Role purpose

The Director of Strategy will provide leadership for the Foundation’s strategic direction, annual planning processes, portfolio alignment across different programs, and the overall organizational performance cycles.

The role ensures that the Foundation consistently presents a clear and compelling vision, translating the mission into effective prioritization, and disciplined execution across programs, its partnerships, and overall operations.

Working closely with the Director General (DG), the Grant Operations Director, the wider leadership team, governance bodies and partners, the Chief Strategy Officer serves as a trusted strategic advisor, driving evidence-based decision-making, organizational learning, and long-term institutional impact.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Planning

• Lead the development, refinement, and communication of the Foundation’s organizational strategy and strategic priorities.
• Conduct strategic analysis, environmental scanning, and foresight exercises to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks that may influence the Foundation’s future direction.
• Develop and maintain a strategic roadmap that translates organizational objectives into measurable outcomes and implementation milestones.
• Ensure alignment between strategic priorities, portfolio decisions, and resource allocation across the Foundation.
• Represent the Foundation and its strategy at external events, as required.

Annual Planning, Performance, and Budget Alignment

• Oversee the Foundation’s annual planning and budgeting cycles in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Establish and maintain organizational performance frameworks, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to monitor progress against strategic objectives.
• Support leadership in setting annual priorities and ensuring clarity, accountability, and execution across teams.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Provide strategic oversight of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) function.
• Partner with the MEL Director to design and strengthen an organization-wide MEL framework that supports evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that learning, evaluation findings, and performance insights are systematically incorporated into strategic planning and organizational decision-making.

Strategic Initiatives and Organizational Change

• Shape, support, and oversee cross-cutting strategic initiatives, pilot programs, and growth opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional coordination and collaboration to advance strategic priorities and organizational change efforts.
• Mobilize internal resources and coordinate rapid-response efforts in support of emerging priorities and organizational needs.

Executive and Governance Support

• Work closely with the Director General and leadership team to prepare strategic analyses, presentations, briefing materials, and recommendations for the Chairperson and governance bodies.
• Provide senior leadership with timely, high-quality insights and strategic guidance to support effective decision-making.
• Foster alignment and engagement among internal stakeholders around the Foundation’s mission, role, and strategic direction.

First 12 Months – Success Outcomes

The successful candidate will establish a clear and focused strategic direction for the Foundation, enable effective planning and learning cycles, strengthen alignment between resources and priorities, and ensure that leadership and governance bodies have the insights needed to make informed decisions. They will foster a culture of continuous learning, drive measurable progress on strategic initiatives, and position the Foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term impact.

Profile 

Experience and Expertise

• A minimum of 12 years work experience, with at least 5 years of senior leadership experience in senior leadership strategy development and execution role(s), ideally within global health, international development, philanthropy, or other mission-driven sectors.
• Previous experience in management consulting is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in shaping organizational strategy, driving execution, and overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions within complex organizations.
• Strong experience leading strategic planning processes, performance management systems, and cross-functional initiatives.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Proven ability to work effectively with senior executives, boards, governance bodies, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience convening and leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex organizational priorities.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to align stakeholders around shared goals and outcomes.

Analytical and Strategic Capabilities

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of translating complex insights into practical strategic recommendations.
• Skilled in strategic analysis, landscape assessment, organizational performance tracking, and long-term planning.
• Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.

Communication and Personal Attributes

• Outstanding communication, synthesis, and strategic storytelling skills.
• Ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling narratives for executive and governance audiences.
• Highly collaborative, intellectually curious, and adaptable, with a strong commitment to organizational learning and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in both long-term planning and fast-paced decision-making environments.

Languages

• Fluency in English is essential. 

Terms of Appointment

This is a two-year renewable contract.

Role Location

The role is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with some travel.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 14 September 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT +4). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity to undertake this assignment.