Senior Programme Associate

Description:

Across the Gulf Region, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the business landscape. Businesses have increasingly understood the importance of embracing diversity in the workplace and incorporating it as a fundamental element of effective corporate governance. Through various convenings, trainings, and research, The Diversity in Business Leadership Programme raises awareness about the value of diversity and inclusion, emphasising their role as pillars of effective corporate governance and drivers for sustainable financial growth.

About The Pearl Initiative

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is the Gulf Region’s leading independent, private sector-led non-profit organisation working to improve corporate accountability and transparency across a number of programmes, including Anti-Corruption Best Practices, Diversity in Business Leadership, Governance in MSMEs, Governance in Family Firms, Governance in Tech and Governance in Philanthropy. PI was established in 2010 by regional business leaders and the UN Office for Partnerships. PI is the first private non-profit organisation in the Gulf Region to receive special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In 2021, PI launched its updated strategy with bold ambitions for expansion resulting in PI Vision 2025.

With over 40 regional and international partners, PI runs programmes focusing on governance-related matters, conducts regionally-based research, convenes business leaders, government and civil society leaders and students to discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing governance best practices in the private sector. PI also runs workshops and trainings to support business professionals as they take the lead in implementing corporate governance, accountability and transparency practices in their organisations. The organisation also supports Gulf-based university students identify and embrace strong ethics and integrity as they embark on their future careers.

For more information, please visit www.pearlinitiative.org and follow / subscribe to PI’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels by using the following handle @PearlInitiative.

Who PI is looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated and organised Senior Programme Associate to help implement customised programmes that promote a corporate culture of accountability, transparency and diversity across the private sector in the Gulf. As the Senior Programme Associate, you will support in designing, developing, and implementing the programmes across four key areas: research, convenings, capacity building, and student engagement.

In 2021, the organisation launched its updated strategy, PI Vision 2025, with bold ambitions for expansion. By joining PI at this stage, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on corporate culture in the Gulf region.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research, collect data, and analyse information, market trends and industry best practices to inform programme decision-making and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare comprehensive, visually appealing and evidence-based reports that are well-structured, concise, and effectively communicate key findings, insights, and recommendations.
• Support the dissemination and distribution of reports to relevant stakeholders, ensuring timely and efficient communication of information.
• Develop and maintain a repository of reports, guides, resources and related documentation for future reference and archival purposes.
• Assist in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on programme deliverables, including baseline assessment, progress updates, impact assessment, and KPI measurement.
• Support the Programme Manager in programme management, aligning with PI's annual work plan and programme requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within PI to coordinate programme activities and ensure seamless integration with other organisational initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and reporting standards to enhance the quality and relevance of the programme deliverables.
• Ensure the database of programme partners and stakeholders is up to date.

Essential Professional Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in International Development, Economics or other Social Sciences
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in programme delivery & design, and/or executive level research and writing, with at keast 3 years working in the Gulf region.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Up-to-date knowledge of trends and norms within the private sector in the Gulf region.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, CRM software, Zoom and survey programmes.