Program Associate

The Programs Department conducts collaborative and contextualized training and develops practical tools to enhance the capacities of government and non-government partners. This department aids in designing and implementing effective CVE policies, programs, and projects. These initiatives include Preventing Violent Extremism Through Education, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Violent Extremist Offenders, National Action Plans to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism, Supporting Families in CVE, and Community Oriented Policing, among others.

The Program Associate supports the Program Manager in expanding, designing, and executing international programs within the Programs Department. This role leads the development, management, and implementation of specific programs/projects, including managing tasks for staff, consultants, and interns. The Program Officer is responsible for developing program content, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and building strategic relationships with stakeholders. Additionally, the Program Officer supports the achievement of Hedayah’s wider strategic objectives.

• Work closely with the Program Manager to support the planning, coordination and delivery of program activities, contributing to the continued growth and development of the Programs Department. 

• Assist in the day-to-day execution of departmental tasks and ensure timely and effective communication and coordination across the wider team. 

• Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of work-plans, concept notes, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and reports, under the guidance of the Program Manager. 

• Draft forecast budgets in coordination with the Finance Department and assist in tracking and monitoring expenditures. 

• Support the administrative and logistical processes of programs’ activities, including preparing contracts, invoices, and internal forms, and ensuring the timely follow-up of payments. 

• Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting of programs in coordination with the Program Manager and relevant departments. 

• Take minutes during meetings and conferences and produce accurate and comprehensive records for internal use. 

• Contribute to the drafting and review of program materials, including content and curricula such as PowerPoint presentations, facilitator notes and related documentation. 

• Support the organization and delivery of training and capacity building activities, including preparation, facilitation, and post-activity follow-up. 

• Conduct desk research and contribute to reports or publications relevant to program activities. 

• Assist with the coordination and oversight of interns within the Department, including task management and end-of-term evaluations. 

• Contribute to stakeholder mapping exercises to support the Department’s strategic engagement and partnerships. 

• Support Hedayah’s cross-departmental activities and strategic objectives, including representation at external events, contribution to communications materials, and support in the preparation of strategic and corporate documents when required. 

Internal 

• All departments  

External  

• Governments  

• Consultants 

• Local, regional and international organisations 

• Policymakers, practitioners and experts  

• Community leaders, community actors, and civil society organizations 

• Private Sector. 

Education: 

• An advanced level university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Terrorism Studies or related field. 

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in project or program management, capacity building, or related field. 

• Knowledge of issues related to countering violent extremism is desirable. 

• Ability in managing logistics, monitoring budgets, preparing contracts and invoices and monitoring payments is required. 

• Experience of working in an international setting is desirable. 

Languages: 

• At Hedayah, we work globally, delivering programs across diverse regions and contexts. Our programs span multiple countries and cultural settings, requiring adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. While English is our working language, proficiency in Arabic, Russian, French, will be considered a strong advantage, reflecting our current portfolio of projects and operational priorities. 

Core Competencies 

• Strategic Orientation. 

• Achieve Results, including excellent planning, organization, and time management skills. 

• Productive Relationships internally and externally, with strong teamwork and collaboration skills, and high cultural intelligence and sensitivity. 

• Accountability, drive and integrity: We are looking for colleagues who are persistent in achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances, and who are committed to learning.  

• High impact communications skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas simply and in ways that resonate with different audiences.  

Technical and Functional Skills 

• Ability to take accurate and comprehensive minutes and summaries of high-level conferences and meetings is required. 

• Ability to assist in the development of program content and contribute to the delivery of activities is desirable. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including government counterparts, policymakers, NGOs, practitioners, and community leaders is required. 

• Ability to manage administrative and logistical processes, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail, is required. 

• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively, problem-solve and remain composed under pressure is required. 

• Excellent command of written and spoken English is required; proficiency in Arabic or another second language (e.g. French, Russian) is an asset. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required

• This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While our strong preference is for the role to be UAE-based, we may consider remote or hybrid arrangements for exceptional candidates.  However, this will be balanced against our delivery priorities, taking into account the spread of projects and programs, including those in Iraq, Morocco, Tajikistan, Tunisia, or Uzbekistan. 

• The candidate will be required to travel internationally.