Interfaith Dialogue Unit Head- UAE National

The Interfaith Dialogue and Mediation Unit Head is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of interfaith dialogue, mediation, and peacebuilding initiatives.

The role ensures the delivery of high-quality academic, community, and diplomatic engagement programs that foster coexistence, mutual understanding, and conflict resolution. The Unit Head drives research-informed dialogue frameworks, strengthens global partnerships, and ensures institutional impact through structured monitoring and continuous improvement.

3 Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• Develop and execute the Unit's strategic plan in alignment with the Interfaith Institute's mandate and overall objectives.

• Establish dialogue and mediation frameworks that promote coexistence, tolerance, and peacebuilding.

• Contribute to institutional planning through data-driven insights and program impact assessments.

Interfaith Dialogue & Mediation Programs:

• Design, organize, and oversee interfaith dialogues, mediation sessions, and knowledge convenings at local, regional, and international levels.

• Facilitate structured dialogue sessions addressing complex interfaith and intercultural issues.

• Ensure professional standards in mediation practices and conflict resolution methodologies.

• Lead capacity-building initiatives for diplomats, faith leaders, educators, and community representatives.

Academic & Knowledge Development:

• Drive original research, publications, and digital content related to interfaith dialogue, coexistence, and peacebuilding.

• Translate research findings into practical dialogue tools, training curricula, and policy insights.

• Oversee the development of educational toolkits and structured learning materials.

• Collaborate with the Knowledge Management function to ensure broad access to dialogue resources.

Partnerships & External Engagement:

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, think tanks, religious institutions, and international organizations.

• Represent the organization in international forums, conferences, and interfaith platforms.

• Identify opportunities for collaborative research and joint dialogue initiatives.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact:

• Develop KPIs and evaluation frameworks to measure dialogue effectiveness and mediation outcomes.

• Monitor program impact and integrate feedback to inform institutional learning and continuous improvement.

• Prepare performance and impact reports for senior leadership.

Governance & Team Management:

• Lead and manage the Unit team, ensuring clear role accountability and high performance.

• Oversee budgeting and resource planning for dialogue and mediation initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with governance policies and operational procedures.

Shared Activity:

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into unit business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.

• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the unit by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.

• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned unit to foster a value driven culture within the organization.

• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned unit activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.

• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

• Ensure that all unit reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet requirements, policies and quality standards.

• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

4 Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies, Theology, Religious Studies, Political Science, or related field (Master's preferred).

5 Experience

• 5–7 years of experience in interfaith dialogue, mediation, diplomacy, academic research, or peacebuilding.

• Proven experience facilitating high-level dialogue sessions and mediation processes.

6 Skills

• Strategic thinking and institutional alignment.

• Advanced facilitation and mediation skills.

• Strong research and analytical capability.

• Diplomatic communication and stakeholder management.

• Cultural intelligence and sensitivity.

• Program evaluation and impact measurement.

• Leadership and team development.