Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy, UAE

UNSW•Mira Gut, NS

13h•Remote

About The Position

UNSW Sydney is seeking an exceptional UAE-based leader to serve as Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy, UAE. This is a unique opportunity to support one of Australia's leading universities as it explores opportunities in the UAE. Acting as UNSW's senior representative in the UAE, the successful candidate will provide strategic advice, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement support while leveraging their networks, credibility and influence to help advance approved opportunities and strategic relationships. Working closely with UNSW leadership, Group Ventures and key advisers, the Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy will help navigate complex government, regulatory and commercial environments, providing insights that inform decision-making and support the progression of strategic initiatives. Given the seniority and strategic importance of the role, the Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and College CEO/PVC as well as other senior UNSW leaders as required. The role will operate within an agreed mandate and will not have authority to commit UNSW to commercial, financial, legal or partnership arrangements.

Requirements

Significant executive, board-level, diplomatic or government-facing leadership experience in UAE.
Established credibility and trusted relationships across government, sovereign, regulatory, investment and business communities.
A demonstrated ability to engage effectively with ministers, senior officials, regulators, boards, chief executives and institutional leaders.
Experience supporting major strategic initiatives, commercial ventures or economic development activities.
Strong understanding of UAE government structures, decision-making processes and stakeholder landscapes.
An appreciation of Australia's higher education sector and its role in international education, research and innovation.
Exceptional judgement, diplomacy, discretion and relationship-management skills.
Strong commercial acumen and an ability to identify opportunities while understanding associated risks.
Outstanding negotiation, influencing and cross-cultural communication capabilities.
The ability to work independently while operating effectively within established governance and reporting frameworks.
High standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Represent UNSW in approved engagements with senior government, sovereign wealth, regulatory, diplomatic, investment and industry stakeholders.
Develop and maintain trusted relationships with priority stakeholders across the UAE.
Facilitate introductions and engagement opportunities that support UNSW's strategic objectives.
Help position UNSW as a credible, long-term and trusted partner in the region.
Support preparation for senior-level meetings, visits and engagements and help progress agreed actions and opportunities.
Provide advice on government priorities, policy developments, regulatory pathways and stakeholder expectations relevant to UNSW's strategic interests.
Offer insights on political, commercial and institutional considerations that may affect potential opportunities.
Advise on the strategic alignment, commercial viability, potential risks and stakeholder environment associated with prospective initiatives.
Act as a trusted bridge between Australian and UAE government, education and business environments.
Provide strategic advice regarding partnership structures.
Support the development and assessment of investment propositions, business cases and commercial opportunities.
Contribute to due diligence activities, negotiation planning and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Provide advice on funding approaches, governance considerations and long-term sustainability.
Maintain regular communication with UNSW leadership regarding developments, opportunities and emerging issues in the UAE.
Provide clear, timely and practical advice that supports informed decision-making.
Exercise sound judgement when navigating political sensitivities, reputational considerations and complex stakeholder environments.
Ensure all activities are undertaken in alignment with UNSW's governance requirements, values and strategic objectives.