Analyst Policy & Strategy

An analytical consultant, experience at a top-tier strategy consulting firm, specializing in business performance management and strategic execution. Strong expertise in leveraging frameworks like the Balanced Scorecard to drive organizational alignment and support decision-making.

JOB PURPOSE:

To contribute to the execution of strategic and operational work related to the company's core projects by supporting development of top-quality, management consulting-style analyses and policy briefs to the CEO, the Board, and other senior stakeholders.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Project Coordination

1. Lead coordination of project activities, workflows, schedules, meetings, and documentations in line with project plan and objectives.
2. If needed, act as an interim project manager to support the Policy and Strategy team members.

Institutional Knowledge Maintenance

1. Maintain institutional knowledge related work including university datasheets, thematic databases, memos, handbooks, and manuals so they are readily accessible and available.

Support Existing Project Portfolio

1. Lead research on relevant issues and topics in the UAE; especially in the higher education area to provide informative and insightful information to internal stakeholders.
2. Serve as a project support throughout the university research grant lifecycle; including the pre-award, award, and post-award phases in line with the established framework, policies and procedures.
3. Lead engagements with external consultants and experts so that they deliver work in line with signed agreements.
4. Build and maintain relationships with appropriate counterparts/peers at university, and other key external partners, and participate in discussions to achieve agreed plans of action.

Practice Building Initiatives

1. Contribute to policy and strategy practice development initiatives, e.g., L&D show and tell, planning team events.

Reporting

1. Report to the manager on budgetary deviations, project status and delivery risks, and help propose and implement mitigation strategies.

Team leading

1. If needed, lead the team's efforts to support the Policy and Strategy team members.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications

Bachelor or higher (preferred degree in Business, Public Policy, Engineering, Economics)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in a strategic advisory role, either in a leading management consulting firm, political advisory, the public sector, multilateral organization, foundation, or a combination of the above
• Experience in coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Understanding of the international, regional and local trends in the higher education industry
• Strong background in preparing PowerPoint presentation including content creation, structuring and storyboarding

Knowledge and Skills

• Strategy Execution & Performance Management: Familiar with designing and implementing Balanced Scorecard frameworks to translate strategy into measurable objectives.
• Business & Financial Analysis: Proficient in market research and financial modeling to support data-driven decision-making.
• Project Execution & Coordination: Skilled in monitoring and reporting on cross-functional workstreams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational priorities.
• Process Optimization: Supports the development and execution of initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and business performance.
• Storytelling & Executive Communication: Adept at synthesizing insights into compelling presentations and reports for senior leadership
• An ability to understand new concepts quickly across a variety of fields (education, government policy, etc.)