Senior Specialist - Strategy & Planning

Role overview

This position is responsible for driving the rollout of the Business Continuity Management System across AD Ports Group. The role ensures that continuity policies, procedures, and recovery plans are properly designed and implemented so the organization remains prepared for disruption, crisis, and risk scenarios while staying aligned with applicable national and international requirements.

What you will do

• Develop and execute business continuity initiatives in line with AD Ports Group’s continuity framework and the requirements of standards and regulations such as ISO 22301:2019 and NCEMA 7000:2021.
• Carry out Business Impact Assessments to understand how operational interruptions could affect the business and to define recovery priorities based on organizational risks and needs.
• Review and improve recovery arrangements using insights gained from exercises, incidents, and changes in the operating environment.
• Create and deliver training initiatives that build readiness and resilience across the group.
• Plan and coordinate tests and simulation exercises that verify the effectiveness of recovery capabilities, including severe disruption scenarios.
• Oversee the BCMS audit program by tracking actions, advising on improvements, and ensuring non-conformities from internal, external, and third-party audits are closed on time.
• Analyze disruptions to identify corrective measures and reduce the chance of repeat incidents.
• Assess business unit maturity on an annual basis to gauge current performance, define target levels, and support movement toward proactive continuity management.
• Support the Incident Management Team and Business Continuity representatives when continuity plans need to be activated.
• Keep BCM documentation current and complete, and prepare regular performance and progress reports for senior management.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; a master’s degree is considered an advantage.
• Strong working knowledge of business continuity frameworks and standards, especially ISO 22301:2019.
• A valid ISO 22301 Lead Auditor certification is an added advantage.
• Professional certification related to Business Continuity Management is preferred.
• Excellent command of both English and Arabic is required.
• Applicants should have 4 to 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience should include strong commitment to performance, as well as solid exposure to Business Continuity Management, Crisis Management, and Emergency Management.