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

Programme Manager (Diversity in Business Leadership)

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic Programmes Manager (Governance in MSMEs) to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Governance in MSMEs programme, 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 Diversity in Business Leadership Programme aims to highlight the importance of managing diversity in the workplace and raise awareness of how D&I are pillars of effective corporate governance. The Diversity in Business Leadership rogramme focuses on making the business case for greater diversity at senior levels, as well as delivering insights on practical ways in which companies can incorporate more diverse representation in senior management and board positions, in both age and gender.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Technical Knowledge on Diversity in Business Leadership Programme :

Build subject matter expertise and contribute to business development and, technical practice, and organisational priorities;
Build on the programme’s legacy work and continue to inform the companies on the significance of embedding diversity and inclusion frameworks for successful business growth and long-term resiliency.

Programme Management:

Lead the day-to-day development and delivery of programme plans for the Diversity in Business Leadership Programme, 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 the programme.
Proactively identifies issues or potential risks, including project performance, financial, and legal and develop strategies and solutions to address those risks, communicating, when appropriate, with the Head of Programmes and/or the Head of Business Services; strategically assesses and consults with colleagues to help make informed decisions.
Oversee the programme contracts and budgets for the Diversity in Business Leadership Programme, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Business Services.
Build and manage relationships with leaders in the private sector and their teams to facilitate discussions understand current trends, opportunities and challenges.
Engage with government representatives, students and other stakeholders across the Gulf region.
May be required to contribute time to other workstreams and functions to achieve organisational goals,

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;
Prospect new partners and funders for the Diversity in Business Leadership programme, develop proposals as needed
Responsible for developing proposals, concept notes, and communication materials on the impact of the Diversity in Business Leadership programme.

Knowledge Creation

Write articles, thought leadership pieces and progress summaries for 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 (e.g. associates, program managers, and others) as appropriate on a range of topics, including business development, technical work, and project management;
Demonstrate inclusive behaviors and leadership qualities consistent with the 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 in private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments in the Gulf region. A strong understanding of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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 English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Senior Communications Associate

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic, bilingual (English and Arabic) Senior Communications Associate to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Communications team, the Senior Communications Associate will help grow awareness of PI’s mission and exponentially increase its brand awareness across the Gulf Region.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Plan and Execution

Lead the development and execution of the communications plan in collaboration with the Executive Director and Head of Programmes.
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 relationships with all vendors in supporting PI’s communications including (where relevant) the PR agency and media partners.
Manage PI’s relationship with the media, including building a good relationship with the editors of various media offices across the Gulf Region.

Stakeholder Communications and Content Development

Develop and publish newsletters, annual reports, programme reporting and fact sheets on PI’s programmes.
Develop a minimum of two press releases per month.
Generate a variety of online and offline content related to programmes through interviews, guest articles, expert views and profiles.
Liaise with external press agencies to ensure that no press opportunities are missed out.
Report communications activity on a monthly basis ensuring key targets are met.

Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications

Ability to draft content in a clear, structured and compelling manner
Demonstrable copywriting skills across a variety of media
Excellent proofreading skills in English and Arabic
Minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in a communications or marketing role in the Gulf Region
Awareness of topics related to corporate governance, transparency and responsible business practices in the Gulf Region
Can complete simultaneous tasks in a high-pressure environment – to deadline and budget
Active experience in using software such as Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe and Google Analytics
Ability to learn and adapt, including shifting priorities and timelines.

Programme Manager (Governance in MSMEs)

Summary

As per PI’s Vision 2025, The Governance in MSMEs Programme aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the Gulf region by providing a MSME-appropriate approach to corporate governance that is robust and simple to adopt. The Governance in MSMEs programme is focused on empowering the MSME community to be as competitive and resilient as possible through the introduction of cost-effective and practical corporate governance capabilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Technical Knowledge on Governance in MSMEs Programme :

Build subject matter expertise and contributes to business development and, technical practice, and organisational priorities;
Build on the programme’s legacy work and continue to inform the companies 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 MSMEs Programme, 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 the programme.
Proactively identifies issues or potential risks, including project performance, financial, and legal, and other core business areas. Develops strategies and solutions to address those risks, communicating, when appropriate, with the Head of Programmes and/or the Head of Business Services; strategically assesses and consults with colleagues to help make informed decisions.
Manage relationships with leaders in the private sector and their teams to understand current trends, opportunities and challenges.
Build networks of participants and companies from the private sector to take the lead on the conversation around business ethics.
Oversee the programme contract and budgets for the Governance in MSMEs Programme, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Business Services.
Engage with business leaders, government representatives and students across the Gulf region.
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 efforts for the Governance in MSMEs programme, 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 MSMEs programme.

Knowledge Creation

Write articles, thought leadership pieces and progress summaries for 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, program 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 the 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 private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments in the Gulf region. Work with investors in due diligence and risk compliance and/or with startups 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 English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Programme Manager (Governance in Tech)

Summary

The Pearl Initiative is looking for a dynamic Programmes Manager (Governance in Tech) to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Governance in Tech programme, the Programme Manager will lead the design and delivery of corporate governance programmes across the Gulf Region’s business ecosystem.

As per PI’s Vision 2025, 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.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Application of Technical Knowledge on Governance in Technology:

Proactively engage in technical practice and subject matter expertise on the specific topics and areas of focus within Governance in Tech, sharing information and best practices learned as part of PI’s impact reporting;
Build subject matter expertise and contribute to business development and, technical practice, and organisational priorities;
Build on the programme’s legacy work and continue to inform tech companies 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 Tech Programme, 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, and legal, and other core business areas. Develops strategies and solutions to address those risks, communicating, when appropriate, with the Head of Programmes and/or the Head of Business Services; strategically assess and consult with colleagues to help make informed decisions.
Manage relationships with leaders in tech companies and their teams to understand current trends, opportunities and challenges.
Build networks of participants and companies from the tech sector to take the lead on the conversation around business ethics.
Engage with actors who manage and retain data as a function of the technology they use around data privacy, cyber-security and data safeguarding and promote general governance on the use of technology.
Oversee the programme contract and budgets for the Governance in Tech Programme, 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 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 efforts for the Governance in Tech programme, 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 Tech programme.

Knowledge Creation

Write articles, thought leadership pieces and progress summaries for 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, program 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 the PI’s values and leadership competencies.

Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications

A University degree / Master’s degree preferred;
Five or more years’ experience working with tech companies, tech startups in an advisory, operational or governance role.
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 English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms)

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic Programme Manager (Family Firms) to join its growing team in a fast-paced environment. As part of the Governance in Family Firm programme, the Programme Manager will lead the design and delivery of this corporate governance programme within the family 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. In addition, the programme will help establish a community of next-gen family members to better understand their values, needs and interests.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Application of Technical Knowledge in Family Firms 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 programme, 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 their teams 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 governance;
Oversee the programme contract and budgets for the Governance in Family Firms programme, 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 efforts for the Governance in Family Firms programme, 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 programme.

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 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 English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Programme Manager (Anti-Corruption Best Practices)

Summary

The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic Programmes Manager (Anti-Corruption Best Practices) to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Anti Corruption Best Practices Programme, 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 Anti-Corruption Best Practices Programme will aim to raise awareness on the business case for corporate integrity and transparency, facilitate the creation of an action-oriented regional Integrity Taskforce and engage future business leaders through targeted interventions to promote business ethics.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Development & Technical Knowledge on Anti-Corruption Best Practices Programme:

Proactively engages in technical practice and subject matter expertise on the specific topics and areas of focus within anti-corruption, integrity, extortion and bribery, etc., sharing information and best practices learned as part of PI’s impact reporting;
Build subject matter expertise and contributes to business development and, technical practice, and organisational priorities;
Build on the programme’s legacy work and continue to inform the companies 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 Anti-Corruption Best Practices Programme, 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 identifies issues or potential risks, including project performance, financial, and legal, and other core business areas. Develops strategies and solutions to address those risks, communicating, when appropriate, with the Head of Programmes and/or the Head of Business Services; strategically assesses and consults with colleagues to help make informed decisions.
Manage relationships with leaders in the private sector and their teams to understand current trends, opportunities and challenges.
Build networks of participants and companies from the private sector to take the lead on the conversation around business ethics.
Oversee the programme contract and budgets for the Anti-Corruption Best Practices Programme, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Business Services.
Engage with business leaders, government representatives and students across the Gulf Region and build a local community that is developing and sharing anti-corruption and integrity practices.
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 efforts for the Anti-Corruption Best Practices programme, 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 Anti-Corruption Best Practices programme.

Knowledge Creation

Write articles, thought leadership pieces and progress summaries for 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, program 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 the PI’s values and leadership competencies.

Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications

A University degree / Master’s degree preferred;
Five or more years’ experience in anti-corruption related initiatives in private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments in the Gulf Region. Experience in compliance and anti-corruption and integrity related work or trainings required.
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 English.
Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and preferred experience in managing training programmes in Arabic;
Outstanding project management skills;
Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

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?

Programme Manager (Diversity in Business Leadership)

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Communications Associate

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Manager (Governance in MSMEs)

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Manager (Governance in Tech)

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Manager (Governance in Family Firms)

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Manager (Anti-Corruption Best Practices)

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Country Manager, Saudi Arabia

Summary

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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