Senior Project Manager – International Digital Transformation Programs

We're Hiring: Senior Project Manager – International Digital Transformation Programs Industry:AI, Digital Identity, Border Security, Enterprise IT Location:Abu Dhabi, UAE Experience:8–15 years (minimum 5 years in senior PM/program roles)Job Type:Full-timeAbout the RoleWe are seeking ahigh-authority, highly disciplined Senior Project Managerwith aproven technical background,PMP certification, and adocumented history of delivering programs valued above USD 20 millionacross multiple countries.This individual must demonstrate:Strong executive presence and world-class presentation skillsVerifiable leadership of large, complex digital transformation programsAbility to manage aggressive delivery timelines in politically sensitive environmentsTechnical depth across software, cloud, cybersecurity, integration, and infrastructureThe ability to operate confidently in multilingual international settings (Arabic, English, French)This is acommand-and-control leadership rolerequiring someone who can enforce discipline, communicate confidently with ministers and CEOs, and maintain full ownership of delivery outcomes.Key Responsibilities1. Project Governance & Execution (Strict, Zero-Slippage Approach)Lead multimillion-dollar programs (>USD 20M) from initiation to closure.Develop and enforce full PMPs: scope, WBS, budget, schedule, risk, quality, procurement, communications, and change management.Maintain strict control of baselines with non-negotiable adherence to contractual and PMO standards.Maintain RAID logs, SOW compliance matrices, weekly executive dashboards, and audit-ready documentation.2. Technical Oversight & Engineering LeadershipValidate technical designs (architecture, data flow, cyber controls, DR, API integrations, cloud infrastructure) with authority.Translate business requirements into highly detailed technical workstreams.Lead design reviews, UAT cycles, go-live readiness, and final acceptance processes.Challenge technical assumptions and enforce high-quality engineering output.3. Leadership of Large, Multinational TeamsManage and control teams of 20–100+ across engineering, cloud, QA, DevOps, operations, and vendors.Set strict KPIs, enforce accountability frameworks, and maintain detailed performance tracking.Lead multicultural delivery environments across GCC, Africa, Asia, and Europe.Demonstrated ability to turn around failing projects, stabilize delivery, and impose structure .4. Executive-Level Presentation & Stakeholder ManagementCritical RequirementsThe candidate must have proven experience presenting to:Ministers, Director-Generals, UndersecretariesAviation and border security authoritiesExecutive steering committees and boardsInternational partners and regulatory bodiesThey must demonstrate:Creation of high-quality slide decks, dashboards, and summary reportsClear articulation of risks, architecture, timelines, and financial impactsAbility to present complex technical information in a structured, authoritative mannerConfidence and clarity under pressure, during escalations, and during crisis scenariosPast presentation samples or records may be requested.5. Vendor, Contract & Compliance OversightManage multiple vendors and subcontractors, enforcing KPIs, SLAs, penalties, and delivery obligations.Ensure compliance with ISO, NIST, ICAO, GDPR/PDPL, cybersecurity, and government requirements.Lead formal acceptance cycles, readiness reviews, and contract closure documentation.Required Background & Qualifications (Strict Requirements)1. Certifications & Delivery Methodology ExpertiseMandatory PMP certificationPgMP, PMI-ACP, Prince2 Practitioner preferredEvidence of applying PMI methodology in large, complex digital programs2. Mandatory Technical BackgroundCandidate must have held a previoushands-on technical role, such as:Software Engineer / Technical LeadSystems / Cloud / Infrastructure EngineerSolutions ArchitectNetwork or Security EngineerMust demonstrate real experience (not theoretical) in:Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Private Cloud)Microservices, APIs, integrations, enterprise data flowsDevOps and CI/CD pipelinesCybersecurity, encryption, PKI, IAMDR/BCP, HA architectures, NOC/SOC operationsThis will be validated during interviews.3. Proven Leadership & Delivery Track Record (With Evidence)Candidate must show documented proof of:Leading at least two programs valued above USD 20MDelivering large government systems, national digital platforms, border/aviation systems, or national registriesManaging multi-country implementations and multicultural teamsCompleting complex projects under aggressive schedules and political oversightPrior experience recovering a delayed or failing projectStrong record of hitting deadlines, budgets, and KPI targetsEvidence may include:Approved PMO reportsContract referencesSteering committee presentationsLetters of recommendationDelivery summaries4. Multilingual Communication (Highly Preferred)Because this role spans multiple international clients, we strongly prefer candidates with effective communication in:✓ English – MandatoryFor executive communication, reporting, contract management, and presentations.✓ Arabic – Strong AdvantageAbility to manage GCC ministries, immigration/border authorities, and government stakeholders.Clear reading and writing for formal letters, documentation, and risk/issue reports.✓ French – Strong AdvantageFor managing large-scale African government programs (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, West/Central Africa, etc.).Ability to present and negotiate in French-speaking environments.Candidates who speak all three languages will be prioritised.5. Presentation, Communication & Leadership StyleMust demonstrate:Exceptional public speaking and presentation capabilityAbility to simplify complex technical topics for senior leadershipFirm, decisive leadership with the ability to impose structure and disciplineStrategic communication under pressure, during escalations, and with political sensitivityProven record of influencing decision-makers and securing approvalsPreferred AttributesStrong financial management: budgets, burn rates, forecasting, and ROI reporting.Ability to travel internationally for extended engagements.Resilience, maturity, cultural awareness, and strong ethical conduct.Why This Role MattersYou will be leading thelargest and most sensitive digital programswith national-level impact.This role requires someone withuncompromising delivery standards, technical authority, and multilingual executive capability—a leader who can manage complex, politically sensitive programs valued aboveUSD 20 millionwith confidence and precision.Why Join UsCareer Growth and Skill DevelopmentExposure to Cutting-Edge TechnologiesCompetitive compensation, professional growth, and a collaborative, multicultural and innovative environmentContribution to Digital Transformation Ready to take part in shaping the future ofAI and IT innovationin the GCC?We're looking forpassionate professionalsto join our growing team. Send your CV toand be part of the region's digital transformation.#HringNow #ITJobs #TechJobs #InformationTechnology #TechnologyCareers #seniorprojectmanager #projectmanagement #ITProfessionals #AI #GCCJobs #DubaiJobs #AbudhabiJobs #TechTalent #NowHiringTech #TechCareers #Innovation #TechIUAE #ITCareer #UAEJobs #DalilTech