Strategic Projects Lead — AI & Innovation

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.Key ResponsibilitiesIdeation & Opportunity DevelopmentIdentify, evaluate, and shape high-impact, innovative initiatives across priority sectorsScan global markets for disruptive trends, emerging technologies, and whitespace opportunitiesDevelop business cases and investment theses for new initiativesPresent concepts to senior leadership for prioritizationProject Design & StructuringTranslate approved ideas into structured, executable project plansDefine scope, success metrics, governance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategiesIdentify and engage partners, vendors, and potential co-investorsEstablish reporting cadences and governance modelsLaunch & Execution OversightDrive execution of special projects from concept through launch phaseCoordinate cross-functional teams and manage interdependenciesTrack progress, resolve blockers, and escalate risks where requiredTransition projects to permanent teams once stabilizedStrategic AdvisoryAct as a thought partner to leadership on high-priority strategic topicsProvide ad hoc analysis and contribute to long-term strategic roadmapFunction Setup & IncubationSupport the setup of a Special Projects function, including structure and processesBuild and scale teams for each initiative (define skillsets, hiring needs, operating models)Requirements7–10 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 firmProven track record delivering high-impact strategic or transformation projectsExceptional structured thinking and problem-solvingAbility to operate in ambiguous, zero-to-one environmentsStrong executive presence and stakeholder management at senior levelsExperience in business case development and financial modellingEntrepreneurial mindset with comfort around innovation and riskExperience & ExposureStrong exposure to emerging technologies (AI, digital platforms, metaverse, blockchain, etc.) with practical understandingEngineering or technical background is a plusMinimum 2+ years of experience in the GCC (required)If this sounds relevant to your background, please apply and submit your updated CV.#J-18808-Ljbffr