Position: Senior IT Program Manager - 12 Month Contract

Location: Dubai, UAE

Languages: Arabic & English (bilingual required)

Contract Type: Contract, initial 12 months

Overview

We are seeking a Senior IT Program Manager with a strong technical background and proven experience delivering complex digital transformation and implementation programs within the GCC government sector. The ideal candidate will bring consulting experience (preferably from a Big 4 or leading management consultancy), combined with hands-on program delivery expertise across technology, business, and operations. This role requires a bilingual leader (Arabic/English) capable of driving transformation agendas, managing executive stakeholders, and ensuring delivery excellence in high-profile public sector environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex IT and digital transformation programs across multiple government entities and stakeholders.
• Oversee program governance, planning, execution, and performance tracking to ensure alignment with strategic and operational objectives.
• Manage and coordinate multi-vendor and multi-stakeholder delivery environments, including consulting partners, system integrators, and internal technical teams.
• Define and manage program budgets, schedules, risks, dependencies, and change controls.
• Develop program dashboards, executive reports, and steering committee materials for senior stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with UAE government IT governance frameworks, data security policies, and procurement standards.
• Drive change management and communication initiatives to support adoption and organizational readiness.
• Mentor and guide project managers, delivery leads, and business analysts to build high-performing delivery teams.

Required Experience & Skills

• 10–15 years of experience in IT program and project management, including at least 5 years within UAE government or semi-government programs.
• Consulting background (ideally with a Big 4 or Tier-1 consultancy) with exposure to strategy execution, transformation governance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong technical acumen, with a deep understanding of enterprise systems, integrations, and digital platforms (ERP, CRM, citizen services, cloud, infrastructure, etc.).
• Proven track record delivering large-scale digital transformation or technology modernization programs.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and external vendors under complex delivery frameworks.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills in both Arabic and English.
• Deep understanding of GCC public sector structures, delivery processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, MSP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum Master (preferred).

Ideal Profile

• Strategic yet hands-on leader with the ability to bridge business, technology, and operations.
• Experienced in navigating politically sensitive, fast-paced, and multi-cultural environments.
• Strong consulting discipline, structured thinking, and executive presence.
• Bilingual communicator who can build trust and drive alignment at all organizational levels.