Assistant Manager West Asia

About AVPN

AVPN is a unique funders’ network committed to building a vibrant and high-impact social investment community across Asia. AVPN’s mission is to catalyse the movement toward a more strategic, collaborative, and outcome-focused approach to social investing, ensuring that resources are deployed as effectively as possible to address key social challenges facing Asia today and in the future.

Job Description

The Assistant Manager, UAE will execute AVPN’s stakeholder engagement, operations, and relationship management in the West Asia market. This role will play a key part in building and deepening strategic relationships with AVPN members and stakeholders, including foundations, impact funds, family offices, corporates, financial institutions, intermediaries, funders, and policymakers. The role requires a proactive professional with strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills to support the growth of AVPN’s presence and impact in the region. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Market Director, West Asia, and collaborate with AVPN’s global product, events, and shared services teams to drive member acquisition, retention, and value delivery. This role is well suited for an entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment and is motivated by AVPN’s mission to create meaningful social impact in the region. The position will be based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role may also be adapted to a short-term consultancy, subject to agreement by AVPN.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key point of contact for AVPN’s members and stakeholders in the West Asia market; maintain and grow trusted relationships through regular engagement and communication.
• Manage member onboarding, renewals, and inquiries; work to identify and pursue opportunities for deepening engagement and partnerships.
• Assist in delivering stakeholder engagement activities such as roundtables, learning events, and in-market convenings in collaboration with AVPN’s regional and global teams.
• Lead the tracking, documentation, and analysis of stakeholder data and engagement insights; generate internal reports, dashboards, and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with the West Asia Markets team and relevant AVPN departments to ensure smooth execution of membership operations, reporting, and communications.
• Represent AVPN with professionalism and integrity at external events and meetings, positioning AVPN as a valuable ecosystem partner.
• Support the participation and involvement of UAE-based members and stakeholders in AVPN’s regional and global signature events (e.g. Global Conference, Regional Summits, thematic convenings).
• Contribute to the improvement of internal engagement processes, tools, and systems to enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Assist in market strategy development by identifying local trends, partnership opportunities, and sectoral developments relevant to the social investment ecosystem.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher; strong interest in the social investment landscape in West Asia (UAE and GCC)
• Minimum 4–5 years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement, philanthropy, business development, partnerships, or program management; preferably in a membership-based or mission-driven organisation
• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills; ability to engage with senior stakeholders across sectors with professionalism and impact
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and reporting skills; able to interpret data to inform stakeholder strategy
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects end-to-end and manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• High level of ownership, reliability, and self-driven initiative; comfortable working independently across virtual teams as a team player
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and a process improvement mindset
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in Arabic in a professional/workplace setting with fluency (written and verbal)
• Proficiency in tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office, AirTable, Mailchimp; experience with Salesforce and PowerBI is a strong advantage
• Existing networks or familiarity with philanthropic, business, or social impact ecosystems in UAE/GCC is a plus

Application Process

Please apply through our application form. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only notify candidates who have been shortlisted. Equal Employment Opportunity AVPN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage, actively pursue, and celebrate diversity in our workforce. Our employment is strictly decided on the basis of merit and business priorities. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.