Project Manager- Special projects

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai's leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF's efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai's ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website:

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Project Manager reports directly to the Director of Projects and is part of DFF's Projects structure. The Projects' team is mandated to be a creation hub of the next big ideas that will impact and benefit people, businesses, and governments starting with Dubai and rippling outward on a larger scale. The division focuses on creative ideation and taking advantage of current trends to deliver future focused solutions for today's challenges, including but not limited to the exploration of innovation in transportation, education, water, space, renewable energy, technology and healthcare. They are responsible for planning, managing and executing projects launched by the Foundation, as well as supporting special projects on a local, federal and regional level.

Project Manager

As a Project Manager with the Projects team for the Dubai Future Foundation, you will take a leadership role in managing and driving strategic growth projects from start to delivery or handover. You will manage multiple projects, teams, processes, budgets, and delivery milestones simultaneously. You will consistently and proactively contribute to DFF's creative thinking and critical analysis process to help shape ideas into project deliverables that meet the strategic objectives of the Dubai Future Foundation.

Project Management

1. You will be responsible for managing the full project cycle including managing budgets, project milestones, setting objectives, monitoring and tracking progress, post project analysis and reporting, and coaching and developing the team.
2. You will be expected to pitch your project ideas by presenting well-thought out and strategic proposals that include budgets, resource requirements, timelines and potential stakeholders while also assessing the risks, benefits, and opportunities of the projects.
3. You will be able to ideate and identify challenges for Dubai, and will stay up to date on local, regional and international advancements and updates of various related sectors.
4. You will brainstorm and work with the team to assess ideas and evaluate processes that could be re-engineered to identify future projects for delivery.
5. You will be able to work independently and successfully manage your workload and tasks, while also being able to work as part of a team.
6. You will build upon research and reports presented internally to identify the strategic impact, potential challenges, consequences, and benefits for potential opportunities.
7. You be responsible for managing the team, and delegating projects and tasks, and ensuring their delivery with the designated deadlines.
8. You will communicate with your team members to ensure all projects are running smoothly, provide your team members with feedback, and provide regular progress updates to the Director of Projects.

Third Party Relationships

1. You will work closely with project partners throughout the ideation and implementation process and ensure regular communication, procurement and logistics are in place.
2. You will work closely with Corporate Affairs and other internal teams to ensure procurement, invoices, production and any additional requirements are met.
3. You will work together with the strategy team and other Dubai Future Foundation verticals to see where collaborations could be beneficial and support continued disruptive thinking to enhance the quality of ideas and projects.
4. You will work with both internal and external stakeholders to achieve project targets.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being strategic, innovative and curious about trends and future-focused technology or advancements. You will be proactive and openly share your ideas and feedback for the benefit of the team and the Dubai Future Foundation. You will consistently propose innovative and strategic project ideas, and lead and support those projects from ideation through to delivery. You will be a key part of the team working to create impact that will benefit the future of Dubai, the UAE and the region.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with passionate people, support shapers of the future as well as work that has an impact, not only on the organization or the UAE but all of humankind. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas and innovation.

Who we're looking for?

1. You will have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, or a relevant field with experience in project management or management consulting. A Master's Degree would be advantageous.
2. You will have a minimum of 6 years' experience with proven success in managing multiple ongoing projects.
3. You will be fluent in reading, writing & presenting in both English & Arabic.
4. You will be agile, drive, a self-started who can work independently and as part of a team.
5. You will have demonstrable knowledge of developing strategic proposals for potential projects and initiatives.
6. You will be able to connect global themes/trends with opportunities for Dubai.
7. You will have strong people management skills, be able to clearly communicate direction and strategy, and mobilize resources quickly.
8. You will demonstrate strong negotiation and planning capabilities with a strong dedication to completing projects with an ability to handle deadlines, multiple projects and different stakeholders.
9. You will be comfortable in designing and creating high quality presentations, have strong public speaking capabilities, and have advanced Microsoft Office knowledge, especially in PowerPoint.
10. You will be proactive, professional, curious, driven and motivated individual who is interested in exploring global and regional ideas, and trends.
11. You will be a team player and willing to support where needed to ensure the projects run smoothly.
12. You will have excellent attention to details, be able to multi-task and meet tight and changing deadlines.