Manager - Pollinator Program

The Manager of Pollinator programs –will lead the development and delivery of strategy, programs, and partnerships that advance Expo City Dubai’s commitment to urban biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on pollinator conservation and beekeeping.

An important output of this role is to engage with these key stakeholders to build up Terra’s reputation as a credible and impactful leading institution in the international space of pollinators and food security. The role requires combining ecological expertise with educational and cultural programming combined with financial sustainability, ensuring pollinator initiatives not only safeguard biodiversity but also engage diverse audiences through meaningful experiences.

The main responsibilities for this role include:

Strategy & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for pollinator programs, aligned with Terra, Expo City Dubai’s vision.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and growth of beekeeping initiatives, including apiary management, pollinator gardens, and habitat restoration.
• Integrate pollinator-focused work into broader sustainability and biodiversity initiatives across Expo City.
• Ensure programs are evidence-based, measurable, and aligned with global best practices and UAE-specific ecological priorities.

Education & Engagement

• Create and deliver engaging educational experiences (workshops, exhibitions, tours) that connect visitors, schools, and corporate partners with pollinators and their role in climate resilience.
• Design, deliver and grow paid adult and professional pollinator training, including the Novice Beekeeping Course, as a recurring revenue-generating program.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, including managing participation in the 100 Hives program, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes, and providing tailored support for teachers and students.
• Collaborate with the Education & Culture team to embed pollinator themes into curricula, events, and cultural programming.
• Develop outreach campaigns, interpretation, and visitor materials to foster public awareness and appreciation of pollinators.

Operations & Management

• Oversee apiary operations, including hive management, safety standards, and honey production for educational and cultural use.
• Recruit, train and supervise volunteer beekeepers and interns, including hive-handling competency and safety briefings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Apply Expo City Dubai’s safeguarding policy in all work with children and schools and ensure volunteers and interns working with young people are briefed on it.
• Maintain apiary emergency procedures, including first aid and anaphylaxis response for sting reactions, for staff, volunteers and visitors.
• Manage program budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Green Team, Urban Lab, Marketing & Communications) and external partners (schools, NGOs, government bodies).
• Expanding Program Reach & Impact
• Support and contribute to business development by identifying, cultivating, and securing funding and sponsorship opportunities to sustain and scale pollinator programs.
• Lead on expanding reach of pollinator programs by engaging new clients, schools, and organizations.
• Build, lead on and/or support partnerships with universities, research institutions, and NGOs to advance pollinator science, conservation, and citizen science initiatives (e.g. Bee:Wild).
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting on biodiversity impacts of pollinator programs.
• Position Expo City Dubai as a thought leader in pollinator protection and urban biodiversity through events and event participation, publications, and networks.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Skills required

6+ years’ experience in program management within sustainability, biodiversity, or cultural/educational institution as well as:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Animal Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven expertise in pollinator conservation, beekeeping, or related ecological programs.
• Beekeeping and apiary management.
• Experience designing and delivering public engagement, education, or outreach programs.
• Strong project management, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and partnership-building abilities.
• Skilled in cross-disciplinary collaboration and team leadership.
• Valid safeguarding / child protection training, or willingness to complete on appointment.
• Valid first aid certificate including anaphylaxis response, or willingness to complete on appointment.
• Passion for biodiversity, pollinator conservation, and sustainable urbanism.
• Creative and innovative approach to program design and visitor engagement.
• Results-driven, with ability to track and report measurable outcomes.
• Experience teaching beekeeping or pollinator courses to adult and professional audiences.
• Experience recruiting, training and managing volunteers.