The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is inviting applications for a Programme Manager, Gulf Sustain to support its work advancing workers’ rights, responsible business practices and a just green transition across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
This is a remote/home-based opportunity offering a salary of £44,000–£64,000, depending on experience. The successful candidate will work with IHRB’s Gulf Sustain initiative and is expected to begin in September 2026 or as soon as possible.
The application deadline is 21 August 2026.
About IHRB and Gulf Sustain
Founded in 2009, IHRB is an international think tank focused on business and human rights. Its mission is to shape policy, advance responsible business practices and strengthen accountability so that respect for human rights becomes part of everyday business.
In 2022, IHRB launched Gulf Sustain, a regional initiative focused on advancing workers’ rights during the green transition across the six GCC countries.
The initiative works to develop knowledge, encourage dialogue and promote stronger policies, accountability and collaboration as Gulf countries diversify their economies and increase investment in sectors beyond hydrocarbons.
The Programme Manager will play an important role in supporting Gulf Sustain’s current strategy while helping shape its post-2027 programme direction.
What the Programme Manager Will Do
The successful candidate will combine programme management, research, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and strategic planning.
Responsibilities will include:
- Building relationships with businesses, governments, civil society and other stakeholders across the GCC.
- Representing Gulf Sustain and IHRB at external events and networking opportunities.
- Organising and facilitating strategic dialogues, sectoral meetings and stakeholder convenings.
- Delivering training and capacity-building sessions on responsible business and worker welfare.
- Providing informal advisory support to partners on areas such as worker welfare frameworks and responsible recruitment.
- Identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals with the wider IHRB team.
- Supporting donor relationships and grant deliverables.
- Monitoring programme progress against established frameworks and deliverables.
- Managing external consultants and supporting programme meetings.
- Working with other IHRB programmes to identify opportunities for collaboration.
- Supporting implementation of the communications strategy and website.
- Contributing to future strategy development and identifying opportunities to influence policy and decision-making.
Strategic Focus Areas
The role provides an opportunity for professionals with knowledge of major issues affecting business, labour and sustainability in the GCC.
Applicants with expertise or a demonstrated interest in areas such as shipping and trade routes, port resilience, mining and commodities, responsible investment, the climate-labour nexus or related issues are encouraged to apply.
Deep knowledge of at least one GCC country is particularly valuable.
The position also requires the ability to identify practical leverage points that can influence policymakers and business leaders.
Skills and Experience Required
IHRB is looking for a candidate with strong project management, strategic thinking and communication abilities.
Applicants should demonstrate experience contributing to projects involving multiple partners, countries and timeframes. The successful candidate will need to work comfortably with diverse stakeholder groups and navigate political and commercial sensitivities with diplomacy.
Strong writing and research skills are also important, as the Programme Manager will contribute to briefings, presentations, communications materials and other written outputs.
English language proficiency is required. Arabic language skills are considered an advantage.
Although not essential, IHRB would particularly value candidates with at least two years of experience in a similar position and knowledge of responsible business, worker welfare, shipping, trade, responsible investment or related areas.
Remote Location and Travel Requirements
The role is home-based and is preferably suited to candidates located within one to three hours of GMT to facilitate collaboration with the wider team.
Candidates must have permission to work in the country where they are based.
Professionals based in the Gulf or wider MENA region are preferred, although IHRB also encourages applications from underrepresented regions, including Africa.
Despite being remote, the role involves regular travel across the GCC region. Some travel may be required at short notice, making regional accessibility an important consideration.
Contract and Salary
The position can be undertaken on either a full-time basis of 37.5 hours per week or a part-time basis of 30 hours per week.
The initial duration is one year, including a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of an extension subject to funding.
The advertised salary is £44,000–£64,000, depending on the successful candidate’s experience and level.
Importantly, the successful candidate will be engaged through a consultancy agreement. They must therefore be registered as self-employed and will be responsible for their own taxes, insurance and other legal or financial obligations.
Recruitment Process
Applications must be submitted by 21 August 2026.
First-round interviews are expected to take place during the week of 23 August 2026 via Zoom. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.
Candidates progressing beyond the first stage will also complete a written task followed by a second round of interviews.
The expected start date is September 2026 or as soon as possible and any offer will be subject to satisfactory references.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter through IHRB’s application portal.
The cover letter should clearly demonstrate how the applicant’s skills and experience match the requirements of the Programme Manager position.
Applicants should also state:
- Whether they are applying for the full-time or part-time position.
- Their earliest possible start date.
- Where they saw the vacancy advertised.
IHRB is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. Applicants with disabilities can contact IHRB to discuss reasonable support during the recruitment process.
This opportunity is particularly suited to professionals with experience in human rights, responsible business, labour rights, sustainability, international development, policy advocacy or programme management, especially those with strong knowledge of the GCC region.
With a competitive salary of up to £64,000, remote working arrangements and an opportunity to contribute to regional policy and practice, the Programme Manager role offers an opportunity to help shape a more rights-respecting and sustainable economic transition across the Gulf.
APPLY HERE
Join Our WhatsApp Community
Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
