Principal Specialist Projects and Research

Principal Specialist Projects and Research

Job Description

Job Objective
Manage the execution of programs and projects within UAE Accountability Authority (UAEAA) including but not limited to providing support to the execution of projects and initiatives, monitoring project execution, and reporting progress of projects and initiatives as per the approved strategic plan, to ensure effective and efficient execution of UAEAA strategies and operations.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

1. Strategy and Planning
   • Develop and manage the implementation and update of the section related policy, procedures manual, delegation of authority, systems user manuals and standard forms, and ensure compliance across the Authority and alignment with UAEAA's overall policies and procedures.
   • Develop and manage the implementation, and update of the section's strategic, budget and procurement, and operational plans ensuring alignment with the department and sector's strategy and objectives, and UAEAA's mission and vision.
   • Ensure effective cascading of the department and sector strategy and objectives, and UAEAA's mission and vision into the section's strategic, budget and procurement, and operational plans to achieve UAEAA's overall objectives.
   • Develop the section's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in line with UAEAA's overall objectives and ensure individual KPIs are met to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Operations
   • Manage and lead the planning and development of projects, research and initiatives to support UAEAA's overall objectives.
   • Manage and lead the development of a project plan to support the efficient execution of programs and projects.
   • Manage and lead in communicating with relevant organizational units regarding project needs and status.
   • Manage and lead the development of an integrated methodology for project management.
   • Develop and review the guidelines and criteria to measure projects status as per the agreed timeframe.
   • Manage and lead in the identification of potential project risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
   • Manage and lead internal awareness campaigns and workshops to cascade strategic and operational projects and initiatives throughout UAEAA's organizational units.
   • Manage and lead periodic review of the Corporate Performance Management Cycle by organizing meetings with UAEAA's organizational units to monitor and follow up the execution of the projects and initiatives.
   • Manage and lead the preparation of UAEAA strategic and operational performance reports related to projects and initiatives in accordance with the approved plan for review and submission.
   • Manage and lead the analysis of projects performance, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions in cooperation with UAEAA's organizational units; as well as in monitoring and following up of the implementation of corrective actions in order to reflect progress on the strategic and operational performance reports.
   • Support UAEAA's organizational units strategic and operational initiatives and assist in monitoring progress to ensure completion of projects as per the agreed timeframe.
   • Manage and lead research studies related to UAEAA mandate that will support the execution of the strategy.
   • Manage and lead benchmarking activities with other entities with similar mandates for better assessment of UAEAA's operational performance.
3. Talent Management and Development
   • Manage the effective achievement of assigned section operational goals through effective leadership by setting individual objectives, managing performance within the section, and developing and motivating the team to maximize performance.
   • Monitor a section's training plan to ensure that the team attends all trainings and development activities required for the role for continuous performance improvements.
   • Conduct performance evaluation of subordinates against KPIs by monitoring individual performance, reviewing progress reports, recommending corrective actions and providing overall assessment to support the achievement of UAEAA's overall objectives.
   • Manage team workload within the section through the appropriate delegation of work.
   • Motivate subordinates, especially focusing on developing capabilities of UAE National employees, to develop a motivated and high-performance team.
4. Corporate
   • Ensure employee adherence and compliance with all UAEAA corporate policies, procedures and guidelines (HR, IT, Procurement, Finance, Health and Safety etc.) within the assigned section.
   • Manage and review section's related correspondence such as e-mails, memos, and letters to ensure professionalism, completeness and accuracy of information.
   • Manage the retention, documentation, preservation, and archive of section's related physical and electronic records in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
   • Manage any section related queries and ensure that required response and support are provided to relevant UAEAA's organizational units and employees as and when required.
   • Ensure relevant technologies used within UAEAA are utilized by employees in order to optimize work efficiency.
   • Ensure compliance with UAEAA's values, Code of Business Conduct and ethics at all times to support the establishment of a value driven culture within the Authority.
   • Ensure the implementation of the relevant health and safety legislation, policies and procedures, in the performance of duties within the assigned section.
   • Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
   • Ensure that all reports are prepared accurately, submitted timely and meet UAEAA requirements and quality standards.
5. General
   • The level of performance should reflect the academic qualification, type of courses in the field of specialization, employee job level, and the level of productivity.
   • The academic and professional certificates required and approved by UAEAA should be acquired within the period specified and based on the employee's Individual Development Plan.
   • Perform the task and responsibilities independently unless an approval or directive was obtained to delegate the task to other employees in case of incapability to perform the tasks and responsibilities.
   • Ensure teamwork, collaboration, and dedication in performing duties.
   • Showcase a strong leadership to the team members.
   • Knowledge and awareness about the capabilities of the subordinates and showcase a strong knowledge in the field of specialization.
   • Provide the required support and guidance to the subordinates.
   • Take responsibility of the decisions made.

Requirements Minimum Preferred

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Master's degree in relevant field

Professional Certifications

• PMP Certificate
• Certified strategic planning
• Leadership ILM level 5
• RMP certificate (Risk Management Professional)

Professional Experience

• 10-12+ years of relevant experience in managing projects (strategic and operational) with preferably 6 years in supervisory role.

Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Arabic and English.