Client: International Consulting Firm

Role: Senior Associate/Engagement Manager - Arabic Speaker

Role Description: Our client is looking for a Senior Associate/Engagement Manager to support in the completion of a database of fiscal policies (already largely started) and to to conduct 6 rapid studies (estimated level of effect of 10 working days each). 

Location: 80% remote and 20% Riyadh 

Duration: 6-12 months

Capacity: Full-time (5 days/week) 

Start date: Immediately

Requirements: 

• Experience working with McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company or BCG
• Arabic Speaker

Client: International Consulting Firm 

Role: Associate - Arabic Speaker

Role Description: Our client is looking for an Arabic Speaking Associate to support the strategy revamp for  their end client

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with remote work on Fridays

Duration: 4 months

Capacity: Full-time (5 days/week)

Start date: January 2025

Requirements: 

• Minimum 5-6 years of work experience in top consulting companies
• Required former experience with public sector / government institutions in the GCC
• Good Arabic knowledge (will need to lead some meetings in Arabic + able to create slides in Arabic from scratch)

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Business Development Manager

Job type: Permanent Role

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in delivering high-profile events and public platforms globally. With a deep presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, they are at the forefront of creating transformative moments that shape the global agenda.

The Business Development Manager will support the team in the overall strategy, leadership, and execution of business development efforts. 

• Develop and coordinate technical proposals that align with client needs and project objectives
• Create engaging, high-impact PowerPoint decks to support pitch presentations and proposals
• Build relationships with potential and existing clients through event and conference engagements
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, technical) to gather input for proposals
• Identify business opportunities and formulate strategies for growth in target markets

Requirements & Qualifications: 

• Proven experience in business development or related role
• Strong ability to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing presentations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in a fast-paced events environment
• Solid understanding of proposal creation processes and project coordination
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet tight deadlines

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Global Head of Creative

Job type: Permanent Role

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is seeking a Global Head of Creative to join their team. This role will report to the CEO. The ideal candidate must have proven experience in events, stage creation, themes, creative strategy, and end-to-end implementation.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage the creative team at the Group level, fostering a culture of Innovation and Excellence and building the client's creative team.
• Develop and oversee creative strategies aligned with the Founder and CEO’s vision.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and impactful creative output.
• Assess the existing Creative capabilities and advise on the development and required skills.
• Assess and advise on the requested tools and techniques required to drive creative excellence.
• Guide the development of concepts, presentations, and high-quality deliverables.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to innovate and elevate the brand’s creative direction.

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Head of Community & Digital

Job type: Permanent Role

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is seeking an innovative and visionary Head of Community & Digital to lead the digital and community teams. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive digital campaigns for their conferences that enhance audience engagement, participants experience and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Digital Strategy Development:

• Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive digital campaigns to drive audience engagement and amplify event impact.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for digital innovation.
• Oversee the end-to-end management of digital products, from conceptualization to delivery and optimization.
• Ensure consistency of branding across all digital platforms and products

2. Community Engagement:

• Build and nurture a dynamic digital community around key events and initiatives.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders, sponsors, and external collaborators to extend reach and engagement.
• Audience development: Define and map audience segments, leveraging data to create targeted campaigns that resonate with diverse groups.
• Develop audience personas to align with pain points, aspirations, and interests for effective engagement.
• Evaluate and integrate technologies (e.g., CRM, social media, website optimization) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Explore and implement virtual and hybrid event solutions to cater to diverse audience needs.

3. Content and Marketing Campaigns:

• Plan and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, including email, social media, and content marketing.
• Collaborate with PR and media agencies to optimize awareness and registrations for key events.
• Set up tracking and reporting mechanisms for all marketing activities to ensure continuous improvement.
• Regularly report progress and performance insights to key stakeholders.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Utilize analytics tools to measure the success of digital initiatives and provide actionable insights.
• Conduct CRM audits and data gap analyses to inform strategies and improve performance.

5. Team Leadership:

• Inspire and manage a cross-functional digital team to deliver high-quality projects and solutions.
• Promote a collaborative and innovative work environment to achieve strategic objectives.

Client: International Consulting Firm

Role: Engagement Manager - Arabic Speaker

Role Description: Our client is looking for an Engagement Manager to support on a project in defining financial sustainability strategy for a city

Location: Remote with 1 day onsite in Riyadh every week or 2 weeks

Duration: 9 months

Capacity: Full-time (5 days/week) 

Start date: TBD

Requirements: 

• Arabic Speaker
• Experience working with McKinsey & Company, BCG or Bain 
• Experience working with Saudi Arabia 
• Experience in PP, Public Finance, City or Real Estate 

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Project Director

Job type: Freelance position, with a possibility of turning permanent 

Location: Dubai or Riyadh

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in delivering high-profile events and public platforms globally. With a deep presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, they are at the forefront of creating transformative moments that shape the global agenda.

The Project Director will take full ownership of the planning, management, and execution of high-profile projects and events. This role requires a seasoned leader who can coordinate cross-functional teams, manage high-stakes client relationships, and ensure the seamless delivery of projects. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to deliver under pressure in a fast-paced global environment.

• Lead the end-to-end management of complex, high-profile projects, including defining project scope, objectives, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Develop and implement project strategies that align with the company’s broader goals and client expectations, ensuring strategic impact and high-level client satisfaction.
• Act as the project owner, taking full accountability for successful execution, delivery, and outcome.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that exceed expectations
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, sponsors, vendors, and partners, to ensure all parties are aligned with the project goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage cross-functional project teams, including project managers, logistics coordinators, creative teams, and other internal departments.
• Ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities and are working collaboratively to meet project milestones and deadlines.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and accountability within the project team.
• Identify potential risks and challenges that could impact project delivery and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to assess project performance, client satisfaction, and key learnings.

Requirements & Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Event Management, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, event planning, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex projects in the MICE industry, including high-profile conferences, forums, summits, or public events.
• Proven track record of managing client relationships at the highest levels and delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations.Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or other languages is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools
• Familiarity with audiovisual production, stage management, and broadcast technologies is a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently for event site visits, client meetings, and project execution, both domestically and internationally.
• Innovative thinker: Ability to bring fresh ideas to the table, particularly in developing new revenue streams and market opportunities.
• Client-focused: Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable: Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Travel: 50-60%

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Project Manager

Job type: Freelance position, with a possibility of turning permanent 

Location: Dubai or Riyadh

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in delivering high-profile events and public platforms globally. With a deep presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, they are at the forefront of creating transformative moments that shape the global agenda.

The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of high-profile events, forums, and other strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess strong communication skills, and have a deep understanding of event management, logistics, and client servicing. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest standards.

• Supervising the overall project execution: Cross-functional team coordination (project, content, production, logistics, audience), overseeing quality of deliverables.
• Thinking laterally and creatively across project verticals to improve project outcomes, including bringing a wow effect to the forum.
• Building and managing budgets, project plans, and staffing for 2 to 3 projects in parallel.
• Assuming primary responsibility for client relationship and progress reporting.
• Steering client discussions around project value proposition and strategic positioning.
• Handling project issue escalation and resolution with client senior leadership.
• Managing vendors and consultants on projects.
• Conceptualizing and drafting business development documents with analytical and logistic aspects.

Requirements & Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Event Management, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management, event planning, or related fields, preferably within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.
• Proven track record of managing high-profile events, forums, or strategic initiatives from conception to execution.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with clients and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of logistics, operations, and event management.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to think on your feet and manage unforeseen challenges.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or other languages is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools
• Familiarity with audiovisual production, stage management, and broadcast technologies is a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently for event site visits, client meetings, and project execution, both domestically and internationally.

Client: Communication Advisory Firm 

Job: Commercial Director

Job type: Permanent Role

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Roles & Responsibilities:

Our client is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in delivering high-profile events and public platforms globally. With a deep presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, they are at the forefront of creating transformative moments that shape the global agenda.

The Commercial Director need to have a strong understanding of the Events & Conferences industry in the Middle East region as well as a significant track record as a Commercial Director. A strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to be persuasive, engaging, and motivating with others as well as a deep understanding of the importance of working with a team.  Ideal profile to have a strong network of vendors and suppliers within the events, forums, and conferences sphere.

• Drive new business: Scout and secure new business opportunities and strategic partnerships, particularly in the exciting world of Destination Experiences.
• Support & negotiate: Collaborate with our Head of Business Development and the Business Development Managers to negotiate and structure beneficial agreements with our clients.
• Strategic planning: Identify key project types and create action plans to unlock their potential.
• Lead discussions: Initiate and lead conversations with potential clients to understand their needs and objectives.
• Global networking: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, clients, and partners.
• Market entry strategies: Work with the Head of Business Development to craft strategic market entry plans, considering local business practices and customer preferences.
• Managing and mitigating risks associated with commercial agreements.
• Building and maintaining a strong network within the industry.
• Ideal profile to have a strong network of vendors and suppliers within the events, forums, and conferences sphere.
• Travel: 15-40%

Role: Facilitator

Role Description: 

• Facilitating or co-facilitating Makeen Learning Courses and delivering course material 

• Collaborating with facilitators to improve teaching methods and expand knowledge base

• Developing internet and print resources necessary for delivering the course material

• Providing support to learners and fellow faculty members

• Setting and grading assignments

• Providing feedback and suggestions to improve course material 

Location: On-site or Remote

Duration: Each Course is typically 2-5 days 

Requirements: 

• Former EMs and PLs at top tier strategy consulting firms

• Previous involvement in training and coaching, during or after consulting tenure

• English language proficiency 

• Mastery of consulting toolkit including problem-solving, communication, and teamwork

Nice to have: 

• Recognized coaching certification

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted