Associate - Events & Partnerships

upGrad International; Dubai; On-site; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

upGrad International is seeking an Associate for Events & Partnerships in Dubai, UAE. You will drive presence at industry events and build affiliate/B2I partnerships to fuel customer acquisition, working closely with the Region Head and cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong market research, commercial negotiation, and relationship management skills, with 3+ years of relevant experience and a UAE driving licence. Arabic language is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in events and partnerships.
• Experience driving growth through affiliate/B2I partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure relevant industry events and conferences across regions.
• Negotiate terms with event organisers to maximise visibility and value.
• Coordinate with Sales and Marketing for planning, promotion and execution of events.
• Identify, onboard and activate affiliate/B2I partnerships to drive revenue and customer acquisition.

Skills

Event management

Partnerships

Market research

Negotiation

Cross-functional coordination

Relationship management

Job description

Designation: Associate – Events & Partnerships

Experience: 3+ years

Location: Dubai, UAE

Compensation: AED 80,000–100,000

Preferred: UAE driving licence holder and Arabic speaker

About upGrad

Founded in 2015, upGrad has grown into Asia's largest integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development company. We partner with leading Indian and international universities to deliver globally recognized online and hybrid programs across multiple domains, including Technology, Data Science, Management, Law, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain, Emerging Technologies, and Business Analytics. Our offerings span degrees, certifications, boot camps, diplomas, master's, and executive doctorate programs, designed specifically for working professionals. At upGrad, we believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, creating an environment where every individual can bring their authentic self to work.

About the Role

As Associate - Events & Partnerships, you will drive two connected growth levers for the region: securing upGrad's presence at the right industry events and conferences and building affiliate/B2I partnerships that fuel customer acquisition. The role combines market research, commercial negotiation, cross-functional coordination with Sales and Marketing, and long-term relationship management - working closely with the Region Head to shape and execute the regional events and partnerships strategy.

Roles and Responsibilities

Events

• Research and identify relevant industry events, conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities across multiple platforms, and present recommendations to the Region Head for quarterly participation.
• Evaluate events based on their potential business impact, audience relevance, and alignment with regional growth objectives.
• Negotiate with event organisers to secure the best possible commercial terms, visibility, and participation packages for the organisation.
• Coordinate closely with internal Sales and Marketing teams to ensure timely planning, promotion, and execution of selected events.

Partnerships

• Identify and explore potential affiliate and B2I partners that can serve as meaningful growth levers for the business.
• Research and evaluate prospective partners based on their audience reach, relevance, market presence, and potential business contribution.
• Work closely with the regional team to develop, onboard, and activate partnerships that can contribute to revenue and customer acquisition.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners to drive sustained engagement and maximise partnership-led business opportunities.