Senior Programme Associate

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a Senior Programme Associate to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Programmes team, the Senior Programme Associate will support in designing and delivering programmes that promote and strengthen corporate governance across the Gulf region's private sector. This role involves conducting research, analysing data, report writing, providing project management support and managing relationships with stakeholders to support PI's two programmes, Governance in Family Firms and Governance in Tech.

Family firms account for 80% of employment and 60% of GDP in the GCC, making them a key player in both the economic and societal fabric of the region. The Governance in Family Firms Programme adopts a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach towards supporting family firms address governance, succession and NextGen integration. Through research, convenings and capacity-building, the programme aims to secure the longevity and sustainable growth of these organisations.

The GCC region is experiencing a boom in tech entrepreneurship. A surge in investment capital towards regional startups has ignited a sense of optimism among the new generation, reinforcing the appeal of entrepreneurship as a legitimate career pursuit. The Governance in Tech Programme aims to secure the present and future of the regional tech sector by promoting the importance of governance as a key pillar of long term growth. The programme aims to galvanise the ecosystem through consistent messaging on governance across convenings, and media platforms as well as the development of vital reference materials that simplify the adoption of governance in tech startups.

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 and follow / subscribe to PI's Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels by using the following handle @Pearl Initiative.

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 and transparency across family businesses and the tech industry 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

Key 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 stakeholder is up to date.

Essential Professional Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Adminitration, Economics or other Social Sciences
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in programme delivery & design, and/or exexecutive-levelesearch and writing, with at least 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

Personal Attributes

To be successful in this role, you must possess the following qualities:

• Proficient Researcher: We are looking for an individual with exceptional research skills, capable of finding relevant and reliable information from a wide range of sources. You will be expected to navigate databases, conduct thorough online searches, and access various repositories to gather up-to-date information that will inform our programme, reports and guides.
• Persuasive Wordsmith: We are looking for a talented individual with strong report writing skills that can bring our programme's research, achievements and insights to life. Your compelling writing will be instrumental in shaping our stakeholders' understanding and inspiring action towards our goals.
• Effective Project Management: We are seeking a detail-oriented candidate with strong project management skills. You will need to plan, organise, and execute projects efficiently within set deadlines and budgetary constraints.
• Self-Starter: We need someone who can take the initiative and work independently. As a self-starter, you will be able to identify areas for improvement and take action to make things happen.
• Fast-Paced Environment: We work in a fast-paced environment and need someone who can thrive in that kind of setting. You will need to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work efficiently under pressure.
• Seamless Coordination: We need someone who can effortlessly coordinate between cross-functional teams and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring smooth workflow within programmes.
• Team Player: We work collaboratively and value team players. You will be expected to work well with others, communicate effectively, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
• Resourceful: We need someone who is resourceful and can find creative solutions to problems. You will be expected to think on your feet and maximise the resources available to you.
• Cultural Intelligence: We are looking for someone who has an understanding of business practices in the Gulf Region, including cultural sensitivities and communication norms. As we work with a wide variety of stakeholders, it is important for the candidate to be respectful and sensitive to cultural differences and customs.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to with "Senior Programme Associate (Governance in Family Firms and Governance in Tech)" in the subject line.