Head of Programme

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This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping, delivering and advancing Expo City Dubai's global programming and partnership agenda.

The position leads the Programme and Partnerships team and the organisation's strategic thought leadership partnerships with cities, international organisations and global institutions.

It ensures Expo City Dubai contributes meaningfully to the UAE's global mandate, strengthening the nation's reputation as an active partner to the international community, a steward of shared values and a respected contributor on the world stage.


In addition to governing programming for major events and international engagements, the role plays a central role in designing, developing and growing Expo Dubai Group's Programme & Events Advisory service, translating EDG's proven convening and programme design expertise – demonstrated across Expo 2020 Dubai, COP28 and 2025APCS – into a structured advisory offering.

This includes shaping advisory frameworks; building repeatable models for agenda design, content curation and event architecture; and working with internal teams to ensure advisory engagements generate measurable value for clients and sustainable revenue opportunities for Expo Dubai Group.

Role Description

The main responsibilities of the role include:
Global programme strategy
Develop and lead a multi-year programming strategy that positions Expo City Dubai as a global convener and centre of excellence in city diplomacy, urban innovation and sustainable development
Define thematic priorities and content frameworks for all major engagements, ensuring alignment with the UAE's international strategy and Expo City Dubai's institutional goals
Ensure all programming supports long-term reputational, diplomatic and economic objectives

International thought leadership partnerships
Lead relationships and structured collaborations with global cities, international organisations, think tanks, academic institutions and foundations
Oversee development of joint research, advisory outputs, policy briefs, and city-to-city engagement initiatives
Build Expo City Dubai's credibility as a source of high-quality, globally relevant insights and as a trusted partner to government leaders and institutions

Strategic collaboration with commercial partnerships
Work in close coordination with the Senior Manager Partnerships (who reports directly to the VP) to ensure that programming, thought leadership outputs and thematic priorities support partnership value and institutional positioning
Provide editorial and strategic guidance to ensure commercial partnership propositions, sponsorship narratives and institutional collaborations are grounded in programme content and global relevance
Ensure shared visibility of key stakeholder relationships to create coherent, high-level engagement touchpoints

Advisory service development
Develop and refine the strategic positioning of Expo Dubai Group's Programme & Events Advisory offering, drawing on the organisation's world-class experience across Expo 2020 Dubai, COP28, 2026APCS and other global convenings
Translate EDG's unique programming capabilities into codified advisory products that clients can procure, including agenda development, format design, speaker mapping, stakeholder management, marketing and communications support and post-event knowledge outputs
Define the commercial architecture and market positioning for advisory engagements, and identify opportunities to support governments, multilaterals, corporates and city partners seeking programme design, event strategy, positioning or institutional convening support
Ensure all advisory service design aligns with Expo City Dubai's broader goals of elevating the UAE's international influence and strengthening global partnerships

Programme design and delivery
Lead development of agendas, formats, speaker identification and editorial content for major events, summits, city-leader forums, policy convenings and global engagement platforms
Ensure programming incorporates global trends, rigorous analysis, diverse perspectives and high-level relevance
Maintain editorial and quality ownership across all programme outputs
Ensure all programmes reflect EDG's programming ethos, including practical optimism, solutions orientation, outcomes focus and inclusive representation

Integrated event execution
Work with project management and event delivery teams to ensure seamless operational delivery of programme elements
Oversee development of briefing notes, session scripts, speaker documentation, and run-of-show materials
Ensure programme delivery is executed to world-class standards befitting Expo City Dubai's global positioning

Programme & Events Advisory delivery
Lead advisory engagements in partnership with relevant internal teams, providing clients with structured support across agenda development, session design, stakeholder mapping, speaker sourcing and briefing, programme architecture and impact planning
Oversee the creation of advisory deliverables including programme blueprints, thematic frameworks, run-of-show documents, content pillars, briefing materials and post-event reports or communiqués
Ensure advisory engagements follow EDG's turnkey methodology offering a coherent blend of programming expertise, operational readiness and strategic communications support as appropriate to client needs
Develop quality standards and templates to ensure advisory output is consistently world-class, client-ready and commercially viable
Work with internal leadership to support revenue forecasting, pipeline development and resource planning for advisory engagements

High-level stakeholder engagement
Serve as a senior liaison for engagement with mayors, ministers, CEOs, diplomats, global institutions and international partners
Support and lead strategic meetings, missions and bilateral engagements, ensuring alignment with programming and global objectives
Strengthen long-term relationships with key external stakeholders

Oversight of global thought leadership and advisory partnerships
Line-manage the colleague responsible for global thought leadership partnerships, guiding development of research, insight products and advisory collaborations that strengthen EDG's credibility and market positioning
Ensure integration between advisory outputs, event programming and long-term institutional partnerships

Research, insights & impact measurement
Commission thematic research that supports programme development, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership
Develop impact metrics for programmes, international relationships and advisory engagements
Lead post-event and annual impact reporting

Team leadership
Lead and develop the Programme and Partnerships team, fostering excellence, collaboration, analytical rigour and delivery capability
Implement structures, processes and working rhythms that ensure high performance and readiness for major convenings
Encourage innovation, intellectual curiosity and pride in delivery

Knowledge, Qualifications and Skills required


Essential:
10 years of experience in programme development, event management, or a related field as well as:

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
Proven experience working with high-level government officials, city leaders, and other stakeholders
Strong understanding of urban development issues and trends in the Asia Pacific and MEASA regions
Experience developing or delivering advisory services, consultancy projects, content-led programmes or large-scale convening strategies for governments, corporates or international institutions
Experience working with government, multilateral, corporate or philanthropic clients
Familiarity with programme advisory workflows including discovery, scoping, agenda design, stakeholder engagement and impact reporting
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex programmes and events
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Diplomatic and discreet


Desirable:
Work experience with diplomatic and / city leader delegations
Working knowledge or experience of exhibitions planning and delivery
Working language skills
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