Dubai based, Director – Public Markets Investments (Asset Allocation)

IFSC Online Ltd.; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director for Public Markets Investments to lead its investment strategy. This pivotal role involves setting the strategic direction for public markets, overseeing asset allocation frameworks, and managing external relationships. The ideal candidate will bring 10-12 years of experience in public markets investing, with a strong focus on portfolio construction and manager selection. This opportunity offers competitive compensation and a chance to shape a growing platform within a globally respected institution, all while contributing to high-performance teams in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Relocation package

Direct strategic exposure

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience in public markets investing.
• Strong expertise in asset allocation and portfolio construction.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for public markets investments.
• Lead the selection and oversight of external managers.

Skills

Asset Allocation

Manager Selection

Portfolio Construction

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Advanced degree in Finance

CFA designation

Tools

Risk Management Tools

Job description

Dubai based, Director – Public Markets Investments (Asset Allocation)

Job Title : Director – Public Markets Investments

Reporting to : Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

About the Institution

A globally focused sovereign wealth fund headquartered in Dubai, the institution manages a multi-asset portfolio with a long-term capital preservation and growth mandate. With a strong foundation in private markets, the fund is expanding its public markets platform and seeking visionary leadership to help shape and execute its global investment strategy.

Role Overview

The Director – Public Markets will report directly to the CIO and play a pivotal role in building and overseeing the fund’s public markets investment strategy. This includes developing the asset allocation framework, selecting and managing external managers, and driving performance across global equities, fixed income, and liquid alternatives. This position is ideal for an experienced investor ready to lead within a dynamic and globally active sovereign wealth platform.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Portfolio Design

• Set the strategic direction for public markets investments aligned with the fund’s risk-return objectives and liquidity needs
• Design and implement asset allocation frameworks across equities, fixed income, and other listed instruments
• Incorporate global macroeconomic, geopolitical, and market trends into forward-looking portfolio strategies

External Manager Selection & Oversight

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of top-tier external managers across asset classes and geographies
• Negotiate terms and mandates to ensure strong alignment and cost efficiency
• Conduct rigorous ongoing due diligence, performance monitoring, and risk assessment of all external relationships
• Collaborate with risk, legal, and operations teams to ensure robust governance and compliance
• Support the development and mentorship of junior investment professionals
• Serve as a thought partner to the CIO and contribute to cross-asset investment strategy discussions

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Prepare investment recommendations and strategic updates for senior leadership and the Investment Committee
• Represent the public markets program in interactions with institutional partners, regulators, and external stakeholders

Candidate Profile

Required :

• 10–12 years of experience in public markets investing, ideally at a sovereign wealth fund, pension fund, asset manager, or endowment
• Strong expertise in asset allocation, manager selection, and portfolio construction across public market asset classes
• Proven leadership in driving strategic investment decisions and building high-performance teams
• Deep understanding of global financial markets and institutional-grade investment processes
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence at the most senior levels
• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field; CFA designation preferred

Preferred :

• Experience managing or scaling public market platforms within a complex institutional setting
• Familiarity with investment operations, performance attribution, and risk management tools
• Arabic language skills a plus, though not required

What We Offer

• Direct strategic exposure through reporting to the CIO
• Competitive compensation and relocation package
• The opportunity to shape a growing public markets platform within a globally respected institution
• A collaborative, agile culture with high standards of excellence

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