Graduate Program Manager

IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis); Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Graduate Program Manager to design and manage their Emirati Graduate Development Program. This position focuses on attracting high-potential Emirati graduates, aligning their development with the company’s Emiratization strategy and providing mentorship and career pathways.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in talent development, graduate programs, or Emiratization roles.
• Experience in managing high-potential talent development pipelines.
• Familiarity with UAE labor law, Emiratization targets, and Nafis incentives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the Emirati Graduate Development Program.
• Align learning objectives with business needs and UAE national development priorities.
• Act as the main point of contact for all graduate participants.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Continuous Improvement

Leadership Skills

Negotiation Skills

Performance Metrics

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Planning

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Education, or related field

Master's degree

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Program Manager

Posting Start Date: 5/12/25

Job Description:

Purpose of the Job

To design, implement, and manage Aramex's Graduate Development Program tailored for UAE Nationals, supporting the company's Emiratization strategy. The role is focused on attracting high-potential Emirati graduates, building career pathways, and preparing them for critical roles across the organization.

Job Description

• • Develop the structure and curriculum of the Emirati Graduate Development Program (GDP).
  • Align learning objectives with business needs and UAE national talent development priorities.
  • Design rotation plans, learning modules, assessments, and certification pathways.
  • Partner with recruitment and employer branding teams to attract top Emirati graduates.
  • Build strong relationships with UAE universities, Nafis, and career centers.
  • Support onboarding and integration of each cohort into the organization.
  • Act as the main point of contact for all graduate participants.
  • Track progress, provide coaching support, and facilitate check-ins with mentors and line managers.
  • Organize training sessions, leadership talks, project assignments, and site visits.
  • Set KPIs and success metrics for graduate progression and program impact.
  • Provide quarterly reports and dashboards to HR and business leaders.
  • Collect feedback from graduates, coaches, and managers to continuously improve the program.
  • Engage functional leaders to ensure meaningful rotations and project exposure.
  • Coordinate with L&D, Talent Acquisition, and Emiratization teams.
  • Represent Aramex in career fairs and university events to enhance employer brand visibility.

Job Requirements - Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Education, or related field; Master's is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in talent development, graduate programs, or Emiratization roles.
• Experience in managing high-potential talent development pipelines.
• Familiarity with UAE labor law, Emiratization targets, and Nafis incentives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and program/project management capabilities.

Leadership Behaviors

Building Outstanding Teams
Collaborate & break silos
Execution & Accountability
External focus
Growth mindset
Inclusion
Innovation
Setting a clear direction
Simplification

Skills

Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution
Continuous Improvement
Leadership Skills
Negotiation Skills
Performance Metrics
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Planning
Team Leadership