Program Officer

Department Programs

Location Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Hedayah is the leading international organization dedicated to utilizing its expertise and experience to counter violent extremism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations. Established in 2012, Hedayah was founded in response to the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and the wider international community’s call for an independent, neutral, and multilateral center focused on dialogue, communication, capacity-building programs, research, and analysis. As a leader in the counter extremism community, Hedayah enhances understanding and shares best practices to effectively build the capacity of counter extremism actors worldwide, promoting tolerance, stability, and security.

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 Officer 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.

To apply, send a short cover letter and CV to hr@hedayah.ae – adding “Program Officer” in the subject line.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Program Manager in expanding, designing and executing international programs within the Programs Department;
Lead on the development, management and implementation of specific programs/projects, from the creation of work-plans to implementation and finalization of activities, including the management of tasks for Hedayah staff, consultants and interns, within the program/project, in coordination with the Program Manager;
Contribute and report directly to the Program Manager on effective execution of daily activities within the Department, including activities led by other team members;
Draft forecast budgets in coordination with the Finance Department, monitor expenses, and lead on the logistical process of programs’ activities;
Work with the team to develop, implement and report on programs;
Develop and review the design of programs to include content development (power point presentations, facilitator notes and other related documents), in coordination with the Program Manager;
Develop and refine tools and resources, conduct desk research, and author publications to enhance the visibility and impact of program outcomes;
Liaise and communicate with key partners on specific aspects of capacity building programs’ activities and initiatives, under the leadership of the Program Manager;
Maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with stakeholders around the world involved in CE/CVE programs and engage them in Hedayah’s activities, in coordination with the Program Manager;
Create and refine grant proposals for programs and project initiatives;
Support the management and supervise the reporting, deliverables and deadlines of consultants and interns, in coordination with the Program Manager.

Key Interactions

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.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

An advanced level university degree (Master’s Degree or academic equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Terrorism Studies or related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, capacity building, or related field;
At least two (2) years of working experience on issues related to countering violent extremism is desirable;
Ability in managing logistical processes for projects, drafting and revising budgets, preparing contracts and invoices and monitoring payments is required;
Experience of working in an international setting, preferably in or with government entities or international organizations is desirable.

Skills and Competencies

Ability to lead on activities/projects is required;
Ability to develop content and deliver capacity building programs in a variety of culturally diverse contexts is required;
Experience on content/curricula development and conducting research is required;
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including governments, policy makers, community leaders and actors, NGOs, practitioners and experts is required;
Ability to work independently as well as within a team is required;
Ability to manage internal and external relationships with diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and discretion is required;
Ability to meet deadlines on a variety of diverse activities in a fast-paced environment is required;
Result orientation;
Building relationships;
Cultural intelligence;
Planning and organizing;
Problem solving;
Strategic Orientation.Decision Making;
Excellent command of written and oral English;
Proficiency in a second language is a plus.

Special Considerations

The position is full-time, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
The candidate will be required to travel internationally.