MENA Project Manager TrustLaw

Thomson Reuters

We are seeking a MENA Project Manager to join the TrustLaw team in Dubai.

This dynamic role will combine the opportunity to pilot a groundbreaking pro bono engagement initiative in UAE and the broader region (approx 60%), as well as expand our portfolio of programming in MENA (approx 40%), with a specific focus on supporting independent media with legal tools and training.

Please note, this is a fixed term contract for 12 months, with potential for extension.

About The Role

As a MENA Project Manager, TrustLaw at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, you will:

• Build and manage relationships with civil society organisations (CSOs), independent media and law firms across the MENA region (with focus on UAE and likely Lebanon), through targeted outreach, network building, and in-person or virtual meetings.
• Build and activate strategic partnerships across the broader MENA region.
• Develop and run a needs assessment to map and understand the legal challenges and pro bono capacity in the UAE and MENA region, and identify opportunities, resources, etc to fill the gap.
• Support organisations to access pro bono legal services and coordinate its delivery, leveraging the TrustLaw platform and international expertise.
• Organise and facilitate in-person and virtual workshops, trainings, and capacity-building events in partnership with participating law firms.
• Scope and oversee development of legal guides, training materials, and research outputs that serve both pro bono clients and the broader ecosystem, leveraging the pro bono support of participating law firms.
• Maintain our CRM/database system (Salesforce) to track project activities, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
• Prepare reports for both internal and external stakeholders, including donors.
• Represent TrustLaw and the Thomson Reuters Foundation at relevant external meetings, events, and forums in the UAE.
  
  
  

About You

To be our Project Manager, TrustLaw, you will likely have:

• Significant project management experience, ideally in the legal, CSO and/or media freedom sectors within the UAE and wider MENA region.
• A good understanding of the legal and non-profit sectors in the UAE and wider MENA region, and ideally, prior exposure to legal pro bono.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage multi-stakeholder networks. Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience working on donor-funded projects, including monitoring, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building workshops or legal training is desirable.
• Proficient in using databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for project tracking and reporting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with international colleagues, including occasional meetings outside standard working hours.
• Willingness to travel within the UAE as required; must have the right to work in Dubai.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is essential.
• A legal qualification (or significant experience in a legal/pro bono environment) is preferred.
  
  
  

Please note, the deadline for applications is 17 October at 11.59pm Gulf Standard Time.

What s in it For You?

• Global Perspective and Impact: Interested in working for a dynamic global organization with a focus on social impact? With hubs all over the world from Bangkok to Madrid to Rio de Janeiro, join a truly international team with a shared goal of helping to build societies around the world that are free, fair, and informed.
• Unique Approach: Our expertise in media and the law is world class. We combine the power of both to address the critical issues faced by humanity.
• Our Relevance: With a focus on advancing media freedom, fostering more inclusive economies and promoting human rights, our work has never been more needed than right now.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits.
• Learning & Development: We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to both in-house and external training opportunities.