Scholarship Program Specialist

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB); Jeddah; On-site; SAR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multilateral development bank is seeking a Scholarship Specialist to manage and develop scholarship programs as well as community initiatives. Responsibilities include collaborating with education authorities and stakeholders, monitoring scholarship recipient performance, and ensuring effective program execution. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree and has 5+ years of relevant experience, with strong proficiency in English and familiarity with Arabic or French preferred. Apply now if you're enthusiastic about making a difference in education.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in scholarship programs management or education-related institutions.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of Arabic and French is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and develop scholarship programs and community development program.
• Participate in annual work plan and budget preparation.
• Review and assess scholarship program applications.

Skills

MS Office

SAP ERP experience

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

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Business Unit: Operations Complex – Global Practices and Parentships Directorate

Department: Cooperation & Capacity Development Department

Country: Saudi Arabia

Location: IsDB HQ, Jeddah

Job Grade: E2

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Closing Date: 19-Feb-2026

JOB PURPOSE

The role of Scholarship Specialist is to administer and develop the scholarship programs and the community development program. This role executes the programs, activities and initiatives of the division in coordination with the scholarship recipients, relevant education authorities, partners on field and IsDB departments under the technical guidance of senior staff and the Division Manager.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Participates in the annual work plan and budget preparation activities.
• Explains and implements the policies and procedures to the various partners and conducts orientation programs during missions and partnership events.
• Provides input to the strategy and impact studies related to IsDB’s scholarship programs.
• Contributes to the development and review of policies and procedures of the Division.
• Responds to queries by stakeholders and beneficiaries for implementing the Scholarship Programs.
• Reviews and assesses applications for scholarship programs and prepares reports for the selection committee.
• Conducts periodic review exercises for monitoring and evaluating the performance of scholarship recipients.
• Provides clarifications and administrative support to recipients during the scholarship program tenure.
• Communicates and follows up with IsDB Member Countries (MCs), Counterpart Organizations (CPO’s) and graduates for execution of Post Study Activities (PSA) and ensure membership in IsDB Graduate Association (IGA).
• Initiates reimbursements, checks disbursements, validates status and related activities under SAP and follows up for the timely release of approved payments to beneficiaries.
• Prepares periodic and ad‑hoc reports and supports the periodic assessment and reporting on the performance of partners as and when requested by the management.
• Coordinates between Alumni and facilitates networking amongst themselves to promote knowledge sharing and community service activities.
• Implement the post scholarship community development programs. Provides guidance and counselling for the active students, creation and monitoring of IsDB Education Trusts, arrangement of refunds from the graduates and recycling of refunds to provide additional scholarships.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or any other related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in scholarship programs management or education related institutions, ideally in similar type multilateral institutions.
• Languages: English: Mandatory l Arabic: Preferred l French: Preferred

SKILLS & NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE

• MS Office
• SAP ERP experience.
• Analytical thinking.
• Problem solving.
• Project management

ABOUT APPLICATION PROCESS

If you meet the criteria and you are enthusiastic about the role, we would welcome your application. To complete the application you would need the following document(s):

• Resume/CV
• Copy of passport
• Academic certificate

If you are currently an IsDB Regular staff applying for this role and get selected through the competitive selection process; your current contract type and other terms and conditions will remain unchanged.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the IsDB does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The IsDB declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job posts or job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever.