Manager - Strategy

Directly reports to: Head - Risk & Impact

Location: Dubai, Hybrid Model

Direct reports: Project Managers

Type of contract: Full time

Joining Date: Q1 2025

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental non-governmental charity, established in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations.

Some of our flagship projects include marine conservation initiatives, wildlife conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, and sustainable development initiatives.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities to our stakeholders within the UAE.

As a Manager - Strategy at Emirates Nature-WWF, you will drive growth and success by collaborating closely with all units to develop and execute strategic initiatives that align with the organization's goals. This role involves providing insight and reporting on the organization's external environment and operational horizon.

• Support the development and implement strategic plans aligned with the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities.
• Support strategic initiatives across partnerships, coalitions, grant-making, community engagement, and donor engagement.
• Serve as the main contact for day-to-day relationship management for key projects.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure strategic alignment and input for planning.
• Research and assess program ideas with the Management Team to ensure mission alignment.
• Analyse industry trends, competitor activities, and market risks to identify strategic risks and opportunities.
• Support alignment with regulators, government bodies, and mission-aligned entities.
• Work with the Strategy & Growth team to integrate external environment insights into the organization's planning processes.
• Identify strategic questions and manage research/analysis to inform discussions at the Directors' Team.
• Manage updates for our Impact Framework, ensuring that learning is integrated into planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Strategy and Planning team to enhance the long-term strategy.
• Provide input to support an integrated view of strategic direction and results.
• Lead updates and strategic refreshes of the strategy as needed.
• Partner with internal communications to engage staff effectively in strategic initiatives.
• Conduct research to identify growth opportunities and make data-driven recommendations.
• Regularly track and report on initiative progress, ensuring alignment with strategic direction.
• Identify and address risks or obstacles in the execution of strategic initiatives.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices to drive continuous improvement in strategic planning.
• Prepare strategic documents for stakeholder communication.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or a conservation related field. A Master's degree in Environmental Science or related field is welcomed.
• Relevant certifications in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are highly desirable.
• Additional certifications in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), or Data Analytics can be an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in programme/project management roles, with at least 2-3 years in a managerial position within an NGO.
• Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering complex programs in the environmental sector.
• Experience working with government agencies, donors, and community stakeholders on environmental conservation projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage program budgets and donor reporting.
• Prior experience in the UAE or GCC region is a plus.
• Experience in grant writing and securing funding for large-scale environmental projects is an asset.

• Proven experience in strategic planning in a managerial role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and collaboration abilities.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in market research techniques.
• Proficiency in using strategic planning software.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High level of self-motivation and initiative.

Internal: all Units

External: local government agencies, regulators, private and public sector partners, international conservation bodies.

Emirates Nature-WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment.

This position requires international travel and participation in global forums and conferences. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as the role will involve leading multiple projects across various time zones.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter and your CV with the subject 'Application for Manager - Strategy' to Ms. Magdalena Tayoun on *** before 30th November 2024.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to this date.