Bait Al Gahwa Programme Development Unit Head / DCT

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural organization based in Abu Dhabi seeks a Programme Development Unit Head. The role involves strategic leadership for the Bait Al Gahwa program, focusing on safeguarding traditional Emirati practices. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in project management and a deep understanding of Emirati culture. Proficiency in English and Arabic is essential. This position emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and outreach to diverse audiences, while upholding cultural integrity.

Qualifications

• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.
• At least 8 years of experience in project management and cultural engagement.
• Strong knowledge of Emirati culture and traditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Bait Al Gahwa program.
• Drive innovative program development to safeguard Emirati practices.
• Establish and track program KPIs for success measurement.

Skills

Leadership

Cultural Understanding

Project Management

Networking

Creativity

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration or Cultural Studies

Tools

MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)

Job description

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About the job Bait Al Gahwa Programme Development Unit Head // DCT

Job Title:

Role Purpose

Provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the preservation, promotion, and innovativedevelopment of the Bait Al Gahwa program. Drive the overall vision, development, and execution of theinitiative, which aims to safeguard traditional Emirati practices related to Gahwa making.

Lead the designand integration of creative, cutting-edge programming while ensuring that these programs adhere toUNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage standards. Work closely with internal departments and external
entities, ensuring that programs align with the broader goals of DCT Abu Dhabi and the vision of Bait AlGahwa.

These cross-departmental collaborations are essential for successfully executing programs,reaching local and international audiences, and ensuring seamless implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Leading on Programme Development:

• Contribute in execution the strategic direction and vision of the Bait Al Gahwa, ensuring alignment
  with DCT Abu Dhabi's broader cultural heritage and preservation objectives.
• Drive the development of innovative programs that celebrate the traditional art of Arabic coffee- making and Majlis-hosting while incorporating creative methodologies and modern technologies.
• Ensure the execution of Bait Al Gahwa programs upholds the highest standards of culturalauthenticity, innovation, and excellence, aligned with UNESCO's safeguarding practices forintangible cultural heritage.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to ensure the smooth execution of all programming and content related to Bait Al Gahwa. This collaboration will involve coordinating logistics, managing schedules, and overseeing the setup and delivery of events, training programs, and other activities. By providing clear direction and support, the Unit Head will ensure that all operational aspects are aligned with the program's objectives and executed seamlessly.
• Lead the development of systems and platforms that facilitate the training and engagement ofEmirati youth, preparing them to become future heritage ambassadors while maintaining abalance between traditional heritage and modern creativity.
• Spearhead the integration of creativity and innovative content across Bait Al Gahwa program,ensuring a fusion of traditional cultural elements with modern digital and interactive experiences.
• Work with Marketing to create digital content that highlights the uniqueness of the program whileensuring it engages diverse local and international audiences.
• Explore new technologies such as AR/VR, digital storytelling, and gamification to enhanceparticipant engagement and expand the reach of Bait Al Gahwa to younger generations.

Stakeholder Management & External Relations:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including heritage experts, culturalorganizations, educational institutions, and government entities to amplify the impact and visibilityof the Bait Al Gahwa.
• Advocate for and represent the Bait Al Gahwa program at local, regional, and international cultural forums, festivals, and conferences, building strategic partnerships to further the programs objectives.
• Foster collaboration with external partners and sponsors, ensuring that innovation is integratedinto the program while preserving cultural heritage.
• Lead engagement with Emirati youth, ensuring their active participation through innovative,hands-on experiences facilitated by external and internal partnerships.
• Oversee the day-to-day programme planning and execution of Bait Al Gahwa, ensuring thatprograms are executed smoothly across all departments involved.
• Provide clear guidance and the necessary resources to Operations and Marketing teams, ensuring alignment in the execution of events and marketing efforts.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure all elements of Bait Al Gahwa program arecoordinated, including logistics, marketing, and community outreach.
• Ensure all programs are aligned with the departments objectives, are efficiently executed, andmeet the required deadlines and standards of excellence.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Establish and track Programming related KPIs for the Bait Al Gahwa to measure the success andimpact of the program, with a focus on creative output, community engagement, and audience
  expansion.
• Provide regular reports to senior management, offering insights based on data-driven metrics andidentifying opportunities for improvements and strategic adjustments.
• Gather feedback from participants and stakeholders to inform future program developments andensure continuous innovation in content and execution.

Policies, Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with DCT Abu Dhabis policies, processes, and procedures, with an emphasison heritage preservation and cultural programming.
• Uphold best practices for sustainability and environmental responsibility in all aspects of theprograms design and execution.
  Adhere to Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) guidelines, ensuring a safe and healthyenvironment for staff, participants, and guests.

Cultural Heritage & Advocacy:

• Promote and advocate for the preservation of Emirati cultural heritage, particularly in the contextof Arabic coffee-making and Majlis-hosting, locally and internationally.
• Drive efforts to maintain the highest standards of cultural integrity while being open toincorporating innovative trends in the industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Masters degree in Business Administration, Cultural Studies, or equivalent.

Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in, project management, business development relationshipmanagement, and culture engagement. A deep understanding of Emirati culture andtraditions, including the traditional practices related to Emirati hospitality, Majlis hosting, and
  the art of Gahwa preparation. Preferably, with strong understanding of the cultural landscapeat local, regional, and international levels.

Skills

• Language: Full professional English and Arabic proficiency both in speaking and writing
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills: the ability to manage teams and multi-projects.
• Strong knowledge and track record of achievements in the tourism sector is preferable.
• In-depth and thought leadership.
• Visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven track record of achievements that contributed to improving competitiveness of the tourism sector in a specific region / area with a similar context to Abu Dhabi.
• Proven track record in developing strong strategic partnerships which requires strong networking,relationship building and negotiating skills.
• Strategic and future-focused mindset.
• Ability to lead teams in diverse, multi-cultural organizations and ability to lead transformationalchange to the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and programs, agility & ability to work in a very fast pacedenvironment.