworks, methods and language to perform your role with clarity and confidence. It also helps you step back from the day to day to understand the PMO Analyst role at a professional level.

The most relevant course for anyone working as, or aspiring to become, a PMO Analyst is Essentials for PMO Analysts. This certification provides a complete understanding of Analyst responsibilities, services, competences and behaviours.

And if you’d like a quick way to see whether the Essentials for PMO Analysts course is right for you, try our short 5-question quiz. The questions are based on the course content and will help you gauge your current knowledge and identify whether you might benefit from the full programme. Click here to test yourself.

You can also use formal tools to assess your capability. The PMO Competency Framework is an excellent resource for identifying your strengths and development areas and planning your next steps.

Essential Resources for PMO Analysts

Below you’ll find free resources, training options and networking opportunities designed to help you deepen your knowledge and stay connected with the PMO profession.