Executive Assistant

DESIGN COMMISSION ABU DHABI / لجنة التصميم - أبوظبي; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A government design authority in Abu Dhabi is looking for an Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative, strategic, and operational support to its leadership team. The role requires managing busy schedules, stakeholder communications, and conducting research. Ideal candidates will have 5–8 years of experience in supporting executives, a strong understanding of UAE protocols, and exceptional communication skills. This position ensures that the Executive Vice-Chairwoman can focus on critical leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience supporting senior executives in government, cultural sector, or multinational environments.
• Strong understanding of UAE cultural landscape and government protocol.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume workloads with speed and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Executive Vice-Chairwoman’s daily schedule and meetings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders.
• Organize internal and external meetings and events.
• Prepare research summaries and executive briefs.
• Arrange travel itineraries and logistics.

Skills

English communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative, strategic, and operational support to the Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) and its leadership team. This role ensures the seamless management of the Executive Office through expert coordination, confidential communication handling, stakeholder engagement, and proactive planning. The Executive Assistant serves as a trusted partner, enabling the Executive Vice-Chairwoman to focus on strategic priorities, leadership commitments, and the advancement of DCAD’s mandate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Office Management

• Manage the Executive Vice-Chairwoman’s daily schedule, meetings, travel, and priority workflows.
• Ensure timely preparation of agendas, briefings, documents, and follow-up materials.
• Anticipate needs, deadlines, and key decisions requiring executive attention.
• Draft, review, and edit official letters, emails, memos, and statements on behalf of the Executive Office.
• Maintain high confidentiality when handling sensitive information and matters of strategic importance.
• Coordinate communications with the Executive Office of the Chairman, C-suite, and government partners.

3. Stakeholder & Government Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, partners, and VIP visitors.
• Support coordination with Abu Dhabi government entities, cultural institutions, and international partners.
• Ensure all interactions reflect DCAD’s professionalism, cultural values, and national positioning.

4. Meeting & Event Coordination

• Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, and high-level engagements.
• Oversee logistics, briefing notes, minutes, and action tracking.
• Coordinate executive participation in official events, conferences, and design industry forums.

5. Research & Documentation

• Prepare research summaries, executive briefs, talking points, and reports to support decision-making.
• Maintain organized filing systems, project trackers, and documentation archives.

6. Project & Task Management

• Support executive-led initiatives, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and stakeholder responsibilities are met.
• Track progress of key programs and flag areas requiring executive intervention.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.

7. Travel & Protocol

• Arrange travel itineraries, accommodation, and protocol-compliant logistics.
• Prepare travel briefs, schedules, and meeting packs for domestic and international missions.

8. Executive Representation

• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
• Represent the Executive Vice-Chairwoman with integrity when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of experience supporting senior executives (government, cultural sector, or multinational preferred).
• Strong understanding of UAE cultural landscape, government protocol, and executive-level operations.
• Exceptional English writing and communication skills (Arabic preferred).
• Proven ability to manage high-volume workloads with speed, accuracy, and calmness under pressure.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving capabilities.

Core Competencies

• Executive presence and professionalism
• High emotional intelligence and discretion
• Strong communication and writing ability
• Strategic awareness and attention to detail
• Time management and prioritization
• Stakeholder engagement and cultural sensitivity
• Adaptability, proactiveness, and solution-oriented mindset