RDI Program Specialist

Qatar Foundation; Doha; On-site; QAR 200,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization in Qatar is seeking a candidate to drive impactful initiatives aligned with the QRDI 2030 Strategy. Responsibilities include identifying gaps in the RDI ecosystem, facilitating strategy development, and managing partnerships. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, 6-8 years of relevant experience, and exceptional skills in negotiation and communication.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of relevant full-time work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and achieve objectives on time.
• Experience managing innovation programs and projects is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Drive measurable impact in Qatar’s RDI ecosystem.
• Identify critical gaps and develop strategic collaborations.
• Facilitate initiative development and planning.

Skills

Innovation management

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

About Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation (QF) is a not-for-profit organization where centers and programs focused on education, research and innovation, and community development intertwine for the benefit of Qatar, and the world.

Across our unique ecosystem – which is supported by partnerships with leading international institutions – we are addressing Qatar’s most pressing challenges; creating local, regional, and global impact; and empowering people to shape both the present and the future.

ABOUT QRDI COUNCIL

Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council was established in 2018, representing a new milestone in Qatar’s research, development and innovation (RDI) agenda.

The Council’s first mission was to develop a national strategy that would optimize RDI activities and help realize the country’s overarching goals and ambitions. The Council accomplished this mission at the end of 2019, having drafted the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2030. The Council brings together prominent national and international figures from across government, industry and academia and draws on the wealth of knowledge and expertise of individuals from varied disciplines.

JOB PURPOSE

Support the implementation of QRDI 2030 Strategy through the formulation and implementation of programs, policies and scheme in support of the innovation strategic objectives in QRDI 2030.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Drive measurable impact in Qatar’s RDI ecosystem by designing and executing strategic initiatives that strengthen global innovation alliances and partnerships.
• Identify and analyze critical gaps within Qatar’s RDI ecosystem and develop targeted strategic collaborations and joint programs to address these gaps.
• Facilitate the development and planning of initiatives, and programs, including setting objectives, establishing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and budgeting resources
• Work closely with other team members to oversee successfully awarded projects and partnership, ensuring objectives and milestones are met and intended impact and outcomes are achieved.
• Work closely with program counterparts (Legal, Compliance, Scientific Advisory, Finance) within RDI and awardees to ensure execution of programs and partnerships as planned
• Assist with the development of major partnerships and support RDI actors to establish partnerships (e.g., frameworks and guidelines)
• Assist and support all international outreach and business development efforts to ensure strong pipeline of applicants for critical programs.
• Draw support from functional teams in QRDIC, e.g., RDI Strategy & Planning, RDI Policy, Budgeting & Financial Analysis, etc., as required to achieve initiative objectives
• Provide inputs to functional teams in QRDIC e.g., RDI Strategy & Planning, RDI Policy, RDI Budgeting & Financial Analysis, etc. on matters pertaining to scientific programs
• Report performance requirements and personal professional development targets for assigned staff

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; 6-8 years of relevant full-time work experience
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative, to take the initiative, and achieve objectives on time, on target, and under budget
• Previous experience managing innovation programs, grants and projects is highly desired
• Proficiency in financial due diligence (reviewing projects, grants or in VC context) is highly desired
• Outstanding negotiation skills; able to influence, manage, & build consensus among stakeholders
• Excellent presentation skills in the context of conference keynotes, workshops, and board meetings
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective business & team relationships; excellent networking skills
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage
• Proficiency in using technology and productivity tools for communications & collaboration