Project Manager

Role Overview

Project Manager at Cisco, based in the UAE, supporting the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program.

Company Overview

Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program is a strategic partnership platform that drives innovation, builds digital skills, and accelerates the digital agenda of nations. The program executes initiatives that bridge national digitization efforts and technology advancement.

Role Purpose

The CDA Project Manager executes and scales digital acceleration initiatives by blending traditional project management with program operations, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic execution across multiple concurrent projects and government partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Project Management

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of CDA projects.
• Ensure timely delivery within scope and budget parameters.

Program Operations

• Support operational execution across multiple CDA initiatives.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and maintain program dashboards.
• Optimize internal workflows to enhance program efficiency.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with internal teams, partners, and government stakeholders.
• Align project deliverables and expectations across all parties.

Risk & Issue Management

• Proactively identify potential risks to project success.
• Develop mitigation plans for identified risks.
• Resolve issues that may impact project timelines or objectives.

Resource & Budget Management

• Manage project resources across initiatives.
• Support budgeting processes for project-specific and program-wide initiatives.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and deliver regular updates on project status, milestones, and performance metrics.
• Report to internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Facilitate alignment across Cisco functions including sales, engineering, marketing, and operations.
• Ensure successful execution of CDA projects through coordinated effort.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in project management or program operations.
• Experience ideally within a technology or consulting environment.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from initiation to closure.
• PMP certification or equivalent is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong reporting and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Smartsheet, Asana, MS Project, and Excel.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic mindset paired with attention to detail.
• Self-starter mentality with passion for innovation and digital transformation.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Capacity to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.