About the programme

The programme provides management and leadership development for 65 middle managers working across the GCC and will enable them to be more future-ready. They will be better prepared to drive change, foster innovation, and lead and manage their departments and teams to meet the demands and challenges of today’s complex public sector organisations.

The “Future of Work in Government” is structured as ten online modules delivered in both Arabic and English language providing essentials of strategy, leadership and management, project management, business analytics and digital transformation. With a focus on building skills, each module, lasting 3-4 hours provides a highly practical and applied approach to learning and development and enable middle managers to collaborate and learn with peers across the GCC through the online platform, as well as during live online Oxford masterclasses.

In addition to the University of Oxford online learning, there will also be up to three regional in-person events, delivered in Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain & State of Kuwait.

By the end of the programme participants will be better equipped and inspired to manage and lead their teams and departments, with an enhanced ability to deliver on strategy and maximize opportunities to create public value.

Programme’s Objectives

Equipping leaders in the public sector with the knowledge, skills, concepts, and tools necessary to transform visions and strategies into tangible reality.

Target audience

Middle Managers in the public sector working across the GCC

Partners

Learning Modules

Part 1: Bringing Value to Public Sector Organisations

  • Module 1: Creating Impact ─ The Work of the Middle Manager
  • Module 2: Creating Strategic Alignment
  • Module 3: Middle Manager as Connector, Collaborator, and Negotiator
  • Masterclass 1: Building Greater Leadership Agility
  • First in-person event: Sultanate of Oman

Part 2: Leading from the Middle

  • Module 4: Leading Digital Transformation ─ Technology Enabled Governments
  • Module 5: Leading Projects
  • Masterclass 2: Leading Projects with Alex Budzier
  • Module 6: Problem-solving and Decision-making
  • Module 7: Business Analytics for Middle Managers
  • Second in-person event: Kingdom of Bahrain
  • Module 8: Leading Teams
  • Module 9: Managing Performance and Change
  • Masterclass 3: Leading Teams
  • Module 10: Leading into the Future
  • Third in-person event & Graduation: State of Kuwait

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the target audience for the Future of Work in Government Programme?

The target audience of the programme are middle managers in the public sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, specifically those working in institutions closely aligned with the national visions of their respective countries. The target age group is between 30 and 45 years old.

What is the language of the programme?

The programme will be delivered in both Arabic and English.

Which institutions are eligible to nominate their employees for the programme?

Based on the priorities of the national visions of each participating country, employees should be nominated from institutions, that are closely aligned with these priorities.

Does the participant bear any financial costs for participating in the program?

Participants will not bear any financial costs. However, their institution or employer is responsible for covering travel, accommodation, and daily expenses for attending the three in-person components of the learning journey.

What expenses will the Royal Academy of Management cover?

The Royal Academy of Management will cover all educational costs associated with the online learning provided by the academic partner.

Do participants need to be fully released from work for 3 months to participate in the programme?

The programme’s learning journey is designed to be delivered in a way that does not require full-time release for the entire 3 months weeks. However, since there are in-person components scheduled for specific dates, participants must be fully available for these in-person components only .

When will the actual learning journey of the programme begin, and how long will it last?

It will begin on September 11, 2024, and will continue until December 25, 2024.

Do I need to be proficient in English, both speaking and writing, to apply for this programme?

Not necessarily. All programme units and activities will be offered in both Arabic and English, based on the participant’s preference.

What if I am not available during the in-person component dates?

The in-person component is an integral part of the programme and a key success criterion. Therefore, participants must ensure their availability during the periods specified in the learning journey.

Can I successfully complete the 'Future of Work in Government Programme for GCC countries' while working full-time?

The learning journey of the “Future of Work in Government Programme for GCC countries” consists of several educational units that can be completed alongside job responsibilities. However, participants are required to allocate time outside of their working hours to attend all units throughout the 3 months programme.

In which country will the in-person component take place?

The programme includes three in-person components that all participants are required to attend:
First in-person component:
Sultanate of Oman: October 21 to October 23, 2024
Second in-person component:
Kingdom of Bahrain: November 24 to November 26, 2024
Third in-person component + Graduation Ceremony:
State of Kuwait: December 23 to December 25, 2024