Senior Executive – Grants (UAE National)

Job Description

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Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website:

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

This role is critical to enabling the flow of funding that connects fundamental research with applied innovation. It underpins operational excellence and strengthens Dubai’s ecosystem of research and development, supporting its ambition to be a future-forward innovation hub.

Senior Executive – Grants

As the Senior Executive – Grants, you will support the full lifecycle of funded projects, including planning, budget tracking, payments, reporting, and monitoring. This role supports the Dubai RDI Grants Initiative, providing financial, program, and stakeholder coordination across research and innovation programs.

This is an opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and innovation in Dubai.

The role combines financial administration, programme management, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring smooth operations across multiple projects. Training and support will be provided to develop expertise in RDI funding processes.

Your Responsibilities

Grants Administration

• You will lead on the administration of RDI-funded research and innovation programs.
• You will support the management of funded programs, including processing applications, reviewing documentation, conducting due diligence, approvals, payments, and monitoring.
• You will maintain accurate records of grants, payments, and communications using databases or relevant systems.
• You will provide advice and support to applicants, grantees, and internal teams throughout the funding lifecycle.
• You will coordinate with internal teams (legal, procurement, communications) to prepare and process necessary approval documents.
• You will support the planning and execution of open calls, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities (universities and research institutes).

Financial Administration

• You will coordinate with finance to process invoices, grant payments, and expenses for funded programs.
• You will maintain accurate financial records, reconcile accounts, and provide regular budget updates.
• You will monitor expenditure against budgets and ensure compliance with financial controls and policies.
• You will liaise with auditors, accountants, and internal leadership as required.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• You will track the submission of monitoring and evaluation reports from grantees.
• You will review, compile, and analyze impact data to support internal reporting and future program strategy.
• You will prepare grant status reports, presentations, and other documentation for leadership review.
• You will support compliance with internal policies, audit requirements, and ethical standards, including risk and conflict-of-interest checks.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• You will act as a key point of contact for applicants, grantees, and program stakeholders.
• You will support relationship management with universities, research institutions, and ecosystem partners.
• You will assist with updates to websites, presentations, and communications to highlight funded projects and achievements.

General Administration & Coordination

• You will assist with research to inform strategic planning and funding priorities.
• You will maintain program information within databases, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• You will work independently, adapt quickly to new challenges, and support team initiatives.

Why this role is important?

This role is key to ensuring fair, transparent, and effective grant management processes that empower researchers, maximize impact, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in research and innovation.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.

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2026-02-28 08:09:55