Director -Technology Governance & Assurance - (UAE Nationals only)

He/She holds a key leadership role to lead the Technology Governance and Assurance function for the group Technology across multiple businesses and regions. This role is responsible for implementing governance frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing risk management practices. Additionally it is responsible for PMO, Quality Assurance, Technology Vendor management and Tech Finance & Workforce management.

• Coordinate with audit teams to ensure compliance with risk management protocols.
• Implement QA practices to uphold quality standards across technology initiatives.
• Develop and enforce governance frameworks to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Forecast financial requirements for technology initiatives and monitor budget utilization.
• Prepare risk assessments and documentation to support audit activities.
• Identify and mitigate IT risks through structured risk management practices.
• Develop communication strategies to keep teams informed and engaged.
• Facilitate collaboration between teams to promote successful change adoption.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to monitor adherence to technology policies.
• Lead change management efforts to support the smooth transition of new initiatives.
• Develop and manage technology budgets and resource allocation strategies.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in technology practices across business units.
• Oversee vendor contracts to ensure performance aligns with organizational expectations.
• Coordinate project timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.
• Negotiate terms with vendors to secure favorable agreements and manage SLAs.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and ensure compliance with service agreements.
• Set the required demand management, portfolio management and vendor management and financial control processes and frameworks for MAF Tech and ensure that they are followed.
• Manage the Project Management Office (PMO) to ensure consistent project execution.
• Plan workforce allocation to support technology projects and operational needs.

The role requires extensive technical knowledge, leadership skills, and management experience to effectively oversee the organization's IT systems and processes, ensuring maximized efficiency, reliability, service quality and business continuity.

The Director of Technology Governance & Assurance is a crucial member of the MAF Technology leadership team. This position requires an experienced IT leader who can lead different competencies and teams effectively.

Minimum experience

Skillset (job-specific skills)

• Strong negotiation skills for securing favorable vendor agreements.
• CISA, CISM, or equivalent certifications in risk and compliance.
• Deep understanding of information management practices, system development life cycle management, IT services management, agile and lean methodologies, infrastructure and operations, and EA and ITIL frameworks.
• Knowledge of vendor performance metrics and SLA management.
• Confident, engaging people leader, able to communicate a vision and bring along on the journey
• Experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks.
• Experience in conducting audits and preparing risk assessments.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate new ideas and concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of workforce planning and team capacity management.
• Experience in managing PMO and coordinating technology projects.
• 10-15 years of experience in PMO, governance, risk management, or audit roles within Group technology.
• Exceptional soft and interpersonal skills, including teamwork, facilitation and negotiation.
• Proficiency in change management methodologies and tools.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, system analysis or a related field of study, or equivalent experience.
• Highly analytical with a structured problem-solving approach and a strong business acumen
• Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards for technology practices.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing complex cross-functional projects and teams.
• Proficiency in implementing QA practices and ensuring quality standards.
• Experience in developing communication strategies for technology teams.
• Experience in budget planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
• ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Certification
• Proficiency in identifying and mitigating IT risks.