Job Purpose
Manage EM compliance with the Research and Development license obligations. Set the strategy on the selection of relevant R&D projects for EM investment. Engage the designated universities/research institutions to identify relevant R&D activities for EM’ participation Identify new technology start-ups that have strong growth potential and that qualify for R&D spend obligation for EM acquisition Manage the implementation process of the identified projects/acquisitions securing EM’s rights and benefits and fulfilling the regulatory obligation Manage the NTRA audits on R&D activities and fund spending.
Reports to Position name
R&D activities planning - Set the strategy for EM’s annual R&D plan in light of the regulatory R&D obligation and in-line with the corporate strategy and business objectives. - Manage the identification of specific R&D activities eligible for incubation and sponsoring through EM’s R&D fund. - Determine the research centers and universities with proper capabilities to implement EM’s R&D plan in light of the regulatory requirements. - Develop and manage the relevant agreements with the designated research centers and universities defining the projects’ objectives, expected outcome and the roles and responsibilities of each party. - Collaborate with internal teams to determine business objectives which can be achieved by special development that qualify to be funded by EM R&D fund. - Determine a detailed implementation plan for each R&D activity, and set-up the needed controls to ensure timely execution with internal teams and external institutions. Business development and investment opportunities identification and materialization - Identify technology start-ups with strong growth potential and evaluate their eligibility for EM R&D spend, and assess their integration into EM’s investment portfolio. - Liaise with EM strategy team to build proper business cases for nominated start-ups acquisition and assess the possibility to establish new companies owned by EM or Etisalat Group capitalizing on successful R&D developments. Projects Management - Establish the operating processes and procedures for the R&D function - Define the resources needed to achieve the R&D plan objectives, and manage the resources effectively and efficiently - Monitor projects’ progress and make adjustments as needed Budget Management and financial compliance - Manage the NTRA financial audits on R&D activities and fund spending, ensuring EM’s full compliance with the license requirements. - Manage the budget spending according to the set plan - Manage the authentication and external auditor certification for the R&D activities needed to prove the compliance with the regulatory R&D spend obligation. Stakeholder management - Set-up a process for the NTRA involvement in the designated R&D activities according to the boundaries of license terms and conditions. - Develop and implement a stakeholders’ engagement plan covering NTRA key persons and research institutions’ influencers and decision makers in order to reach EM’s R&D goals. - Represent EM in the related R&D events with focus on branding EM as a research sponsor and technology innovation hub.
Qualifications Essential
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Project Management
Qualifications Desirable
MBA, DBA or higher
Experience Essential
Minimum 8 years in the telecom industry
Experience Desirable
Minimum 3 years in the telecom regulations and public policy
Certifications / Credentials / Memberships / Licenses
NA
