Programs Specialist

confidential; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A humanitarian foundation based in Sharjah is seeking a Programs Specialist to contribute to the design, delivery, and monitoring of child protection programs. This critical role supports advocacy and research initiatives focused on protecting children. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience, along with fluency in Arabic and English. The position involves significant collaboration and communication responsibilities, requiring strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program management or advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience in grant management and reporting.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (writing, reading, speaking) is a must.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, coordination, and delivery of child protection programs.
• Conduct research on humanitarian issues for program advocacy.
• Assist in developing MEL frameworks for programs.

Skills

Project management

Research skills

Communication skills

Advocacy strategy development

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Development, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Research and advocacy tools

Job description

Role Purpose:

Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Programs Specialist. The Programs Specialist will contribute to the design, delivery, and monitoring of child protection programs, as well as support advocacy and research initiatives aimed at protecting children from all forms of exploitation. This is a critical role supporting the Head of Programs across our portfolio of work.

Accountabilities:

Program Support and Grant Management

• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of child protection programs and projects, in alignment with KSQF's strategic priorities.
• Liaise with international partners, grantees, and beneficiaries to ensure high-quality implementation and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Support the grant-making process, including reviewing proposals, conducting due diligence, and preparing grant recommendations.
• Monitor grant implementation in collaboration with partners to ensure compliance with grant agreements and achievement of objectives.
• Maintain accurate records of grants, including timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Support the preparation of internal reports, updates, and presentations for leadership, board members, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Partnership and Outreach team to provide program data, impact stories, and other contentfor external communication. promotion and marketing of KSQF.
• Offer technical guidance to the Partnership and Outreach team to strengthen KSQF’s positioning for international grants and fundraising opportunities.

Advocacy and Research

• Conduct comprehensive research on humanitarian and development issues to inform program design and advocacy strategies.
• Monitor emerging trends, policy developments, and best practices in child protection, humanitarian aid, and advocacy.
• Contribute to the design and execution of research and learning initiatives that support the foundation’s objectives.
• Support the development and delivery of advocacy strategies aimed at influencing policy and practice on child protection.
• Draft reports, policy briefs, and communications materials for a range of audiences, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational goals.
• Represent the foundation in external meetings, working groups, conferences, and advocacy events as needed.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Assist in developing and implementing MEL frameworks for programs and projects.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure outcomes and impact.
• Work with partners to strengthen monitoring systems and build capacity where needed.
• Ensure compliance with M&E standards and best practices.
• Any other tasks assigned by the Head of Programs.

Occupational Health & Safety

• Compliance with workplace policies and procedures for risk identification, risk assessment, and risk control.
• Active participation in activities associated with the management of workplace health and safety.
• Identification and reporting of health and safety risks, accidents, incidents, injuries, and property damage at the workplace.

Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Development, Human Rights, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program management, research, advocacy, or a related field within the broader social sector.
• Demonstrated experience in grant management, including reviewing proposals, due diligence, monitoring grant implementation, and reporting.
• Prior experience working with NGOs, international organizations, or grassroots groups is preferred.
• Arabic and English business writing, reading and speaking is a must.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear and compelling messages.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of humanitarian and social development issues, with the ability to conduct and synthesize relevant research.
• Proficiency in using research and advocacy tools, platforms, and software.
• Strong knowledge of M&E principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Culturally sensitive and experienced in working with diverse communities and partners.
• UAE National preferred.