Associate – Strategic Advisory & Client Engagement

Irwin & Dow; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique global strategic advisory firm is looking for an Associate to join their Dubai office. This role involves supporting various client-focused projects, including research and event execution. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in economics or finance, excellent organizational and analytical skills, and proficiency in tools like PowerPoint and Excel. The position offers the chance to grow relationships with influential clients and manage diverse initiatives, providing broad exposure to the firm's operations.

Qualifications

• Proactive, detail-oriented and intellectually curious individual.
• Accuracy of output and proactive approach to deadlines.
• Experience in client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients throughout various project phases.
• Prepare roadshow calendars and marketing materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical capabilities

Communication skills

Proficiency in PowerPoint

Proficiency in Excel

Education

Background in economics, finance or business

Job description

Our client is a boutique global strategic advisory firm operating across private markets, strategic communications and high-level stakeholder engagement. The firm supports an exclusive portfolio of influential investors, private enterprises, pioneering brands, early-stage ventures and leading non-profit organisations. Known for its relationship-driven approach and its ability to enhance visibility and create meaningful connections, the organisation continues to expand its reach and impact internationally. As part of this growth, we are seeking an exceptional Associate to join the team in Dubai. This role provides broad exposure to client-focused strategic advisory work, offering the opportunity to collaborate closely with senior leadership, international partners and a diverse network of stakeholders. The Associate will support a wide spectrum of projects ranging from investor outreach and roadshow coordination to research, event execution and client relationship management. The scope of the role is dynamic and hands‑on. Responsibilities will include assisting clients throughout various project phases, contributing to the preparation of roadshow calendars, profiles, agendas and marketing materials, and communicating directly with clients on ongoing initiatives. You will build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring timely follow‑ups and clarity around next steps. The role requires close collaboration with managers to facilitate smooth communication internally and externally, and includes the preparation of presentation materials and coordination of onsite client meetings. You will also support the firm’s wider visibility through annual meetings, industry conferences, seminars and broader market outreach. The position will involve active use of the firm’s CRM platform, daily scheduling and organisational support for the team, and careful management of client information and background notes before internal and external meetings. You will be responsible for organising and retrieving meeting notes from team members, maintaining an up-to-date flow of information, and conducting ongoing research into LPs, clients and potential new relationships. Support across all events, alongside assistance to the COO and management team on compliance matters, forms another important part of this role. Over time, the Associate will also contribute to the origination of new business opportunities as relationships deepen and the firm’s network grows.

We are seeking a proactive, detail‑oriented and intellectually curious individual who thrives in a fast‑paced, boutique environment. Strong organisational skills, accuracy of output, and a proactive approach to deadlines are essential. A background in economics, finance or business, complemented by strong analytical capabilities and outstanding communication skills, would be highly regarded. The role requires proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel, along with comfort working across multiple priorities with discretion, professionalism and initiative.