Who are we?

Our family takes a multi-generational view on human and capital development, guided by the values of hard work, service, courage and possibility that are deeply rooted in and inspired by the traditions of the UAE. To realize this view, we are establishing a single-family office with a dual purpose: to empower our next generation to become good financial stewards of entrusted resources and to positively impact their life, community, and country.

The Office is in its early stages, with a core team and an initial portfolio of assets is already in place. The team is led by an entrepreneurial CEO overseeing a core team of experienced investment professionals, and selected consultants who set the industry standard across their respective disciplines. Together, they sustain and grow our asset-base and pioneer financial stewardship in a family with a long history of service.

The Office’s initial focus has been on consolidating selected existing investments under its management and oversight. These investments encompass various asset classes, from financial investments in largely private and selected public strategies to selected operating investments, both internationally and locally. With this initial phase on a stable footing, the team is looking to the future, turning its attention to proactively shaping the next phase of the Office’s investment strategy.

What is the purpose of this role?

In this exciting phase of our journey, we seek an investment professional distinguished not only by a proven track record as an investor and allocator, but also by the leadership qualities, imagination and ambition needed to build a values-driven, high-performing institution with a perpetual time horizon. As a pivotal early hire, you will join a small but passionate and well-resourced team to chart the Office’s investment strategy and future in deep partnership with Family members.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

Your responsibilities as a member of a small team will evolve as we build and learn, but will broadly include:

1. Support the CEO develop the Office’s first investment policy statement

• Facilitate discussions with Family members to understand financial goals, time horizons and risk tolerances
• Collect and analyze information on current asset allocation, holdings, liquidity needs
• Synthesize investment objectives, and identify any constraints or special considerations (ethical, tax, liquidity needs)
• Model the capital required and the spending policy needed to meet the Family’s goals
• Develop the first investment policy statement with strategic asset allocation, guidelines, performance KPIs, governance
• Present the policy to Family and relevant stakeholders for refinements and signoff
• Propose periodic revisions to the policy as underlying assumptions change

2. Support the CEO create the Office’s investment strategy and program

• Translate the guidelines and objectives of the policy into a detailed strategy and implementation plan
• Identify operational infrastructure and support necessary to execute the strategy and plan (staff, consultants etc.)
• Lead investment team and external consultants to design a multi-asset class, multi-strategy, multi-geography program
• Develop external manager selection criteria and a target list to track and build relationships with across classes globally
• Work with investment team to initiate first conversations and get in-flow with target managers

3. Lead the sourcing, assessment and execution of new investments

• Lead detailed multi-factor due diligence of investment opportunities
• Lead commercial negotiation of deal terms and documents
• Synthesize findings in investment memos robust committee discussions with CEO and investment teams
• Support closing activities with legal counsel, including legal entities setup/ SPVs, funding, documentation etc.

4. Lead portfolio performance monitoring and management

• Undertake research, analyses and financial modelling to stress test and support pro-active portfolio monitoring
• Challenge and work with managers and executive teams to address and manage performance gaps
• Report portfolio performance to Office leadership and the Board

What does success look like for this role?

In the long-term, you are able to:

• Contribute to the setup and growth of an institutional family office designed to the Family’s context, values and aspirations
• Expand the CEO’s capacity by providing leadership of select parts of the investment process, including training/mentoring
• Ensure investment program’s performance delivers within the risk and returns parameters of the investment policy
• Lead an investment portfolio(s) of part of the Office’s investment program
• Drive projects forward while maneuvering through dynamic environments

In the near-term, you have:

• Understood the unique context, values and ways of working of the Office and the Family it serves
• Built positive, trusting and human relationships with the existing team
• Developed the Office’s first investment policy statement and investment strategy
• Delivered the first steps of the Office’s long-term strategy and investment program
• Defined the operational infrastructure and support necessary to execute on the first steps of the strategy

What are the requirements for this role?

Minimum requirements:

1. Minimum 12 years of experience as an institutional investor and allocator with strong private markets experience
2. Worked directly with CEO/CIO (or asset owner) to build and deliver investment policy, strategy and/or programs
3. Minimum 4 years of experience developing and managing investment portfolios within a large single-family office (or 8 years for multiple single-family offices or other institutional clients in a fiduciary capacity)
4. Deep relationships with managers and consultants across the investment management and family office landscape
5. Comfort working in dynamic environments, both independently and collaboratively, to get hard stuff done
6. An MBA or equivalent master’s degree with relevant coursework (e.g. investment management, asset allocation etc.)

Nice-to-have’s:

7. A CFA Chartertholder
8. Investing “range”, with experience managing at least one asset class outside one’s area of specialization
9. Educational “range” (e.g. bachelor’s degree in non-business disciplines such as liberal arts/engineering)

You are someone who:

As a Human

• Known for irreproachable integrity, honesty, and discretion; known to do the right thing
• Demonstrates pattern of curiosity and courage; pushes self to try new/hard things; adapts self to learn/unlearn

As a Professional

• Builds things from 0-to-1 (idea-to-life), thrives in ambiguity, leading self/work/team forward
• Exhibits multidisciplinary range to frame and problem-solve a variety of complex problems
• Starts from first principles; assesses unfamiliar ideas on merit and accounts for own biases

As a Colleague

• Collaborative, subscribing to a “farther together” spirit; able to with people across functions
• Exhibits “generosity of spirit” – always assumes good intentions in others, and patience with differing perspectives

Our commitment to you:

• We take the long view, dedicating ourselves to delivering transformative outcomes with patient perseverance
• We give you the opportunity to unlock your full potential, inspiring you to explore the “edge of your competence”
• We empower your success with the essential support and backing you need as you demonstrate your ability to deliver

Compensation and benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with your professional experience.