Summary
The Pearl Initiative (PI) is looking for a dynamic Programme Associate to join its growing team and fast-paced environment. As part of the Programmes team, the Programme Associate will assist in delivering corporate governance programmes focused on Philanthropy within the business ecosystem across the Gulf region. The role sits within the Programmes department of the Pearl Initiative and directly reports to the Programme Manager.
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 themes, 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 over the next few years resulting in PI Vision 2025.
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 best practices in the workforce. PI also runs workshops and training to support business professionals as they take the lead in implementing corporate governance, accountability, and transparency practices in their organisations.
With over 40 regional and international partners, PI brings together business, policy and social sector decision-makers to share best practices and help maximise sustainable and inclusive growth across the Gulf region. PI also supports Gulf-based university students to 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
The Programme Associate will provide programmatic and administrative support to the programmes team.
The Programme Associate will report to the Programme Manager and is also expected to contribute to PI’s overall program development and contribute to and/or manage special projects outside the programme-specific scope of their responsibilities as needed. The Programme Associate will also collaborate with the remaining Programme team and together, work as a team to ensure the achievement of the programmatic objectives of Pearl Initiative.
The Programme Associate will provide support in execution of projects and programmes, support the planning, implementation and management of the PI programmes.
The Programme Associate should have the ability to professionally engage and work with key PI stakeholders in various settings, including corporate business leaders, peer organisations, and other key stakeholders across the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, UAE).
By joining PI at this stage, the Programme Associate 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
Specific responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Programmatic and Organisational Responsibilities:
- Support in managing programs/projects and partnerships in accordance with PI’s annual work plan and project requirements.
- Coordinate and organize program-related meetings and discussions and take notes during meetings, draft correspondence and pointers before and after meetings
- Provide support in key areas including report writing, compliance with grant requirements, communications, and proposal development, among others.
- Administrative and logistical support to conduct meetings, conferences, workshops and training programs.
- Draft and edit programmatic reports and updates for corporate partners and funders as required by agreements or otherwise
- Develop PowerPoint slides (as needed) and other meeting prep materials
- Update programme related documents , manage and update PI’s database of partners, companies and other stakeholders
- Maintain filing system ensuring safekeeping of project and administrative documents.
- Contribute to organisational level tasks such as conferences, larger forum, proposals, letters etc.
Research & Proposal Writing:
- Perform research on foundations, corporate donors and any other potential sources of funding in order to evaluate potential funding opportunities to support programmes
- Contribute to proposal research, development and writing for foundations and corporate donors.
- Perform targeted research on country sectors, development initiatives and statistics to strengthen grant proposals.
- Collaborate with the Program Team and Manager of Communications and Partnerships to provide stewardship to current donors by providing regular written updates, success stories and photos.
Essential Professional Experience/Skills & Qualifications
- University degree required
- 3+ years of experience in progressively responsible administrative or programme experience related initiatives in the private sector, small businesses and entrepreneurial environments in the Gulf region.
- Knowledge of corporate governance trends across the Gulf and the ability to identify new opportunities.
- Excellent writing skills and a proven ability to write in draft proposals, reports, research results or other organisational documents with minimal supervision.
- Arabic language skills preferred
- Outstanding project management skills;
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to be flexible, well organized, and work effectively on a team
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 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 Associate” in the subject line.