IT Manager

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward‑thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many future proofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc.

DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..ae

This role is critical to ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of technology systems that enable advanced research and innovation. It underpins operational excellence and supports the digital backbone needed to position Dubai as a future‑forward innovation hub.

As the IT Manager, you will oversee the deployment, maintenance, and continual optimization of core IT and research data platforms. The IT Manager will ensure systems remain robust, secure, and scalable to support advanced research and innovation activities.

The IT Manager will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot issues, integrate internal and external data sources, deploy scalable systems, and drive continuous improvement in technology solutions.

• You will partner with department leadership to design and deliver IT capabilities that align with the launch of the research, development and innovation program and strategy
• You will lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of secure and scalable IT environments for research, development and innovation projects
• You will support digital projects such as the Trusted Research Environment (TRE) for health data, ensuring compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
• You will apply Agile methodologies and manage delivery pipelines through Azure Dev Ops, ensuring timely, iterative delivery of platforms.
• You will oversee integration of core platforms, including collaboration portals, CRM, grant management systems, and external partner interfaces.
• You will support the refresh of the research, development and innovation program's digital presence, including websites and portals, ensuring alignment with new branding and user needs.
• You will ensure resilience through backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity frameworks aligned with ISO 27001, NIST, and UAE PDPL.
• You will manage third‑party service providers end-to-end-from RFPs and technical evaluations to contracts, renewals, and SLA performance.
• You will produce SOPs, technical documentation, and training materials to support adoption across internal teams and external research partners.
• You will stay up to date on emerging technologies, recommending IT improvements to enable research excellence and international collaboration.

This role is key to managing and optimizing IT infrastructure, safeguarding cybersecurity, and driving continual improvement in technology solutions. By ensuring systems are resilient and adaptable, it empowers collaboration, efficiency, and the activation of research, development and innovation initiatives.

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast‑paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.