Global Project Management Job Trends 2024

Rapid technological developments, notably generative artificial intelligence (AI), are redefining how companies deliver projects. Agility and resilience, as well as power skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking, are vital competencies for project professionals to thrive in the current work landscape.

Project professionals can advance their careers — and increase earning power — by identifying talent gaps, knowing what matters most to organizations and knowing which skills are in high demand. To see emerging trends and how AI is changing the job landscape, download our full report. To see curated, region-specific reports, scroll.

Login or Register for Free to Download

Asia Pacific
China
Europe
Latin America
Middle East and North Africa
North America
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa

The Outlook
Asia Pacific can expect uneven economic growth, with the IMF projecting slower GDP rate gains in two of the region’s largest economies. Japan’s growth projection for 2024 is 0.9%, down from 1.9% in 2023, while Australia is grappling with an uptick in unemployment and a projected growth of 1.4%. Regardless of location, companies across Asia Pacific will be forced to lean into innovation to fire up project activity.

The Opportunity
Digital transformation will continue to reshape how projects are managed across the region — and cultivate opportunities for project professionals adept at applying next-gen tech tools. 

Companies across Asia Pacific are making a rapid pivot to AI. 89% are pursuing AI-driven innovation.

The Outlook
It didn’t take long for the world’s second-largest economy to come roaring back after the pandemic — but it may struggle to sustain those advances. The IMF predicts China’s GDP growth will recede as the government grapples with growing debt, a retreat from stock market investment, record unemployment among young workers and a lingering real estate crisis. China’s efforts to reinvigorate its economy have high stakes around the world: The IMF estimates that a 1% increase in the country’s growth boosts global expansion by about 0.3%.

The Opportunity
No matter their industry, project professionals in China have opportunities to get ahead in 2024. The new must-have skills include value management, emotional intelligence, resilience and enabling change to achieve the envisioned future state. 

The Outlook
Economic stability will remain elusive for many European countries, with the IMF projecting limited growth in the region’s three largest economies: Germany, the United Kingdom and France. Yet there are bright spots. Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting energy supply strain, is pushing teams across Europe to deliver renewable energy solutions. Those efforts will help governments across the region advance their ambitious emissions-reduction goals in the coming decades.

The Opportunity
Europe’s big three might be facing some headwinds, but that’s not preventing an aggressive pursuit of project activity.  

The Outlook
Economic prospects for Latin America appear steady, if imbalanced. GDP growth is expected to decelerate from 2023, per the IMF. And the region’s two largest economies, Brazil, and Mexico, are projected to see slower growth in 2024. This slowdown is balanced by positive developments. For example: Energy and mining activity should surge in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

The Opportunity
The region’s rising demand for project professionals is promising for its burgeoning young population. With about one-quarter of its 600 million population between 15 and 30 years old, this emerging talent will be seeking both projects and development opportunities to advance their careers, but they’ll also be up against more candidates.

The Outlook
Economic prospects in the Middle East and North Africa will echo the growth and stability of recent years. Regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are projected to see encouraging GDP rate gains, per the IMF. Both will continue to use energy revenues to fund projects that diversify their economies and drive growth. Even for economies in the region without fossil fuel revenues, many are forecast to experience respectable growth this year.

The Opportunity
While energy and construction have historically spurred the region’s leading economies, it’s tech that is fundamentally shifting how people in the region live and work.

The Outlook
Economic momentum across North America is expected to pick up as inflation slows and interest rates decline. In the United States, stabilizing the world’s largest economy should ease labor struggles wrought by an aging workforce, early retirements, high turnover rates and low immigration, according to the IMF. While job growth is expected to slow compared to 2023, January 2024 outpaced expectations, with over 350,000 new jobs added. Despite some headwinds predicted for Canada in 2024, its IMF-projected 1.4% GDP growth rate is still on par with most of the world’s advanced economies.

The Opportunity
No matter the industry or location, project professionals across North America must excel at planning for surprises to thrive in the coming year.

27% of U.S. companies are embedding new technologies into their business models.

The Outlook
In India, the economy is projected to boast a 6.5% GDP increase for 2024 — one of the highest worldwide, according to the IMF. That phenomenal growth underscores India’s staying power as the dominant player in South Asia, as well as a force on the global stage. Regardless of how India’s national elections play out this year, the country is on track to stake its claim as the third-largest economy by 2027 — another step toward its goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

The Opportunity
Regardless of industry, project professionals in South Asia seeking a career boost should lean into learning by focusing on a mix of technical and soft skills as well as pursuing agile certification.

Login or Register for Free to Download

The Outlook
Sub-Saharan Africa is gaining economic momentum — even as it battles chronic debt, tight funding and the persistent pinch of global inflation. The IMF forecasts nearly 80% of countries in the region will post GDP rate increases year over year. And while sluggish growth is expected for Nigeria and South Africa — the area’s two powerhouses — reforms are fueling energy, infrastructure and trade initiatives and reinvigorating project activity across the region.

The Opportunity
An urgent need to transform the region’s energy infrastructure will spur a range of projects in 2024 — and beyond.

Login or Register for Free to Download