Job Description

Contract Duration:

12 months - renewal upon mutual agreement

Role Purpose

The Program Activation Lead is responsible for translating Dubai SME's strategic mandates into operational, founder-facing programs, accelerators, and growth platforms. The role ensures initiatives are tailored to the needs of Emirati entrepreneurs across priority sectors and delivered with precision, scalability, and measurable impact. Key responsibilities span program design, localization, piloting, and rollout--ensuring alignment with national priorities and Dubai SME's long-term delivery capabilities.

Core Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Localization

Design and localize founder-facing programs across sectors (e.g., F&B, technology, creative industries, home-based businesses). Ensure programs align with Emirati founder needs and ecosystem readiness. Develop toolkits, SOPs, and playbooks for consistent and scalable rollout.

2. Accelerator & Venture Builder Enablement

Operationalize partnerships with DFHQ, accelerators, and venture studios. Define eligibility, onboarding, graduation, and support mechanisms for founders. Embed coaching, mentorship, and capacity-building tracks into all programs.

3. Pilot Testing & Iteration

Lead pilot activations and dry runs, monitor early-stage outcomes, and adapt formats accordingly. Gather structured feedback from founders, mentors, and partners to drive continuous improvements. Benchmark global models and adapt best practices to the Dubai SME context.

4. Internal Coordination & Handover

Work with internal teams to ensure seamless transition from design to delivery. Document activation processes, deliver staff training, and establish clear handover protocols. Ensure programs are scalable, repeatable, and sustainable in the long term.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, or Public Policy (required). Master's degree in a related field (preferred). Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Design Thinking, Incubator/Accelerator Management, Digital Transformation) are an advantage.

Experience

6-10 years in program design, incubation, accelerator management, or startup ecosystem development. Proven experience launching founder-facing programs (e.g., accelerators, venture studios, bootcamps). Prior experience in the UAE or GCC within the SME, entrepreneurship, or innovation ecosystem (mandatory). Experience working with government-led economic or entrepreneurship initiatives.

Technical Skills

Expertise in program development, localization, and delivery frameworks. Strong operational planning, stakeholder coordination, and SOP creation. Proficiency with project management platforms. Basic data analysis and performance tracking for program iteration.

Core Competencies

Strong program design and execution capabilities. Understanding of Emirati entrepreneurship challenges and sector dynamics. Detail-oriented, execution-driven, and adaptable. Strong collaboration, reporting, and analytical skills.
Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: AED25,000.00 - AED30,000.00 per month