Executive Assistant - Abu Dhabi, UAE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - ABU DHABI, UAE

About us:

Dokainish & Company is a global organization that has been providing world-class professional consultancy services since 2011. We have recently launched our MENA operations, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. This expansion supports our strategy to serve government and private sector clients in capital projects across construction, infrastructure, energy, and commercial developments.

We are currently seeking an Executive Assistant to be a key member of our MENA business expansion and be a part of our high-performing, diverse, innovating team in the UAE.

The Opportunity:

The Executive Assistant will support our Managing Director, MENA Region in a role that requires meticulous attention to detail, sound judgement, and being able to successfully handle multiple complex tasks and projects as we establish our consulting firm in the UAE and KSA. Our ideal candidate is extremely organized, highly flexible, resourceful, able to work independently with minimal supervision, with the ability to professionally navigate within varying degrees of ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

This is a full-time, non-remote position based in Abu Dhabi. Candidates must have full professional proficiency and fluency of both Arabic and English.

Role Description:

1. Be a proactive, value-added key team member by managing and executing multiple projects and activities and providing broad support to the Managing Director.
2. Undertake administrative tasks, including scheduling & organizing meetings, travel arrangements, and expense management.
3. Proactively manage the Managing Director’s calendars, attend meetings and take minutes as needed, and answer correspondence and calls on behalf of the Managing Director.
4. Assist with the preparation of documentation and presentations as needed.
5. Assist with preparation of financial, administrative, and operational documents and reports as needed.
6. Properly and professionally handle confidential correspondence and files.
7. Research and draft relevant documentation on an array of topics as required.
8. Oversee and coordinate administrative and operational duties and ensure that the office operates efficiently and smoothly.
9. Support with creating and implementing processes and procedures in compliance with local regulations.
10. Assist in planning and coordinating executive meetings, client workshops, and corporate events.
11. Proactively anticipate Managing Director’s needs.
12. Coordinate, prioritize, and optimize the Managing Director's time.
13. Actively participate in the adoption of digital tools and strategies.
14. Support the Managing Director with other tasks as assigned.

Role Requirements:

1. 5+ years of relevant experience as an Executive Assistant in a fast-paced environment.
2. Must have full professional proficiency of the English language and the Arabic language.
3. Experience from large institutions, consulting firms, legal firms or investment banks is preferred.
4. A post-secondary education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5. Flexibility to work in an office environment, or on the move as needed.
6. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including editing, note-taking, transcribing, translating from Arabic to English and vice versa, and proofreading skills.
7. Strong cross-cultural communication skills to liaise effectively with clients and teams across the MENA region.
8. Familiarity with UAE business practices, local regulations, and compliance requirements.
9. Strong project management skills and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
10. High degree of social and emotional intelligence, integrity, and maturity.
11. Proficiency in modern collaboration tools, technology, and project management tools.
12. Meticulous attention to detail.
13. Ability to think critically and evaluate situations and solve problems with tact and good judgement.
14. Professional demeanor and ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality.
15. Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
16. Ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure and solve unexpected issues with sound judgement.
17. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
18. Flexibility to travel.
19. Flexibility to work outside normal business hours as required.

This role is based in Abu Dhabi.

Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required.

If you believe your skillset, drive, qualifications, and experience is a match, we welcome your application and can’t wait to hear from you.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Dokainish & Company in the UAE. Please note only those candidates considered for an initial interview will be contacted.