Manager – Technical Delivery, Marine Restoration

About This Role

Abu Dhabi/ Dubai, Hybrid Model, and any other location within the UAE presence might be required for the projects Full time April 15, 2026TYPE OF CONTRACT : Full timeLOCATION : Abu Dhabi/ Dubai, Hybrid Model, and any other location within the UAE presence might be required for the projectsUNIT : ConservationDIRECT REPORTS TO : Senior Programme Lead – Marine RestorationDIRECT REPORTS : As assignedCLOSING DATE : May 15, 2026COMMENCEMENT DATE : Q2 2026 JOB SUMMARY

The Manager – Technical Delivery, Marine Restoration will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of core technical components of a new UAE flagship initiative focusing on community engagement, science-based mapping and technology-enabled ecosystem restoration. The role operates within the strategic direction and governance structure set by the Senior Programme Lead.

This role combines strong marine scientific expertise with structured project management capability to ensure high-quality technical delivery of assigned programme workstreams, aligned with measurable environmental outcomes. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of technical workstreams implemented by either Emirates Nature-WWF or partners. Key activities include community engagement, science-based pressure mapping, ecosystem assessments and restoration surveys, data-informed implementation, and operational field surveys delivery.

Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI-enabled systems, marine robotics, geospatial tools, or remote sensing is considered an advantage. Arabic language skills are a plus.

BACKGROUND

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental non-governmental charity, established in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors.

We operate with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and are governed by a local board of directors.

Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. Emirates Nature-WWF has been active in the UAE for two decades and is renowned for its commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, sustainable development, and community engagement. Some of our flagship projects include marine conservation initiatives to protect coral reefs and marine species, wildlife conservation programs focusing on endangered species such as Arabian oryx and sea turtles, habitat restoration projects in critical ecosystems, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts and promoting eco-friendly practices across various sectors.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities to our stakeholders within the UAE.

MAJOR DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Coordination & Technical Integration

• Lead the planning and execution of assigned programme components in line with the overall Programme direction.
• Translate programme conservation objectives into structured implementation plans, budgets, timelines, and KPIs.
• Ensure alignment between scientific objectives, operational activities, and reporting requirements.
• Provide scientific and technical input to project design, ensuring activities are grounded in sound ecological principles.
• Supervise and review deliverables of project team members, consultants, and technical partners.
• Ensure high technical quality and coherence across outputs.

Scientific Studies and Field Surveys

• Provide technical leadership and scientific oversight across field activities, technical reports, and knowledge products.
• Lead fieldwork coordination including site access, stakeholder approvals, logistics, and vendor engagement.
• Ensure technical activities are delivered in accordance with timelines, budgets, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Communications, Outreach, and Marketing teams to ensure alignment between technical delivery and external engagement activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Ensure assigned project workstream execution is aligned with overall programme goals and objectives, contractual obligations and defined KPIs.
• Prepare monitoring and evaluation reports in line with EN-WWF framework.
• Support interpretation of monitoring data and scientific findings to inform adaptive management.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to institutional knowledge sharing.

Stakeholder & Partnership engagement

• In coordination with Senior Programme Lead, engage with government entities, academic institutions, private-sector partners, and relevant community stakeholders.
• Support the facilitation of internal/external meetings, technical discussions, and validation processes.
• Oversee engagement with fishing communities and obtain necessary permits for field activities as required.
• Liaise with community outreach members and ensure broader community engagement with project needs.
• Provide technical inputs and progress updates to support presentations and reporting to leadership, sponsors, or donors.

Budget, Resource & Risk Management

• Prepare and monitor workstream related budgets in alignment with programme financial management, donor requirements and internal financial policies.
• Track expenditures, forecasts, and variance analysis in coordination with the Finance team.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across technical, operational, financial, and reputational dimensions.
• Support structured documentation including risk registers, workplans, and governance records

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive experience in marine conservation, environmental management, fisheries, coastal systems, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder environmental projects involving government entities, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Proven track record delivering projects with defined milestones, KPIs, and structured reporting frameworks.
• Experience working in field-based marine or environmental initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and technical service providers.
• Experience managing project budgets, financial oversight, contracting processes, and compliance requirements.
• Exposure to marine ecosystem restoration, fisheries governance, marine litter, habitat monitoring, or related technical domains is highly desirable.
• Experience operating in the GCC/MENA region or comparable regulatory environments is an advantage.

EDUCATION/SKILLS

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher in Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Fisheries Science, Oceanography, Environmental Management, Sustainability, or a closely related discipline.
• Professional certification in project or programme management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) is desirable.
• Strong understanding of fisheries management, environmental policy, circular economy, or ecosystem monitoring frameworks is advantageous.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Arabic language proficiency is highly desirable given the national scope of stakeholder engagement.

Skills:

• Ability to manage interdependencies across technical, operational, and stakeholder streams.
• Demonstrated capacity to translate ecological objectives into structured implementation plans and programme delivery frameworks.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams and external partners.
• Ability to critically review scientific assessments, technical reports, and monitoring data.
• Structured and analytical thinker with the ability to manage complexity and interdependencies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and diplomatic communication skills across government, academic, private sector, and community environments.
• High level of organisational awareness, accountability, and resilience in complex environments.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as geospatial systems, remote sensing, AI-enabled analytics, or marine robotics is an advantage.

COMPETENCIES

Emirates Nature–WWF Focus:

Acts as a committed member of Emirates Nature–WWF, prioritising organisational conservation outcomes above individual objectives and ensuring alignment across programme activities

External Orientation:

Maintains awareness of environmental trends, technological developments, and stakeholder expectations to ensure programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Delivering Quality Outcomes:

Plans effectively and delivers high-quality technical outputs aligned with programme objectives, KPIs, and timelines.

Building Working Relationships:

Develops strong collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.

Communicating Effectively:

Communicates complex technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.

Leading Change:

Supports innovation and adaptive programme management through the integration of scientific evidence and operational learning.

Managing Resources:

Ensures responsible and efficient use of financial, technical, and operational resources.

Value

Behaviours

Impact Driven

• Results oriented and focused
• We passionately seek impactful solutions to overcome the planets greatest challenges
• Uses a science-based approach and applies facts, logic and professional knowledge to create impact, displaying a strong understanding of the issues
• Demonstrates focus, determination, efficiency and accountability Consistently delivers high-quality work

Integrity

• Acts and communicates openly, constructively and ethically, and is sensitive to other people and cultures
• Treats others fairly and respects others points of view, creating an environment of trust
• Is consistent, honest and transparent in what one does and says
• Demonstrates self-awareness, manages own emotional response, and is aware of the impact of own behaviour on others
• Demonstrates professionalism and upholds a high regard for the reputation of the organization
• We live the principles and standards we call on others to meet, and hold each other accountable

Together We’re Stronger

• Shows empathy, listens, asks questions and shows consideration and understanding for others
• Is approachable, empowers others, provides trust and mutual respect
• We remain optimistic, light-hearted and participates in celebrating success together
• Recognizes the value that each individual brings to the collective impact of the organization
• Embraces diversity and inclusion
• Speaking with one voice, unified by one mission, shared values and common priorities
• Seeks to build powerful and aligned networks with government, organizations and communities

Courage

• Demonstrates perseverance and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization
• Acts with confidence and from a position of strength
• Takes measured risks and encourages action
• Inspires hope and optimism

Adaptable

• Stays informed of external developments and trends and adapts accordingly
• Pursues avenues for continuous learning and development
• Stays open-minded, seeks innovative and creative solutions
• Flexible and open to change and others view-points, remains calm and confident during change
• Embraces feedback

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Works closely with the Marine Science Lead, Conservation Unit teams, Programme Delivery teams, Communications & Outreach, Fundraising, Finance, and Operations to ensure integrated programme delivery.

External: Engages with government entities, regulators, academic institutions, NGOs, consultants, private-sector partners, fishing communities, and programme stakeholders

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Emirates Nature-WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment.

Emirates Nature-WWF staff participate wholeheartedly in general activities and events that require the full support and participation of all staff members, whether the focus of any particular event or activity has any bearing on the job description and assigned project objectives and activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application: Manager – Technical Delivery, Marine Restoration’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on careers@enwwf.ae before 15th May 2026.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.