Senior Advisor, Early Childhood Policy & Programs

Sharjah Education Academy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharjah Education Academy seeks a Lead Expert – Child Journey to provide senior technical and strategic guidance to the Director and own key projects in early childhood services. Translate research into practical policies, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure initiatives deliver expected outcomes.

With 10+ years in the field and a Master’s degree (PhD advantageous), you will influence programs across Registration, Special Education, Care and Protection, Family Support, and Community Impact,

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years in senior expert or leadership roles.
• Experience in early childhood education, child development, nursery services, child wellbeing, inclusive education, family support or related fields.
• Experience developing and implementing early childhood policies, programs, frameworks or service-improvement initiatives.
• UAE or GCC government-sector experience preferred.
• Experience preparing executive reports, policy papers, presentations, and evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Department Director on early childhood education, child development, wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, family engagement, registration, health, nutrition, and community support.
• Manage assigned projects, programs, initiatives, and special assignments from concept development through implementation, evaluation, and completion.
• Take full ownership and accountability for project scope, deliverables, timelines, quality, risks, resources, documentation, and outcomes.
• Translate strategic priorities, research findings, and expert recommendations into practical policies, programs, frameworks, and implementation plans.
• Support the Department Director in managing departmental priorities, annual plans, operational requirements, and high-priority assignments.
• Coordinate projects and activities across the Department’s five sections and other relevant organizational units.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, working groups, specialists, consultants, service providers, and external partners.
• Develop project plans, implementation schedules, action trackers, performance indicators, risk registers, and progress reports.
• Monitor delivery, identify delays or risks, implement corrective actions, and elevate significant matters with practical recommendations.
• Review proposals, policies, plans, programs, and reports and provide evidence-based technical and managerial advice.
• Lead or support the development and implementation of policies, standards, procedures, operational frameworks, guidelines, and service models.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis of local, regional, and international early childhood practices.
• Advise on child-centered, play-based, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate approaches for children from birth to four years.
• Support initiatives relating to early learning, developmental screening, early intervention, school readiness, child transitions, and talent development.
• Advise on services for children of determination, children with developmental delays, and children with learning, behavioural, or communication needs.
• Promote the integration of child safeguarding, health, nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and family support within the child journey.
• Ensure that approved recommendations, decisions, and projects are implemented, monitored, evaluated, and formally completed.
• Prepare executive reports, briefing papers, presentations, policy papers, recommendations, and decision-support documents.
• Represent the Department in meetings, committees, workshops, consultations, and project groups when delegated by the Department Director.
• Perform other related duties, projects, and assignments as directed by the Department Director or senior management.

Skills

Strategic advisory

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Doctoral degree in a relevant field (advantage)

Job description

Sharjah Education Academy seeks a Lead Expert – Child Journey to provide senior technical and strategic guidance to the Director and own key projects in early childhood services. Translate research into practical policies, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure initiatives deliver expected outcomes.

With 10+ years in the field and a Master’s degree (PhD advantageous), you will influence programs across Registration, Special Education, Care and Protection, Family Support, and Community Impact,