Strategic Planning and Risk Management Specialist

About University of Doha for Science and Technology

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is Qatar’s pioneering national applied University offering a wide range of applied Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, certificates, and diplomas across diverse fields such as Engineering Technology, Industrial Trades, Business Management, Computing and IT, Health Sciences, and Professional Education. Hosting over 8,000 students and staffed by more than 700 professionals, UDST champions student-focused learning supported by cutting-edge facilities and innovative technological practices designed to enrich students’ skills and nurture qualified graduates who will contribute to Qatar’s knowledge-driven economy and the realization of National Vision 2030.

Role Summary

The Strategic Planning and Risk Management Specialist will report to the Manager of Strategic Planning and Performance. The role focuses on advancing the establishment, execution, and oversight of the university’s strategic and operational plans as well as formulating and managing risk-related frameworks to mitigate potential adverse impacts.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the creation, execution, and ongoing supervision of UDST’s Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Design, assess, and recommend comprehensive risk management strategies encompassing identification, analysis, mitigation planning, monitoring, and control of risks.
• Regularly update and enhance the university’s Risk Management Policy, procedures, and Framework to empower Business Units in effective risk governance and informed decision making.
• Manage and coordinate the risk register across Business Units ensuring accurate and current risk records.
• Collaborate with Business Units to oversee risk-related control measures and continuously improve risk reporting systems.
• Perform detailed risk analyses to evaluate potential risks and propose strategic mitigation tactics.
• Advise various units on necessary actions regarding risk, ensuring documentation and communication of critical risks across UDST.
• Establish and maintain open communication channels regarding key risk issues.
• Identify and suggest risk-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for enhanced monitoring.
• Implement a risk assessment model alongside supporting systems and procedures to validate risk analysis outcomes.
• Collect risk data from internal and external sources to support risk management and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and maintain databases and reporting tools to deliver comprehensive presentations and findings to leadership on risk status and improvement recommendations.
• Conduct benchmarking studies to align with best practices in risk management.
• Assist in forming contingency plans aimed at emergency readiness.
• Interpret regulatory impacts on risk and update the Risk Register accordingly, communicating these updates to Business Units.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is mandatory.
• A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications related to project management such as PMP or MPM, and/or risk management credentials including PMI-RMP, CRM, or CRMP are advantageous.
• A minimum of five years’ substantial experience in strategic planning and risk management, ideally within higher education environments.