Special Projects Lead (12-Month Contract)
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About the Role
We are currently looking for a Special Projects Lead to support a key initiative within the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on a 12-month freelance contract.
Key Skills for This Role
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Overview
We are currently looking for a
Special Projects Lead
to support a key initiative within the
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
on a
12-month freelance contract.
DCT Abu Dhabi is the government entity responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, playing a central role in positioning the emirate as a global hub for culture, creativity, and tourism.
This role sits within a high-impact program focused on delivering transformative, high-impact initiatives leveraging AI, emerging technologies, and innovative business models to accelerate sector growth and unlock new opportunities.
Ideation & Opportunity Development
- Identify, evaluate, and shape high-impact, innovative initiatives across priority sectors
- Scan global markets for disruptive trends, emerging technologies, and whitespace opportunities
- Develop business cases and investment theses for new initiatives
- Present concepts to senior leadership for prioritization
Project Design & Structuring
- Translate approved ideas into structured, executable project plans
- Define scope, success metrics, governance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies
- Identify and engage partners, vendors, and potential co-investors
- Establish reporting cadences and governance models
Launch & Execution Oversight
- Drive execution of special projects from concept through launch phase
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage interdependencies
- Track progress, resolve blockers, and escalate risks where required
- Transition projects to permanent teams once stabilized
Strategic Advisory
- Act as a thought partner to leadership on high-priority strategic topics
- Provide ad hoc analysis and contribute to long-term strategic roadmap
Function Setup & Incubation
- Support the setup of a Special Projects function, including structure and processes
- Build and scale teams for each initiative (define skillsets, hiring needs, operating models)
Requirements
- 7–10 years of experience in top-tier management consulting (MBB or strong Tier 2 firms such as Strategy&, Kearney, Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, ADL)
- Demonstrated career progression (minimum 1–2 promotions) within the same firm
- Proven track record delivering high-impact strategic or transformation projects
Core Capabilities
- Exceptional structured thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to operate in ambiguous, zero-to-one environments
- Strong executive presence and stakeholder management at senior levels
- Experience in business case development and financial modelling
- Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort around innovation and risk
Experience & Exposure
- Strong exposure to emerging technologies (AI, digital platforms, metaverse, blockchain, etc.) with practical understanding
- Engineering or technical background is a plus
- Minimum 2+ years of experience in the GCC (required)
- Strong AI conceptual proficiency
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi
📅 Contract: 12 months
If this sounds relevant to your background, please apply and submit your updated CV.
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