Hedayah is the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Formed in response to the call by the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), representing 29 countries and the European Union, to establish an independent, multilateral ‘think and do’ tank devoted to supporting global efforts in countering extremism and preventing terrorism: through sharing of good practice, research, toolkits, communications, dialogue, training, workshops, and policy discussions. The vision and purpose of Hedayah is to see a global reduction in extremism and violent extremism. This is achieved through programs, research, resources, and advice that equip governments and civil society to design, implement, and monitor effective and sustainable approaches to terrorism prevention.

We are building a talent pool for upcoming opportunities within Hedayah’s Programs Department. If you have relevant expertise and are interested in contributing to our work, we welcome your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting from 14 November 2025, and shortlisted applicants may be contacted as relevant positions become available.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter and your CV with the subject ‘Program Officer’ to hr@hedayah.ae.

JOB SCOPE

The Programs Department conducts collaborative and contextualized training and develops practical tools to enhance the capacities of government and non-government partners. This department aids in designing and implementing effective CVE policies, programs, and projects. These initiatives include Preventing Violent Extremism Through Education, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Violent Extremist Offenders, National Action Plans to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism, Supporting Families in CVE, and Community Oriented Policing, among others.

The Program Officer supports the Program Manager in expanding, designing, and executing international programs within the Programs Department. This role leads the development, management, and implementation of specific programs/projects, including managing tasks for staff, consultants, and interns. The Program Officer is responsible for developing program content, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and building strategic relationships with stakeholders. Additionally, the Program Officer supports the achievement of Hedayah’s wider strategic objectives.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with one or more Program Managers and/or the Director of Programs to expand, design and execute capacity building programs. 

• Lead on the development, management and implementation of specific projects, from the creation of work-plans to implementation and finalization of activities, including the contributing to cross-functional working across teams, managing tasks for Hedayah staff, consultants and interns, within the program/project, in coordination with the Program Manager or appointed Program lead. 

• Contribute and report directly to the Program Manager on effective execution of daily activities within the Department, including activities led by other team members. 

• Draft forecast budgets in coordination with the Finance Department, and attentively and accurately monitor expenses, and lead on the logistical process of programs’ activities. 

• Work independently within a cross-functional team to develop, implement and report on programs. 

• Develop and review the design of programs to include content development (power point presentations, facilitator notes and other related documents), in coordination with the Program Manager. 

• Deliver sessions or programs, including designing and delivering training seminars, workshops, consultation sessions,  

• Develop and refine tools and resources, conduct desk research, and author publications to enhance the visibility and impact of program outcomes. 

• Liaise and communicate with key partners on specific aspects of capacity building programs’ activities and initiatives, under the leadership of the Program Manager. 

• Maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with stakeholders around the world involved in CE/CVE programs and engage them in Hedayah’s activities, in coordination with the Program Manager. 

• Create and refine grant proposals for programs and project initiatives. 

• Support the management and supervise the reporting, deliverables and deadlines of consultants and interns, in coordination with the Program Manager. 

• Contribute towards the achievement of Hedayah’s wider/strategic objectives, to include leading and/or supporting the development and/or review of internal and interdepartmental documents, strategies, policies and procedures; representing the organization at external events when required; leading and/or supporting interdepartmental programs; advising and contributing on corporate communications for capacity building programs; and supporting HR processes when required. 

• Support the overarching success of Hedayah’s vision and mission through collaboration, engagement and contribution to the work of other individuals, teams and through championing and proactively supporting cross-functional working.

KEY INTERACTIONS

Internal 

• All departments  

External  

• Governments  

• Consultants 

• Local, regional and international organisations 

• Policymakers, practitioners and experts  

• Community leaders, community actors, and civil society organizations 

• Private Sector 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: 

• A university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Terrorism Studies or related field is required. An advanced level university degree (Master’s Degree or academic equivalent) in a related field would be advantageous. 

 Work Experience: 

• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, capacity building, or related field. 

• At least two (2) years of working experience on issues related to countering extremism and violent extremism is desirable. 

• Ability in managing logistical processes for projects, drafting and revising budgets, preparing contracts and invoices and monitoring payments is required. 

• Experience of working in an international setting, preferably in or with government entities or international organizations is desirable. 

Languages: 

• At Hedayah, we work globally, delivering programs across diverse regions and contexts. Our programs span multiple countries and cultural settings, requiring adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. While English is our working language, proficiency in Arabic, Russian, French, will be considered a strong advantage, reflecting our current portfolio of projects and operational priorities.  

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies 

• Strategic Orientation, including an ability to apply judgment, make decisions and seize opportunities. 

• Achieve Results, including excellent planning, organization, and time management skills. 

• Productive Relationships internally and externally, with strong teamwork and collaboration skills, and high cultural intelligence and sensitivity. 

• Accountability, drive and integrity: We are looking for colleagues who are persistent in achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances, and who are committed to learning.  

• High impact communications skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas simply and in ways that resonate with different audiences.  

Technical and Functional Skills 

• Ability to lead on activities/projects is required.  

• Ability to develop content and deliver capacity building programs in a variety of culturally diverse contexts is required.  

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including governments, policy makers, community leaders and actors, NGOs, practitioners and experts is required.  

• Ability to work independently as well as within a team is required.  

• Ability to manage internal and external relationships with diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and discretion is required.  

• Ability to meet deadlines on a variety of diverse activities in a fast-paced environment is required.  

• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, and able to prioritize, problem solve and be persistent in achieving objectives even in difficult circumstances, being able to keep calm and transmit this calmness to the rest of the team.  

• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.  While English is our working language, proficiency in Arabic, Russian, French, will be considered a strong advantage, reflecting our current portfolio of projects and operational priorities.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While our strong preference is for the role to be UAE-based, we may consider remote or hybrid arrangements for exceptional candidates.  However, this will be balanced against our delivery priorities, taking into account the spread of projects and programs, including those in Iraq, Morocco, Tajikistan, Tunisia, or Uzbekistan. 

• The candidate will be required to travel internationally.