Fundamental and Applied Funding Manager

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?

This role is critical to enabling the flow of funding that connects fundamental research with applied innovation. It underpins operational excellence and strengthens Dubai's ecosystem of research and development, supporting its ambition to be a future-forward innovation hub.

Fundamental and Applied Funding Manager

As the Fundamental and Applied Funding Manager, you will administer grants and funding initiatives that support both fundamental and applied research applications. The Manager will coordinate proposal reviews, manage award processes, and ensure funded projects align with Dubai RDI priorities.

Your Responsibilities

• You will plan and execute open calls, establishing clear eligibility rules, evaluation criteria, and transparent communication to applicants

• You will coordinate peer-review panels or expert committees, ensuring assessment and adherence to procedural guidelines

• You will manage end-to-end grant award processes, including budget disbursements, contract arrangements, milestone tracking, and compliance reporting

• You will collaborate with researchers to clarify application requirements and facilitate smooth grant administration

• You will monitor project progress and outcomes, collecting data to assess impact and inform future funding cycles

• You will prepare grant status reports, impact assessments, and presentations on funding activities, outcomes, and trends for leadership review

• You will ensure compliance with internal policies, relevant regulations, and ethical standards, conducting risk and conflict-of-interest checks, and maintaining clear documentation and audit-ready records

Why this role is important?

This role is key to ensuring fair, transparent, and effective grant management processes that empower researchers, maximize impact, and strengthen Dubai's position as a global leader in research and innovation.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world. 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?

• You will have 7+ years of experience in research funding, grant administration, or a related field, ideally in RDI

• You will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Science, Engineering, Business, Public Policy, etc.)

• You will have familiarity with the full grant lifecycle, from initial call announcements to final project evaluations

• You will have strong organizational and communication skills, capable of coordinating multiple funding processes

• You will have knowledge of both fundamental research and applied research frameworks, including their respective timeline and milestone expectations

• You will have experience using data to evaluate project performance, recommend improvements, and align funding with strategic goals

• You will have proven attention to detail, with a track record of maintaining accurate records and managing complex documentation

• Proficiency in Arabic is a Plus