RDI - Manager Strategic Initiatives

Dubai Government; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubai Future Foundation seeks a Manager, Strategic Initiatives to turn strategic priorities into actionable projects through rigorous research, analysis and delivery. You will support research centres, governance design, and commercialisation initiatives while coordinating with leadership and cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 5–8 years in strategy or transformation, a Bachelor’s and ideally a Master’s; the environment is fast‑paced and impact‑driven, with opportunities to influence

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in strategy, management consulting, PMO or transformation.
• Exposure to research, scientific, or government/quasi-government institutions is an advantage.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Public Policy or a related field.
• Master's degree, MBA or equivalent, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and independently deliver workstreams across strategic initiatives (Research Centre activation and commercialisation projects).
• Conduct research, benchmarking and data analysis, including against comparable global research institutes.

Job description

About Dubai Future Foundation:

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) was established in 2016 to institutionalize future‑shaping for Dubai and strengthen the city’s position as a leading global city of the future. The Foundation works in partnership with government and private‑sector entities to imagine, design and accelerate Dubai’s future. Its work spans five strategic areas: future foresight, knowledge dissemination, capacity building, future design and future acceleration. At the heart of DFF’s mandate is turning future‑focused ideas and opportunities into tangible outcomes. The Foundation embraces risk‑taking, agility and foresight as key attributes in navigating emerging opportunities and challenges. DFF is guided by a core belief that leading in the present is not enough; the future must be actively imagined, designed and executed.

LIFE AT DUBAI FUTURE FOUNDATION

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to keep Dubai 10 years ahead, institutionalizing future‑oriented thinking and forward‑looking methodologies that position Dubai as the leading city of the future.

In collaboration with government entities, global institutions, startups, and innovators, DFF drives collective efforts to imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the Foundation oversees a portfolio of initiatives that include the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, Dubai Future Accelerators, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Forum, Dubai Centre for AI, and the Dubai RDI Program.

Through these platforms, DFF institutionalizes foresight, enables innovation, builds talent, and designs the systems and industries that will keep Dubai 10 years ahead in every dimension of its future.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website: www.dubaifuture.ae

WHERE DOES THIS ROLE FIT INTO THE BIGGER PICTURE?

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives sits within the Strategy function, supporting the Institute's key strategic priorities — Research Centre activation, governance and organisation design, and commercialisation.

The role bridges leadership's strategic vision with on‑ground execution, working closely with Research Centre teams, TTO, Investments & Deal Structuring, External Outreach, and Support Services, and forms part of the analytical foundation of the Institute's growing embedded strategy capability.

MANAGER, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

As the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, you will support the delivery of strategic priorities through rigorous research, analysis, project delivery, and stakeholder coordination.

The role will contribute to Research Centre activation, commercialisation initiatives, governance and organisation design, while providing analytical and execution support to senior leadership and governance committees.

WORKSTREAM DELIVERY

• You will support and independently deliver workstreams across strategic initiatives, including Research Centre activation and commercialisation projects.
• You will conduct research, benchmarking and data analysis, including against comparable global research institutes.

ANALYSIS & REPORTING

• You will develop presentations, reports and business cases for senior leadership and governance committees.
• You will coordinate project plans, risks, milestones and actions across strategic initiatives.

ORGANISATION & GOVERNANCE SUPPORT

• You will support operating model, governance and organisation design work for HQ functions and Research Centres.
• You will engage stakeholders and monitor implementation progress against milestones.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• You will contribute to continuous improvement of the team's methodologies and tools.

WHY THIS ROLE IS IMPORTANT?

This role turns strategic priorities into action through rigorous research, benchmarking and analysis that inform senior leadership and governance decisions, and through hands‑on project delivery that keeps initiatives on track.

It is a foundational role in building the Institute's strategic and organisational maturity as it scales.

WHAT DUBAI FUTURE FOUNDATION OFFERS?

DFF offers a dynamic and mission‑driven environment that values collaboration, excellence, and measurable impact.

You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams passionate about execution, innovation, and the future of Dubai.

Expect diverse challenges, high‑level exposure, and the opportunity to contribute directly to shaping Dubai’s readiness for the future.

WHO WE’R E LOOKING FOR?

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• You will have 5–8 years of experience in strategy, management consulting, PMO or transformation.
• Exposure to research, scientific, or government/quasi‑government institutions is an advantage.
• You will have a Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Public Policy or a related field.
• A Master's degree, MBA or equivalent, is preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• You will have strong analytical capability.
• You will have strong research and benchmarking skills.
• You will have strong business writing skills.
• You will have strong problem‑solving skills.
• You will have strong project management skills.
• You will have strong communication skills.
• You will have the ability to work effectively as part of a team.