Program Specialist, Doha, Qatar (fixed term contract)

About the company

Silicon Foundry is an innovation advisory firm within the Kearney group that helps organizations spot emerging opportunities, adapt to change, and build connections across the startup, venture, and technology landscape. The firm supports global corporations in identifying new technologies, engaging with promising leaders, and creating value through partnerships, investment, co-creation, and acquisition opportunities.

Its work includes corporate innovation, venture strategy, ecosystem engagement, and the planning and delivery of venture programs such as incubators, accelerators, and strategic investment initiatives. The team combines consulting expertise with broad industry networks to help enterprises turn external innovation into business results.

Role overview

This position is for a Program Specialist supporting entrepreneurship and startup programs for the creatives industry in Doha, Qatar. The role is focused on helping founders through incubation, acceleration, advisory support, and capacity-building activities while maintaining a strong participant experience and clear program outcomes.

You will oversee portfolio tracking, founder engagement, mentor and expert coordination, and support access to funding and strategic opportunities. The role also contributes to ecosystem development work, client reporting, stakeholder communication, and overall program quality.

This is a full-time, hands-on client project role in Doha, Qatar. It is a fixed-term contract running through January 2027, with a possibility of extension and/or direct transfer to the client as part of the planned handover process.

Program design and delivery

• Lead the full cycle of entrepreneurship program design and implementation, ensuring participants have a strong experience and meaningful outcomes.
• Identify, coordinate, and manage trainers, facilitators, and subject-matter specialists.
• Keep improving program content, participant engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Spot opportunities for new initiatives that align with ecosystem needs and strategic goals.
• Help build strategic partnerships that strengthen program quality and founder results.

Portfolio management and founder support

• Track startup portfolios and maintain ongoing relationships with founders during and after program participation.
• Monitor growth, milestones, KPIs, and outcomes while keeping records accurate and up to date.
• Plan and deliver workshops, masterclasses, and capability-building sessions for entrepreneurs and startups.
• Coordinate mentor matching and manage relationships with advisors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners.

Startup services and investment readiness

• Evaluate whether startups are suitable for advisory, funding, and growth-support services.
• Support investment-readiness efforts, including founder preparation, investor outreach, and financing opportunities.
• Connect startups with relevant ecosystem resources, strategic partners, and commercialization pathways.

Reporting and stakeholder management

• Gather, organize, and interpret program and portfolio data.
• Prepare recurring reports on program performance, founder progress, startup growth, and ecosystem impact.
• Assist with presentations and reports for senior stakeholders and client leadership.
• Create polished, executive-ready materials that clearly present progress, insights, and recommendations.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Innovation, or a related area.
• At least 5 years of experience in startup programs, accelerators, incubators, venture building, innovation programs, or entrepreneurship support.
• Hands-on experience designing and running founder-focused programs and startup support services.
• Direct exposure to working with startups, founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Background in startup assessment, due diligence, investment-readiness work, or venture portfolio management.
• Strong record of managing multi-stakeholder projects with measurable outcomes.
• Good analytical and research skills, with the ability to turn data into practical recommendations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and visual storytelling abilities, including executive-level materials.
• Knowledge of the Qatar startup ecosystem and the creative/cultural industries sector is a strong advantage.
• Experience using CRM tools, portfolio management systems, event platforms, and AI-assisted research tools to improve efficiency.
• Applicant should currently be based in Qatar or be willing to relocate.

Additional information

This role is offered as a fixed-term contract through January 2026, with the opportunity for extension and/or transfer directly to the client organization after project handover and knowledge-transfer activities. The role is full-time, client-facing, and based in Doha, Qatar.

Equal opportunity

The employer states that it is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in styles, experiences, identities, abilities, ideas, and opinions while maintaining an inclusive environment.