International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy Department Manager (UAEN)

Job PurposeSet the strategic direction and agenda for international relations and cultural diplomacy, including targets and strategic initiatives, and develop frameworks, programs, and bilateral international agreements that promote cultural and creative exchange with regional and international partners.Key ResponsibilitiesFunctionalLead the development of strategic objectives, initiatives, programs, and performance indicators and targets related to international relations and cultural diplomacy, in line with the overall strategic plan.Prepare and update the department's strategy in the field of international relations, and ensure its alignment with government direction and the cultural vision.Oversee the development of policies, guiding principles, and operational procedures for international relations and diplomatic protocols.Identify strategic international partners and strengthen relationships with them through cooperation agreements or memberships in international cultural organizations.Oversee the development and implementation of cultural exchange programs and international engagements in coordination with relevant organizational units.Oversee the drafting and review of international agreements and memoranda of understanding and ensure their alignment with strategic priorities.Ensure representation at relevant international and regional events and conferences, and direct specialized teams to participate effectively.Direct the preparation of studies and reports related to international relations and cultural exports, in coordination with the Research & Studies Department.Oversee evaluation of the impact of international relations and cultural diplomacy programs, and direct development of improvement plans based on performance results.Oversee compliance with official protocols and courtesies for receiving international visitors and external representation.Direct preparation of responses to questionnaires from international organizations relevant to the organization's mandate and ensure their accuracy.Coordinate with relevant government entities to ensure alignment of international initiatives with broader government policies.Ensure the building and activation of a database of international relations, agreements, and partner entities, and its periodic updating.Oversee follow-up on implementation of international agreement and memorandum of understanding provisions and submit periodic reports on them.Lead risk management related to international relations, coordinating with the relevant department, and develop proactive mitigation plans.Oversee the development of departmental performance reports and identify challenges hindering achievement, directing teams to address them.Lead the department's contributions to innovation and institutional excellence files, in cooperation with relevant parties, to support achievement of the strategic plan.Comply with information security policies and procedures, maintain data confidentiality, and report to the Information Security Officer any breaches or violations of approved policies.Comply with occupational health and safety procedures, policy, and instructions, and the applicable environmental management system policy.Perform other duties and responsibilities related to the role as assigned.OperationalEnsure timely provision of data and reports to leadership, and provide recommendations on operational improvements to support planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement.Monitor monthly and quarterly performance results, identify performance gaps and their implications, and lead the preparation of corrective actions addressing root causes.Track departmental performance by defining key performance indicators and targets, and continue identifying areas needing improvement and providing recommendations to support the sector's strategy.Financial ManagementManage budget allocation at the department level to ensure full compliance, identify any timely non-adherence to the plan, and take corrective actions as required, in line with the approved governance process.Consolidate all staff budget inputs to prepare the department's budget and submit it to leadership for approval and further consolidation.People ManagementPrepare unified workforce planning strategies and budgets, talent attraction, training, and development for the relevant department to ensure adequate recruitment processes for optimal operational fluidity.Set section goals for all direct managers and review performance at mid-year and year-end. Monitor performance and provide specialized consultation as needed to ensure performance goals are met.Identify competencies.Provide guidance to section managers on operational and staff management matters.Follow up with and direct section managers as needed to ensure they can track operational requirements from professional and behavioral standpoints.Stakeholder ManagementKey Internal Stakeholders: All organizational unitsKey External Stakeholders:Relevant semi-government and private entitiesRelevant local and federal entitiesAll relevant external stakeholdersRequired QualificationsAcademic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Diplomatic Studies, Political Science, Business Administration, or equivalent from an accredited universityProfessional Experience and Skills:10+ years of relevant work experienceAbility to prepare consistent recommendations and input for policies, legislation, and laws enabling the sectorExperience managing high-impact programs and coordinating and engaging with numerous internal and external stakeholdersExperience managing and leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating a wide range of strategic initiatives and activities aimed at activating and developing the sectorApplying sector-related knowledge and emerging trends to prepare enabling strategies and policiesCompetenciesLeadership Competencies (Advanced):Supporting and enabling changeLeading and inspiring othersStrategic thinkingBehavioral Competencies (Advanced):Projecting and radiating positive energyExcellence in executionCommunity service and responsiveness to stakeholders' needsInstitutional understandingTechnical Competencies (Advanced):Strategic planning and performance managementDeveloping sector knowledge and capabilitiesEmirati Nationals Only.