Overview
Leads day-to-day implementation of Zayed University's Agentic AI Framework in Dubai, acting as formal liaison with the UAE Government's national AI PMO, coordinating workstream leads and the implementation vendor, and tracking KPIs to scale responsible AI adoption in line with UAE AI Strategy 2031. Requires a Master's, 10+ years' experience (6 managing), and bilingual English/Arabic.
Full job description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Strategy and Future Department is seeking an AI Adoption Programme Manager who will be responsible for leading the day-to-day implementation of Zayed University's Agentic AI Framework, acting as the formal liaison with the UAE Government's Agentic AI Project national PMO, and coordinating AI Workstream Coordinators, AI Domain Leads and the AI Implementation Partner/Vendor across all phases of delivery, to ensure the University meets its national AI transformation targets, scales AI adoption responsibly across academic and operational functions, and delivers measurable institutional value in line with ZU's strategic objectives and the UAE AI Strategy 2031.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic & Programme Governance
- Translate the approved AI Framework into a detailed, sequenced delivery plan and governance action plan, aligned to the timeline and reporting requirements of the UAE Government's Agentic AI Project.
- Act as ZU's dedicated point of contact and formal liaison with the National PMO, ensuring timely submission of action plans, wave reports and performance data.
- Report progress, risks and resourcing needs to the AI Strategic Committee and the Zayed University Agentic AI Taskforce, escalating matters of institutional significance.
- Consolidate budget and resourcing requirements for the AI programme, including vendor/implementation partner costs, and submit for review and approval.
- Identify risks, dependencies and operational roadblocks across the AI programme and recommend mitigation strategies to protect delivery timelines.
Operational Delivery
- Coordinate the RFP process and onboarding of the AI Implementation Partner/Vendor with the Strategy & Future and Digital Transformation Departments and manage the vendor relationship across all delivery phases.
- Coordinate with the AI and Data Technologies Workstream and IT/Digital Transformation on technology sourcing, integration architecture, data readiness and security requirements.
- Support the formalisation of AI governance: Committee Terms of Reference, decision rights, acceptable-use policy, assessment policy and risk-review/escalation processes.
- Coordinate the design and rollout of role-based AI literacy and capability-building programmes for faculty, staff and students, incorporating FAHR training requirements.
- Establish and support the AI Champions Network to cascade knowledge and sustain adoption across colleges and business units.
- Track and report programme KPIs, adoption metrics, training completion rates and use-case outcomes, feeding lessons learned into successive waves.
- Manage incident reporting and escalation for live AI use cases in line with approved national procedures.
- Prepare briefing materials, decision papers and progress reports for university leadership, the Board of Trustees and national stakeholders.
- Perform ad-hoc activities related to the AI programme, as requested by the Direct Supervisor.
Coordination & People
- Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Vendors, AI Workstream domain leads and coordinators
- Provide guidance and direction to AI Champions ensuring alignment with programme objectives and timelines.
- Identify capability and resourcing gaps within the AI programme team and liaise with HR/Strategy & Future leadership to address them.
THE REQUIREMENTS
- Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience and at least 6 years in a managerial position.
- Prior experience in higher education, government or a regulated public-sector entity is preferred.
- Certification in Programme/Project Management (e.g. PMP, MSP, PRINCE2) and/or AI-related certification is preferred.
- Written and spoken English and Arabic language is a must.
THE BENEFITS
The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.
TO APPLY
In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and three professional references' names and contact details.
While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if selected for an interview.
For any further inquiries, please contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae
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