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 objectives.
About You
You are a highly respected and well-connected leader with significant experience operating at the intersection of government, investment, strategy and stakeholder engagement within UAE.
You will bring:
- 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.
Why Join This Opportunity?
This appointment offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a significant international strategic initiatives with one of Australia's leading universities.
You will work closely with senior university leaders and influential stakeholders across government, investment, industry and the education sector, helping shape opportunities that could deliver lasting impact for education, research, innovation and international collaboration between Australia and the UAE.
How to Express Interest
This opportunity is being managed by a third-party provider on behalf of UNSW Sydney.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement online outlining their relevant experience, networks and capability to support UNSW's strategic ambitions in the United Arab Emirates.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of experience, capability, stakeholder relationships and demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex and high-profile environments.
Applications close: Monday 24th August 2026 at 11:30pm (Sydney time).
If you have any questions please email Persa Tzakis, Talent Acquisition Manager at p.tzakis@unsw.edu.au
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.
