Ports & Logistics Subject Matter Expert (SME) - UAE

Dokainish & Company; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy firm is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join their UAE operations in ports and logistics. The role involves providing expert guidance on terminal operations, supporting logistics assessments, and advising on capital projects. Candidates should have 8-12+ years in related fields, experience with tier-one operators, and strong technical skills in tools like Primavera P6 and Power BI. This full-time position requires regional travel flexibility.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years experience across ports, logistics, or marine infrastructure delivery.
• Experience with tier-one port operators or major marine EPC contractors.
• Background in terminal operations leadership or PMO/controls roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on terminal operations.
• Support logistics and supply chain network assessments.
• Advise on marine and port infrastructure CAPEX programs.
• Contribute to digital port systems and automation assessments.
• Support program governance and executive reporting.

Skills

Expert guidance on terminal operations

Logistics network assessments

Knowledge of CAPEX programs

Proficient in English

Experience with digital port systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Operations

PMP or equivalent certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Power BI

Advanced Excel

Terminal Operating Systems (e.g. NAVIS)

Job description

PORTS & LOGISTICS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME)-UAE

Dokainish & Company is a global organization that has been providing world class professional consultancy services since 2011. We have recently launched our MENA operations, headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This expansion supports our strategy to serve government and private sector clients in capital projects across construction, infrastructure, energy, and commercial developments.

Overview

Dokainish & Company is seeking experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support strategic engagement within the ports, logistics, and maritime infrastructure sector. This role will provide execution-focused guidance across terminal operations, capital delivery programs, and governance transformation initiatives. This is a full-time position, and the selected candidate must be based in the UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on terminal operations, including yard and berth planning, crane productivity, and gate throughput optimization.
• Support logistics and supply chain network assessments across intermodal assets.
• Advise on marine and port infrastructure CAPEX programs ($50M+ portfolios), including constructability and delivery sequencing.
• Contribute to assessments of digital port systems and automation initiatives (TOS / NAVIS preferred).
• Support program governance, integrated scheduling (P6), risk management, and executive reporting.

this is a summary. Everyone at Dokainish & Company is asked to contribute in a variety of ways to ensure that company goals and priorities are achieved.

Requirements

Required Experience

• 8-12+ years experience across ports, logistics, or marine infrastructure delivery.
• Experience with tier-one port operators, global logistics providers, or major marine EPC contractors.
• Background in terminal operations leadership, logistics network strategy, infrastructure project delivery, or PMO/controls roles.
• Must have full professional proficiency of the English language.

Technical Skills

• Primavera P6 and/or MS Project.
• Power BI and advanced Excel.
• Terminal Operating Systems (NAVIS, Tideworks, or similar) - preferred.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Operations (MBA / Master’s degree preferred).
• PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Location & Mobility

• UAE-based.
• Regional travel flexibility required.

Candidate Profile

• Execution-focused industry practitioner.
• Comfortable working directly with operations teams and senior leadership.
• Ability to translate operational realities into capital delivery plans and governance frameworks.
• Expected to provide practical guidance, challenge assumptions constructively, and support leadership decision-making processes.

Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required.