The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Security and Resilient Infrastructure Lead under the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST), job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO). This role is on a fixed-term contract for one (1) year. 

Main Purpose of the job:

This role will support the delivery of a new UK Secure & Resilient Infrastructure Campaign for the Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP), developed in response to the recent conflict and its aftermath. The campaign is a DBIST priority and is intended to position the UK as a long-term strategic partner in the delivery of secure, resilient and future-ready infrastructure across priority markets. 

The jobholder will support high-value stakeholder relationships with host governments, engagement with senior private sector partners and UK industry, identify and unlock priority opportunities, and co-ordinate collaboration across post, regional and London based teams. The role will be central to translating campaign ambition into delivery, securing senior buy-in, influencing market strategy and ensuring a coherent Team UK approach on the ground. 

The FCDO is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on any basis, including categories protected by law. In keeping with the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusion in the workplace, hiring managers must incorporate the principles set out in the FCDO Disability Confident scheme job applications in the CBS recruitment process.  Our CBS are recruited by Missions in-country in line with local employment laws.

Duties and responsibilities 

• Market development:  Working with teams in different markets to use political, commercial and stakeholder insight to identify priorities, target high-value opportunities, and drive a strong pipeline across the UAE and wider region. 
• Relationship management and influencing: Support relationship management with host government stakeholders, regulators, project sponsors, strategic partners and UK industry, including preparing briefing, maintaining contact records, coordinating follow-up and supporting senior-led engagement. Use these relationships to test demand, unlock opportunities and influence the shape of partnerships and delivery models. 
• Shaping the UK offer and campaign proposition: Working with the relevant teams in London to develop a credible and differentiated UK offer by bringing together local insight, policy understanding and commercial awareness. Ensure teams are equipped to present UK capability clearly and persuasively to partners, including through senior engagement, collateral and strategic messaging. 
• Cross-government and Team UK leadership: Provide co-ordination across DBIST, wider HMG, posts and external partners to ensure an aligned Team UK approach. Recommend resolutions for delivery blockers, and support high-profile visits, engagements and campaign milestones involving senior officials, Ambassadors and Ministers. 
• Project management, risk management and campaign delivery: Lead the day-to-day delivery of the campaign, managing project plans, milestones, risks, dependencies and resources to ensure objectives are achieved. Produce high-quality strategic advice, reporting and recommendations for senior leaders, drawing on analysis and stakeholder intelligence to inform decision-making. Drive progress across workstreams, proactively resolving issues and maintaining momentum to deliver outcomes at pace. 

Resources Managed:

• The role will require co-ordination across a wide matrix of teams and senior stakeholders and may involve oversight of temporary resource, commissioned support, campaign activity and associated budgets.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key behaviours required: 

• Seeing the bigger picture: Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

• Substantial experience leading complex projects, programmes, campaigns or market development activity in a government, commercial or international setting.
• Strong strategic thinking and judgement, with the ability to translate political, commercial or stakeholder insight into clear priorities and delivery plans. 
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including confidence engaging senior officials, external partners and industry leaders.
• Proven ability to build credibility quickly, deliver through others and coordinate delivery across multiple teams, functions or geographies.
• Excellent drafting, briefing and communication skills, including the ability to provide clear advice and recommendations to senior decision-makers. 
• Strong project management skills, resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and high-profile environment.
• A track record of delivering outcomes through collaboration, sound judgement and personal leadership.