JOB DESCRIPTION
The Executive Officer (EO) is the senior most management position at ITREB UAE covering the institutional jurisdiction of Bahrain, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Under the supervision of the Board, he/she plays a leadership role in supporting the ITREB to fulfil its Constitutional mandate to provide religious education to all levels of the Jamat, train and upgrade religious education teachers and waezeen, engage in research, prepare materials and publications, be a point of reference and consultation for Community/Jamati Leader in matters of religious practices, and to work in close collaboration with the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS).
He/she is responsible for managing the ITREB’s administrative, academic and programme staff, and overseeing the implementation of its programmes and activities to achieve its strategic goals, in keeping with the guidance of the MHI and with the goal of making the ITREB an organisation that applies best practices in all aspects of its work. He/she oversees the interface between the volunteers and staff, and manages its operations, secretariat and staff.
The Executive Officer shall report to the Chairman and Honorary Secretary of the Board and will be based in Dubai, UAE.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Board in developing its strategic direction. Lead the formulation of the annual objectives; strategies, programmes, operational plans and budgets; and performance metrics.
- Monitor the implementation of annual operating plans across portfolios and areas of activity. Evaluate their impact and make recommendations, as appropriate. In case of slippage or under-performance, propose and take corrective actions. Ensure that approved budgets are adhered to.
- Manage performance, vigorously, to attain access targets and quality benchmarks, especially pertaining to the provision of religious education to various segments of the Jamat. Successful oversight of STEP is of particular importance.
- Analyze and ensure the periodic evaluation of programmes to identify gaps and opportunities and make recommendations as appropriate.
- Oversee financial and management systems to ensure accuracy, timeliness and quality of information. Prepare regular reports for the Board, as well as for onward transmission.
- Ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures (i.e. financial discipline, accountability, cost management, record-keeping, transactions, procurement, asset and inventory management).
- Stay abreast of external and internal issues and trends that may impact the work of the Board and the Jamat (e.g., ethics /bioethics, secularisation, education practices, teaching of RE, social media, regulatory context for faith communities, etc.).
- Ensure that the Board’s organisational structure and staff deployment are streamlined, effective, and aligned with priorities. Lead, inspire and motivate staff to perform to their best capacities. Foster a positive and productive work environment.
- Ensure implementation of human resource policies (e.g. staff recruitment, performance appraisal, succession planning, code of conduct). Encourage continuing professional development of staff. Draw on the expertise of TKN volunteers and other experts, as required.
- Work collaboratively with the National Council and Central Institutions to achieve strategic, programmatic and administrative synergies (e.g. ECD, youth, outreach, etc.).
- Be the point of liaison with the GRB on financial, statutory and audit matters.
- Support the Board’s linkage with Community Leaders.
- Develop and sustain relationships with the Institute of Ismaili Studies, Department of Jamati Institutions, AKDN agencies in-country, ITREBs in the region and internationally.
- Organise and participate in Board meetings. Ensure timely preparation and circulation of meeting agendas and minutes and follow-up on Board decisions and on matters that arise.
- Serve as the point of reference for the continuity of the Board’s work. Coordinate the transition process from one leadership team to the next.
- Make proposals concerning his / her own continuing professional development.
- Undertake assignments and duties as directed by the Chairman and/or Honorary Secretary.
PROFILE: QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
The candidate should be a senior professional with 7-10 years of experience in management preferably in an education or non-profit context. He/she should have the skills and maturity to lead the Board’s professional staff and, from time to time, to represent the ITREB in various national and international fora. The role requires strengths in strategic thinking as well as operational management.
Experience with the Jamati system, either as a volunteer or professional, is highly desirable. Awareness of the provisions of the Constitution of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and prior exposure to the Jamati religious education system would be an asset but not a prerequisite. A Master’s degree in management, business administration, education administration or related field is a minimum requirement. A background in education, Islamic Studies, humanities, HR management / organisational development and/or an accounting designation would be an asset.
The following attributes and skills are essential:
- Familiarity with and empathy for the Jamat, including cultural diversity within the Jamat.
- Deep sense of responsibility, sound judgment and discretion.
- Good inter-personal skills in dealing with senior leaders, volunteers and staff in the system.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully managing teams, staff, and/or projects.
- Capacity to be effective through collaboration and teamwork.
- Well-organised, self-motivated, able to multi-task, pay attention to detail, a “can do” attitude and a problem-solving mindset.
- A track record of delivering projects and results within deadlines. Sensitivity to budgetary prudence and an entrepreneurial approach in optimising the use of resources.
- Good analytic and financial skills. Comfort in working with financial information, budgets, non-financial metrics, and their interpretation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills. An ability to articulate papers/reports that are concise and coherent.
- Comfort in working with computing, information and communication technology.
A willingness to travel from time to time within the jurisdiction and internationally is necessary. Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic language would be an advantage.
The interested candidate is requested to send the following documents:
- A cover letter demonstrating your motivation for applying to this position
- A detailed CV
- Names of three people willing to give you reference. They should be familiar with your skills, abilities and knowledge you presented in your CV and Cover Letter.
APPLICATION:
- Applications should be sent to ITREB UAE at [email protected] or apply through Mansab.
- Application deadline: Two Weeks
