Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) Seeks a Programme Manager, Gulf Sustain – Fully Remote Opportunity, Apply by 21 August 2026

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is inviting applications for a Programme Manager, Gulf Sustain position, offering an opportunity to contribute to workers’ rights, responsible business practices and climate-related initiatives across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The position is fully remote/home-based, with candidates preferably located within one to three hours of GMT and based in the GCC or in a location that provides easy access to travel across the region. The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of Gulf Sustain’s current strategy while helping shape its post-2027 direction.

The application deadline is 21 August 2026, with the successful candidate expected to begin in September 2026 or as soon as possible.

About the Institute for Human Rights and Business

Founded in 2009, the Institute for Human Rights and Business is an international think tank focused on advancing human rights within business practices and strengthening accountability.

IHRB works with businesses, governments and civil society organisations through research, policy engagement, convening and collaborative action. Its work aims to ensure that respect for human rights and the environment becomes an integral 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.

Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Gulf Sustain seeks to generate knowledge, strengthen dialogue, improve policies and accountability, and encourage collaboration as Gulf countries diversify their economies and increase investment in non-hydrocarbon sectors.

Programme Manager Role

The Programme Manager will report to the IHRB Head of Migration and work closely with internal teams, external consultants and regional stakeholders.

The role will involve stakeholder engagement, programme delivery, research, fundraising, capacity building and strategic planning. The successful candidate will also contribute to identifying new opportunities and developing the programme’s post-2027 strategy.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Building relationships with businesses, governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders across the GCC.
• Representing Gulf Sustain and IHRB at external events and networking opportunities.
• Organising strategic dialogues, training sessions and stakeholder convenings.
• Delivering training on responsible business and worker welfare.
• Supporting partners with policies, worker welfare frameworks and responsible recruitment strategies.
• Identifying funding opportunities and contributing to proposals and donor deliverables.
• Supporting programme management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Working with other IHRB programmes to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Supporting implementation of the Gulf Sustain communications strategy and website.
• Contributing to future programme strategy and identifying opportunities to influence policy and decision-making.

Strategic Areas of Focus

The position provides opportunities to contribute to several areas relevant to the GCC’s economic and environmental transition, including:

• Shipping and trade routes
• Port resilience
• Commodities, particularly mining
• Responsible investment
• Climate and labour issues
• Worker welfare and responsible business
• Policy engagement and stakeholder accountability

Candidates with deep knowledge of at least one GCC country are particularly encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate experience contributing to projects involving multiple partners, countries and longer-term activities. Strong strategic thinking and the ability to identify practical opportunities for stakeholder engagement are important.

The role also requires strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare well-researched written materials, develop key messages and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Applicants must be able to read, write, speak and understand English and should demonstrate diplomacy when working with politically and commercially sensitive issues.

At least two years of experience in a similar role is advantageous, although the organisation also values relevant expertise, research capability and demonstrated interest in responsible business, worker welfare, shipping, trade or responsible investment.

Knowledge of the GCC region is particularly valuable. Arabic language skills are an additional advantage.

Location, Working Hours and Salary

The position is fully remote/home-based and can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis.

• Full-time: 37.5 hours per week
• Part-time: 30 hours per week
• Start date: September 2026
• Contract duration: One year, including a three-month probationary period
• Potential extension: Subject to funding
• Salary: £44,000–£64,000, depending on experience

The successful candidate will be engaged through a consultancy agreement and will therefore need to be registered as self-employed. The consultant will be responsible for their own taxes, insurance and other applicable legal or financial obligations.

Candidates should be based within approximately one to three hours of GMT and must have permission to work in their country of residence. Regular travel across the GCC will be required, including occasional short-notice travel.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter through the recruitment portal. The cover letter should explain the candidate’s suitability for the position, specifically addressing relevant skills and professional experience.

Applicants should also indicate:

• Whether they are applying for the full-time or part-time position.
• Their earliest possible start date.
• Where they found the vacancy.

The application deadline is 21 August 2026. First-round interviews are scheduled for the week of 23 August 2026 and will take place through Zoom. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently complete a written task and participate in a second interview.

The expected start date is September 2026 or as soon as possible, subject to satisfactory references.

Opportunity for Regional Applicants

IHRB particularly encourages applications from individuals in regions where it currently has limited representation, including Africa and the Middle East, as well as candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the field.

The Programme Manager position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to regional policy dialogue, worker welfare, responsible business and the intersection between climate transition and labour rights across the GCC.

Interested candidates should submit their applications before the 21 August 2026 deadline.

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