Governance Specialist (Sports Sector)

Qara Digital Solutions; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports regulatory body in the UAE seeks a Governance Specialist with 3–5 years of experience to ensure adherence to national and international sports regulations. The successful candidate will design and implement robust governance, risk, and compliance frameworks within the organization. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, preparing reports, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance compliance efforts. An excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about sports governance who are fluent in Arabic.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in governance, compliance, or risk management within the sports industry or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of sports governance regulations.
• Familiarity with ISO 31000 and sports-specific regulations (e.g., WADA Code).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GRC policies tailored to sports sector.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments related to sporting events and operations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and internal standards.
• Prepare reports for management and audits.
• Collaborate with sports federations and clubs to uphold compliance.
• Provide support on GRC-related issues.

Skills

Arabic language proficiency

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Job description

About The Role

A Governance Specialist with 3 to 5 years of experience is sought to design, implement, and maintain a robust governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) framework for a leading sports regulator. This role is critical in ensuring the organization adheres to national and international sporting regulations, as well as internal standards of excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and optimizing GRC policies, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring compliance with legal and quality frameworks specific to the sports industry, and collaborating with multiple departments to foster a culture of continuous improvement and integrity in all sporting activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) policies and procedures tailored to the sports sector.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments related to sporting events, athlete welfare, and organizational operations, recommending and implementing mitigation actions to minimize exposure.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and internal standards.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation for senior management, executive boards, and for internal and external audits.
• Collaborate closely with sports federations, clubs, and event organizers to uphold compliance, drive quality improvements, and align GRC efforts with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Provide expert support and advice on GRC-related issues to all staff and key stakeholders within the sports ecosystem.
• Continuously review and enhance governance frameworks, compliance processes, and risk management strategies to ensure they meet the evolving demands of the international sports landscape.

Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

• Must be currently residing in the UAE
• Must be an Arabic speaker
• Strong knowledge of national and international sports governance regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Information Systems, Risk Management, Governance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in governance, compliance, or risk management, preferably within the sports industry or a related regulatory environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated capability in conducting risk assessments and navigating complex regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in internal and external audits, policy development, and preparing high-quality reports and documentation for executive and governance-level review.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to work effectively with senior leadership, operational units, and external sporting entities.
• Solid familiarity with governance, risk, and quality standards, such as ISO 31000, along with working knowledge of sports-specific regulations and frameworks (e.g., WADA Code, CAS procedures).