Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is seeking a Senior Projects Manager to lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives in research, development, and innovation within Dubai Future Labs. This role involves driving the execution of strategic projects, ensuring timely delivery with exceptional quality, and facilitating effective collaboration among internal teams, external partners, and key stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have strong project management skills and a passion for innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of research and innovation projects from inception to completion.

• Work with the DFL team to help clients establish their business cases and identify project benefits.

• Define clear project scopes, milestones, and deliverables aligned with strategic priorities.

• Maintain high standards of quality and meet strict deadlines.

• Serve as a liaison among collaborators, industry partners, funding bodies, and internal departments.

• Establish communication plans and engagement protocols to ensure alignment across all stakeholders.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to partnership dynamics or project integration.

• Monitor project budgets, resource allocation, and compliance with institutional requirements.

• Drive process improvements to accelerate delivery and foster a culture of innovation.

• Support project proposals, reporting, and intellectual property coordination.

• Track emerging trends in research and innovation to inform project planning.

Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred.

• 7–10 years of experience in project or program management, ideally in research, R&D, or innovation.

• Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Exceptional planning, organizational, and execution capabilities.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate in high-pressure environments.

• Fluent in written and spoken English (Arabic is a plus).

• Familiarity with research environments, technology commercialization, or public-private partnerships is an asset.

• Knowledge of agile management methodologies and tools.

Why this Role is Important:
This role is critical in managing multiple projects and creating successful partnerships, positioning Dubai Future Labs as a world-class living lab in the Middle East. Your efforts will contribute to the foundation’s mission of driving innovation and shaping the future of the UAE.