Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy, UAE

Location: United Arab Emirates

Engagement type: Fixed-term consultancy appointment engaged through a third-party provider on behalf of UNSW

Duration: 12 months, with the potential for extension subject to performance, funding and strategic requirements

Time commitment: Approximately two days per week, flexibly scheduled to meet stakeholder, negotiation and travel requirements

Travel: Periodic travel within the UAE and to Australia may be required. Approved travel and business expenses will be reimbursed.

Reporting relationship: The Senior Strategic Adviser and Special Envoy will report to the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Transnational Ventures.

 

 

About UNSW

UNSW Sydney is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked among the world's top institutions. Through excellence in education, research and innovation, UNSW seeks to deliver positive impact for society and build meaningful partnerships that address global challenges.

As part of its international strategy, UNSW is exploring opportunities to deepen its engagement in the United Arab Emirates and support the long-term development of education, research, innovation and industry partnerships across the region.

 

About the Opportunity

UNSW 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.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

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.

 

Strategic Advice and Market Intelligence

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.

 

Partnership Development and Commercial Support

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

 

Trusted Adviser to UNSW Leadership

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 objective