Careers

Join the Pearl Initiative Team

The Pearl Initiative aims to promote a corporate culture of accountability and transparency as a key driver of competitiveness. We are the leading independent, non-profit organisation working to improve corporate governance and integrity in the Gulf Region. Our offices are based in Sharjah, UAE.

Ideal candidates will bring:

A demonstrated passion for the Pearl Initiative’s mission
GCC experience
Strong communication and research skills
Work well in the Pearl Initiative’s culture
Be a collaborative team player who works proactively

Student Engagement Associate

About the Pearl Initiative:

The Pearl Initiative is the Gulf region’s leading independent, non-profit organisation working to improve corporate accountability and transparency across the private sector, family firms, MSMEs, and philanthropic/non-profit organisations in the Gulf region. We were established 10 years ago by regional business leaders and the UN Office for Partnerships. More recently, we are one of the few organisations in the Gulf region to receive special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

The Pearl Initiative 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 best practices in the workforce. We also run workshops and trainings to support business professionals as they take the lead in implementing corporate governance, accountability and transparency practices in their organisations. Over 40 regional and international partners, the Pearl Initiative brings together business, policy and social sector decision-makers to share best practice and help maximize sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. The Pearl Initiative also supports Gulf-based university students to identify and embrace strong ethics and integrity as they embark on their future careers.

Current programmes run by the Pearl Initiative include Anti-Corruption Best Practices, Diversity in Business Leadership, Governance in MSMEs, Governance in Family Firms, The Business Pledge, and Governance in Philanthropy. For more information, please visit www.pearlinitiative.org and check out our Social Media Channels on @PearlInitiative on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter and @ThePearlInitiative on LinkedIn

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Pearl Initiative is looking for a dynamic Student Engagement Associate to deliver student engagement activities of the Pearl Initiative’s programmes, manage Pearl Initiative’s Student Advisory Board, and integrate student engagement activities across Pearl Initiative’s programmes across the Gulf region.

The Pearl Initiative is the Gulf region’s leading independent, non-profit organisation working to improve corporate accountability and transparency across the private sector, family firms, MSMEs, and philanthropic/non-profit organisations in the Gulf region. The Pearl Initiative engages with over 40 universities in the Gulf region and internationally and has engaged with over 8,000 university students across the GCC. The organisation was established 10 years ago by regional business leaders and the UN Office for Partnerships and in 2020, the organisation underwent a strategic refresh resulting in PI Vision 2025.

In 2021, the organisation has launched its updated strategy PI Vision 2025 with bold ambitions for expansion over the next five years. By joining the Pearl Initiative at this stage, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference and help build the capacity of future business leaders in the Gulf region.

Main Responsibilities:

Manage the development, planning, and delivery of student engagement activities.
Build and grow the organisation’s networks within the Academia and other relevant stakeholders.
Manage the Pearl Initiative Student Advisory Board and appoint new members as required.
Reach out to universities and students to engage with the Pearl Initiative and actively participate in the Pearl Initiative programmes.
Develop required materials such as concept papers, agreements, workplans, marketing resources, and internal and external progress updates.
Plan and review student case study competitions and develop student case study reports based on the submissions.
Design, plan and measure baseline, progress update, programme performance, impact assessment and KPIs for student and university engagement.
Responsible for achieving relevant programme deliverables based on KPIS and deliverables for engagement with universities and students based KPIs.
Help develop the content, design, speaker preparation and session outcome reports for all events engaging students and universities including student lectures, workshops and award ceremonies.
Create and maintain a database on Salesforce of academia networks and communities within the Gulf Region for the Pearl Initiative; ensuring that the database is continually expanded and updated.
Work closely with Programmes team and act as the main point of contact for all the programme’s university engagement activities.
Support of other PI programmes and organisational level activities when required.
Measure impact and develop future strategic plans for all student and university engagement initiatives.
Engage with university professors as knowledge partners to support the Pearl Initiative including content creation for blog posts, press pieces, events and publications

Personal Attributes

Excellent networking, communications, presentation and community building skills
Highly organised, able to work independently, and thrives under pressure of deadlines
Excellent communication, networking, public speaking and presentation skills in English and Arabic
Understanding of business practices in the Gulf region.
Highly organised, able to work independently, and thrives under pressure of deadlines
Self-driven, motivated, resourceful, ability to anticipate and solve problems, persuasive and flexible in approach to work

Essential experience

Fluent in English, including perfect ability to write content in clear, structured and compelling English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic.
At least 3 to 5 years of experience managing university programmes, CSR programmes and/or corporate governance programmes in the private sector, academia, or entrepreneurial environments.
Advanced large-scale collaborative programme management skills
Business-focused research, data collection and analysis skills
A University degree

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@pearlinitiative.org with “Student Engagement Associate” in the subject line.

Communications & Events Manager

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for an experienced, bilingual (English and Arabic) Communications and Events Manager to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Communications team, the Communications and Events Manager will partner with the CEO to develop a robust communications strategy and help grow awareness of PI’s mission and exponentially increase its brand awareness across the Gulf Region. The Communications and Events Manager will also oversee and provide creative input regarding PI’s marketing and promotional materials including website content, publications, newsletters, fact sheets, press releases, social media, external communications, and PI branding.

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 www.pearlinitiative.org and follow / subscribe to PI’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels by using the following handle @PearlInitiative.

Who PI is looking for

We are seeking a motivated Communications Associate who has the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of audiences using both conventional and digital media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. By utilising creative storytelling and strategic planning, the Communications Associate will facilitate the promotion of PI and establish relationships with different stakeholders in the media industry and private sector.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute communication strategies to strengthen and promote PI’s brand and position PI as a thought leader in corporate governance.
Develop new initiatives to drive PR exposure and ensure that PI has a consistent media presence on key messaging to influence business behaviour in the Gulf Region.
Manage PI’s marketing and promotional materials, including website content, social media, publications, and external communications, to ensure a cohesive brand identity.
Manage relationships with all vendors supporting PI’s communications, including the PR agency and media partners.
Manage PI’s relationship with the media, including building good relationships with editors of various media outlets across the Gulf Region and internationally.
Define key performance indicators for each communications channel that indicate a campaign’s level of success and report communications activity on a monthly basis to ensure key targets are met.
Lead event planning and logistics, including budgeting, results analysis, and vendor contract negotiation, and ensure that all administrative and logistics tasks are carried out when required.
Liaise with the programmes team to ensure that the relevant corporate and strategic partners, and target audience are invited and engaged in all relevant events and gain value.

Essential Professional Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field.
Minimum of 8 years’ experience in communications, marketing, or public relations with at least 5 years in the Gulf region.
Superior written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful communications strategies and campaigns.
Proven track record in designing and executing creative events.
Experience managing relationships with vendors, media, and partners.
Experience with social media, websites, creating audio and visual content and other digital tools as well as using software such as Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe and Google Analytics.

Personal Attributes

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

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.
Creative: We need someone who can bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to the table. As a creative thinker, you will be able to develop engaging communication strategies and innovative event concepts that align with our objectives.
Strategic: We need someone who can think strategically and develop communication plans and event concepts that support our business goals. You will analyse data, identify trends, and develop strategies to effectively reach our target audiences.
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.
Experienced: We need someone who has a proven track record of success in creating and executing impactful communication and event strategies.
Organised: Being organised and having strong time-management skills will be critical to success in this role.
Detail-oriented: As the Communications and Events Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that all communication materials and events are executed with the highest level of quality and attention to detail.
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 careers@pearlinitiative.org with “Communications and Events Manager” in the subject line.

Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms & Tech)

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms & Tech) to join its growing team in a fast-paced environment. As part of the Governance in Family Firms & Tech programmes, the Programme Manager will lead the design and delivery of this corporate governance programme within the business ecosystem across the Gulf region.

As per PI’s Vision 2025, the Governance in Family Firms programme aims to provide the next-generation the family members with the resources and tools and equip family businesses with the understanding of why effective and timely succession planning is imperative for business growth and continuity.

The Governance in Tech Programme will aim to work with tech startups and tech companies to build the governance and sustainability of tech-based organisations in the Gulf Region.

About Governance in Family Firms & Governance in Tech programme

The Governance in Family Firms programme aims to strengthen the overall ecosystem in which regional family businesses operate by providing opportunities through Applied Research, Convenings, Training and Capacity-building, and Student Engagement.

Over the course of the programme, PI has been working with family business members and their advisors to promote family business growth and sustainability. PI has engaged over 300 professionals in 15 roundtables, workshops and executive education courses and provided them with training and practical tools to improve family business governance.

The Governance in Tech programme plans to address both, corporate governance within tech companies, as well as general governance on the use of technology across all companies. PI will engage with potential funders to align with the vision when making the business case for better governance in tech companies.

Following the launch of the programme, a steady stream of resources, and webinars will be developed to enhance the knowledge of corporate governance in tech firms.

Who PI is looking for

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in family governance, next-generation, leadership development and succession planning.. The candidate should also have a sense of strategic planning for the family business ecosystem. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in topics around technology and innovation with a particular focus on tech governance. The candidate should have an understanding of governance policies and best practice tools to help promote greater accountability and transparency of tech firms/tech startups in the Gulf Region.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for taking the strategy and key objectives of the Family Firms Programme and implementing them across PI’s 4 key activity pillars: Applied Research, Convenings, Training and Capacity-building, and Student Engagement. The Programme Manager will support and educate actors within the business ecosystem on the value of implementing good governance practices. This includes developing and executing regular trainings and workshops for senior managers and advisors working with family and tech businesses across the Gulf Region.

The Programme Manager should have the ability to professionally engage and work with key PI stakeholders in various settings, including corporate business leaders, peer organisations, and other stakeholders across the Gulf Region (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, UAE).

As a member of the programmes’ team, the Programme Manager will report to the Head of Programmes and is also expected to contribute to PI’s overall programme development and contribute to and manage special projects outside the programme-specific scope of their responsibilities as needed. The Programmes Manager will also supervise a Programmes Associate and, together, work as a team to ensure the achievement of programmes objectives.

By joining PI at this stage, the Programme Manager will have a unique opportunity to make a real difference and take part in a game changing private sector led effort with a mission to advance corporate governance in the Gulf Region.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Application of Technical Knowledge in Family Firms & Tech Governance

Proactively engage in technical practice and subject matter expertise on the specific topics and areas of focus such as establishing a family office, effective succession planning and increased understanding of the “next-generation” role in family governance to ensure the sustainability of the businesses, sharing information and best practices learned as part of PI’s impact reporting;
Build subject matter expertise and contribute to business development, technical practice, and organisational priorities;
Build on the programme’s legacy work and inform the family firms community on the significance of embedding corporate governance frameworks for successful business growth and long-term resiliency.

Programme Management

Lead the day-to-day development and delivery of programme plans for the Governance in Family Firms & Tech programmes, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and with the support of the Programme Associate(s). This includes everything from the design stage all the way through to the execution of an intervention programme;
Proactively identify issues or potential risks, including project performance, financial, legal, and other core business areas. Develop strategies and solutions to address those risks, communicating, when appropriate, with the Head of Programmes and the Head of Business Services; strategically assess and consult with colleagues to help make informed decisions;
Manage relationships with leaders in family firms and tech companies to understand current trends, opportunities and challenges. Engage with the leaders to help strengthen the long-term success and sustainability of regional family businesses;
Build networks of participants from the private sector, civil society, academia, international institutions and semi-government bodies to take the lead on the conversation around family firms & tech governance;
Oversee the programme contract and budgets for the Governance in Family Firms & Tech programmes, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Business Services;
May be required to contribute time to other workstreams and functions to achieve organisational goals, including new business, operations, and technical practice contributions and impact measurement.

New Business Development

Promote PI’s programmes by identifying opportunities for and attending external events, networking with clients and counterparts, articulating a solid understanding of PI’s past and present portfolio; effectively represent the organisation’s history, values, and standards; and identify and develop new business leads;
Take initiative to support new business including growing PI’s network of industry contacts and leading on proposal and concept note development;
Responsible for developing proposals, concept notes, and communication materials on the impact of the Governance in Family Firms &Tech programmes.

Knowledge Creation

Write articles, thought leadership pieces and progress summaries for PI publications and other
external resources where applicable, in partnership with the Communications Manager;
Summarise and disseminate the latest thinking and analysis from around the Gulf Region in the areas of transparency, accountability and business practices;
Generate a wide variety of new online and offline content related to programme topic areas.

Management and Leadership

Supervise, mentor, train, develop, and evaluate assigned staff; provide regular performance feedback to supervisees and the time and opportunity to grow professionally;
Mentor and advise staff across the organisation (e.g. associates, programme managers, and others) as appropriate on a range of topics, including business development, technical work, and project management;
Demonstrate inclusive behaviors and leadership consistent with PI’s values and leadership competencies.

Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications

A University degree / Master’s degree preferred;
Five or more years experience in corporate governance programmes in the private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments within the Gulf region. Experience working with family firms and Tech companies is highly desired;
Excellent writing skills and a proven ability to draft proposals, reports, research results or other organisational documents with minimal supervision;
Fluent in English, including perfect ability to write content in clear, structured and compelling manner;
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Personal Attributes

High energy individual who demonstrates flexibility in work priorities, capable of multi-tasking and operating efficiently and effectively across multiple areas of responsibility;
Proven ability to set priorities, work independently, be proactive, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines;
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and has a do what it takes mentality in order to achieve the PI’s objectives;
Demonstrated capacity to exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making in the midst of diverse and complex organisational environments;
Strong team orientation, relationship-building and negotiation skills, and ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people;
Highly organised, able to work independently, and thrives under the pressure of deadlines.
Excellent networking, communications, presentation, persuading and community building skills;
Business-focused research, data collection and analytical skills.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@pearlinitiative.org with “Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms & Tech)” in the subject line.

Country Manager, Saudi Arabia

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic, bilingual (English and Arabic) Country Manager to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. The Country Manager will establish a formal presence of PI in Saudi Arabia, grow awareness of PI’s mission, and build relationships with key corporate partners and lead business development in Saudi Arabia.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Business Development

The position is responsible for ensure PI’s business development objectives are met in Saudi Arabia
Develop, track and update Saudi Arabia’s Country Plan in line with PI’s Theory of Change and Vision 2025
Keep close follow up on trends and shifts in Saudi Arabia, in relation to PI’s mandate and ensure the team is informed of such changes and any opportunities that are unfolding from them
Research and identify business development opportunities that align with PI’s primary impact theme of corporate governance and related sub-impact areas
Work with the ED to prepare pitch materials and/or writing grant applications to various donors
Build key relationships and partnerships with major philanthropic/other donors/ corporate organisations etc. for programmatic funding of PI’s key impact themes
Prepare and deliver business development presentations, either in support of the ED or alone
Develop new business: develop winning proposals; build on PI’s relationships with key local and international donors and partners
Manage and collating data, of donor profiles
Assist the ED with raising awareness and building the profile of PI’s work, and
Work with the Comms & Events function to develop and organising campaigns, and events etc.

Community Management

Develop a network of functional relationships with companies and key organisations across Saudi Arabia in line with PI’s country plan for Saudi Arabic
Develop and execute an action plan and monthly progress report for engagement and communications with constituent organisations in Saudi Arabia, and especially partner companies and knowledge partners
Liaise with the media, public, local government and its agencies, as well as other NFP’s to ensure PI’s image is preserved and enhanced

Programme Management

Identify, negotiate, reach agreement and work with programme partner organisations required in areas such as data collection and management, training delivery and executive education
Work closely with the events team to develop the content, design, development, speaker preparation and session outcome reports for roundtable, flagship forum and training events in Saudi Arabia

Partnership Management

Develop and manage the criteria, target list and action plan to reach out, track and follow up on potential partner companies and programme funders and event sponsors
Generate corporate funding contributions in Saudi Arabia, through bringing new Partner Companies on board
Generate funding for events and programmes;
As required, represent PI at conferences and meetings in Saudi Arabia

Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications

In line with Saudi Arabia’s national plans, a Saudi National would be preferred for this role
A University degree / Master’s degree preferred;
Five or more years experience in the private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments within Saudi Arabic [exposure to Gulf Region is preferred]. Experience working with business development is highly desired
Excellent writing skills and a proven ability to draft proposals, reports, research results or other organisational documents with minimal supervision
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic
Fluent in English, including perfect ability to write content in clear, structured and compelling manner.
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Careers

What we offer?

Student Engagement Associate

About the Pearl Initiative:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

Personal Attributes

Essential experience

How to Apply

Communications & Events Manager

Summary

About the Pearl Initiative

Who PI is looking for

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Professional Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Personal Attributes

How to Apply

Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms & Tech)

Summary

About Governance in Family Firms & Governance in Tech programme

Who PI is looking for

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Country Manager, Saudi Arabia

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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