Senior Specialist, Business Continuity

Role Overview

Senior Specialist, Business Continuity at ADNOC, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Company Overview

ADNOC Group is an oil and gas production and petrochemical organization operating across multiple Group Companies and business lines, subject to UAE national regulations and international standards.

Role Purpose

Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of ADNOC Group's Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework to ensure organizational resilience against a wide range of disruptions. Serve as the Group Technical Authority and Subject Matter Expert for Business Continuity, providing expert guidance and oversight across the ADNOC Group while championing integration of BCM with enterprise risk management, crisis management, and emergency response frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop, update, and own ADNOC Group-wide Business Continuity Standards at internationally competitive levels.
• Serve as the Group Technical Authority (GTA) and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Business Continuity discipline.
• Participate in and contribute to the Business Continuity Technical Discipline Council.
• Lead the development and implementation of ADNOC-wide BCM strategy, policies, procedures, and governance framework.
• Establish roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for recovery efforts across cross-functional teams.

Risk Management & Planning

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and Business Impact Analyses (BIAs) to identify critical processes, threats, and recovery priorities.
• Develop, document, and maintain Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans across ADNOC Group entities.
• Recommend technology and digitalization solutions to enhance BCM performance and resilience.

Testing, Assurance & Compliance

• Design and lead regular BCM testing and exercises, including failover simulations and tabletop scenarios, to validate plan effectiveness.
• Provide Business Continuity compliance and assurance services, ensuring alignment with ADNOC standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in and lead incident reviews and investigations, providing Subject Matter Expert input on Business Continuity aspects.
• Implement approved Department policies, processes, systems, standards and procedures in line with Company and International standards.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Oversee the development of Group-wide BCM Key Performance Indicators, indicators, and dashboards.
• Monitor BCM performance metrics and prepare insights and reports for Group Company CEOs and Business Line Directors.
• Recommend improvements based on performance trends and lessons learned.
• Provide inputs to prepare Management Information System reports and progress reports for Company Management.

Capability Development & Awareness

• Support, coach, and mentor Business Continuity professionals across ADNOC Group, with a focus on developing UAE National talent.
• Plan, supervise and coordinate all activities in the assigned area to meet functional objectives.
• Train and develop assigned staff on relevant skills to enable proficiency and delivery of section objectives.
• Develop and lead BCM awareness campaigns and training programs to embed a culture of resilience and preparedness.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for Health, Safety and Environment cost optimization, digitalization, and standardization of best practices across the Group.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead Group-wide BCM improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with ADNOC's strategic objectives and operational excellence.
• Design and implement new tools and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of operational processes.
• Identify improvements in internal processes against best practices in pursuit of greater efficiency and intelligent solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, Group Companies, government entities, and critical third-party partners to embed a culture of preparedness.

Budget & Financial Management

• Provide input for preparation of Department budgets and assist in implementation of approved budgets and work plans to deliver section objectives.
• Investigate and highlight any significant variances to support effective performance and cost control.

Performance Management

• Contribute to the achievement of approved Performance Objectives for the Department in line with Company Performance framework.

Health, Safety, Environment

• Comply with relevant HSE policies, procedures and controls and applicable legislation and sustainability guidelines in line with international standards, best practices and ADNOC Code of Practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering such as Mechanical, Industrial or equivalent discipline.
• 10 years' operational experience in oil and gas production, operation or petrochemical industry.
• At least 8 years' experience in emergency, crisis or business continuity management role.
• Strong understanding of BCM issues, practices and behavioral aspects in the Oil and Gas business.
• Enhanced knowledge of internal business processes, standards, policies and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant BCM applicable legislations, regulations, standards and best practices including:
• AE/HSC/NCEMA 7000 Standard and Guidance for BC Management
• ISO 22301 Security and Resilience — Business Continuity Management Systems Requirements
• ISO 22313 Business Continuity Management Systems Guidance
• BCI Good Practice Guidelines
• NFPA 1600 Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs
• Relevant Business Continuity certification and membership from Business Continuity Institute (BCI, UK) and/or Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII, USA), such as CBCI, CBCP, AMBCI, MBCI or MBCP, or from any other recognized professional body.
• ISO 22301 Lead Implementer certification.
• ISO 22301 Lead Auditor certification.

Skills & Competencies

• Business Continuity Management strategic planning and governance.
• Risk assessment and Business Impact Analysis.
• BCM testing, exercise design and assurance.
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge specific to UAE/Abu Dhabi and international standards.
• Performance metrics development and monitoring.
• Training program design and delivery.
• Mentoring and coaching of professional staff.
• Cross-functional stakeholder collaboration.
• Technology and digitalization solution recommendation.
• Incident investigation and review.

Additional Information

• Regular contact with employees and management staff of Group Companies and contractors during inspections and audits.
• Regular contact with Group Company employees, contractors and across businesses and functions via Communities of Practice.
• External engagement with UAE and Abu Dhabi regulators, governmental agencies and ADNOC shareholders.
• Liaison with International Organizations and Institutions for HSE regulations and standards.