Program Director

at  Makeen Advisors FZ LLC

Makeen Advisors, founded by former McKinsey consultants and seasoned entrepreneurs, connects clients with top independent consulting talent to enhance their strategic and operational capabilities. Our consultants bring expertise across sectors, functions, and regions, collaborating with clients on strategy, implementation, and interim roles. We support major MENA organizations, from public and private sectors to start-ups, SMEs, and NGOs, enabling impactful initiatives across the region.
We are currently looking for a Program Director to join our client on a full-time basis.
Our client is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in delivering high-profile events and public platforms globally. With a deep presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, they are at the forefront of creating transformative moments that shape the global agenda.

The Program Director will take a leadership role in creating, managing, and executing the program development process for high-profile global events. This role will focus on managing speaker engagement, driving innovative programming formats, and ensuring the seamless delivery of content. The ideal candidate will have experience in speaker management, program development, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong creative mindset and an eye for detail.

• Work closely with the Community Engagement Lead on creating the program and speakers engagement strategy for each high-level project assigned.
• Think laterally in creative ways to come up with innovative ideas, formats, and concepts to bring a “wow effect” to our programs and business development presentations.
• Lead and execute all aspects of program development, including desktop research, drafting, session development, engaging formats, and scripting.
• Managing databases of speakers for events and initiatives.
• Lead and execute all aspects of speaker research, outreach & invitations, communications, and ongoing speaker relationship management.
• Lead and execute the preparation of value propositions to approach and secure knowledge and editorial partners (top management consulting firms, tech companies, NGOs, and international institutions).
• Manage speaker content briefings ahead of and during the forum.
• Write final reports of events, including formal summaries, graphs, charts, etc.
• Manage and supervise a team of Project Coordinators throughout the execution of the project.
• Support ongoing business development efforts by preparing concept notes alongside the Project team to support answers to Request for Proposals (RFPs).
• Assist the senior executive team on general ongoing matters related to project management and delivery.
• Develop and replenish networks of speakers, through research, with speakers’ bureaus, academics, editorial professionals, and development professionals.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Event Management, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, event planning, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex projects in the MICE industry, including high-profile conferences, forums, summits, or public events.
• Proven track record of managing client relationships at the highest levels and delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or other languages is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools
• Familiarity with audiovisual production, stage management, and broadcast technologies is a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently for event site visits, client meetings, and project execution, both domestically and internationally.
• Innovative thinker: Ability to bring fresh ideas to the table, particularly in developing new revenue streams and market opportunities.
• Client-focused: Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable: Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Travel: 50-60%
  Should you be interested, please register and apply on the link here .

• Work closely with the Community Engagement Lead on creating the program and speakers engagement strategy for each high-level project assigned.
• Think laterally in creative ways to come up with innovative ideas, formats, and concepts to bring a “wow effect” to our programs and business development presentations.
• Lead and execute all aspects of program development, including desktop research, drafting, session development, engaging formats, and scripting.
• Managing databases of speakers for events and initiatives.
• Lead and execute all aspects of speaker research, outreach & invitations, communications, and ongoing speaker relationship management.
• Lead and execute the preparation of value propositions to approach and secure knowledge and editorial partners (top management consulting firms, tech companies, NGOs, and international institutions).
• Manage speaker content briefings ahead of and during the forum.
• Write final reports of events, including formal summaries, graphs, charts, etc.
• Manage and supervise a team of Project Coordinators throughout the execution of the project.
• Support ongoing business development efforts by preparing concept notes alongside the Project team to support answers to Request for Proposals (RFPs).
• Assist the senior executive team on general ongoing matters related to project management and delivery.
• Develop and replenish networks of speakers, through research, with speakers’ bureaus, academics, editorial professionals, and development professionals