Program Manager

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Program Manager to oversee and manage internal research funding programs within its technical ecosystem. This role involves leading the development and execution of funding initiatives, ensuring compliance, and managing technical projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with an advanced degree preferred, and a minimum of 12 years of experience in project and technical management. Strong skills in stakeholder management and project reporting are essential. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to research advancements at the institution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) preferred.
• Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) are an advantage.
• Minimum 12 years working experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand competitive internal research funding programs.
• Lead the development, launch, and management of funding programs.
• Design and implement processes for award management.
• Apply project management methodologies for successful execution.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for project management.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Technical coordination

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD)

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

The Program Manager is responsible for managing and expanding competitive internal research funding programs within the wider RIC2D ecosystem, while also overseeing related technical projects, cross-functional initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. The role combines program management, project management, and technical coordination, ensuring successful call development, review processes, execution of funded projects, and technical delivery aligned with Khalifa University research priorities.

Operational Responsibilities

Program & Funding Management

• Lead the development, launch, and management of internal research funding programs, including call design, timelines, guidelines, and communication materials.
• Manage proposal submission compliance, eligibility checks, and technical completeness prior to expert review.
• Coordinate internal and external technical reviewers, including identification of domain experts across various scientific and engineering fields.
• Liaise with review committees, applicants, and grantees; synthesize and deliver reviewer feedback professionally and accurately.
• Serve as the primary administrative and technical coordination point for external collaborators during the funding process.

Award Administration & Monitoring

• Design and implement processes and best practices for award management, including monitoring research progress, financial performance, deliverables, KPIs, and risk mitigation.
• Establish internal controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial and technical reporting systems supporting award and project oversight.
• Manage funded sub-awards post-approval, including agreement execution, amendments, reporting, invoicing, and close-out procedures.
• Oversee the review of periodic technical and financial reports from research teams and external collaborators.

Project Management & Technical Oversight

• Apply project management methodologies (e.g., timelines, work breakdown structures, dashboards, stakeholder registers, risk logs) to ensure successful execution of funded and internal technical projects.
• Track and report on program impact metrics, project milestones, KPIs, and deliverables.
• Facilitate cross-departmental coordination with Research Services, Technology Management & Innovation and Research Labs to ensure alignment and technical support where necessary.
• Organize and lead periodic technical review meetings, steering committee sessions, and progress evaluations with key stakeholders.
• Enable early identification of technical and operational challenges and coordinate mitigation strategies.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and update standard operating procedures, workflows, templates, guidelines, and evaluation frameworks for both program and project management functions.
• Gather feedback from stakeholders to improve program operations, technical review processes, and system efficiency.
• Ensure smooth flow of approvals and documentation in compliance with institutional policies and procedures.

General & Administrative Responsibilities

• Allocate team workload in line with funding and project cycles to maximize resources.
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and report breaches or risks appropriately.
• Coordinate and liaise with other departments as needed to accomplish responsibilities
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager as RIC2D expands and develops.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field.

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) preferred.

Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) are an advantage.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong technical background with ability to understand 2D materials and engineering proposals.
• Proficiency in project management tools, methods, and reporting dashboards.
• Exposure to managing competitive research funding cycles.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and complex technical projects.
• Knowledge of award management systems and financial oversight frameworks.

Minimum 12 years working experience