Project Controls Specialist, Abu Dhabi, UAE

PROJECT CONTROLS SPECIALIST- 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 Abu Dhabi 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 experienced Project Controls Specialist to be a key member of our MENA business expansion and a part of our high-performing, diverse, and innovative consulting team based in Abu Dhabi.

The Opportunity:

The Project Controls Specialist will play a leadership role in ensuring the successful planning, execution, and monitoring of capital projects in various sectors including construction, infrastructure, energy, and commercial developments. With a focus on cost control, scheduling, and risk management, the Specialist will support both internal teams and clients by providing expert project controls guidance and ensuring projects meet or exceed financial and time objectives.

This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Candidates must have full professional proficiency in Arabic and English.

Role Description:

1. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of project controls systems and procedures for large capital projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and best practices.
2. Leverage Primavera P6 to develop, update, and monitor detailed project schedules, including preparing estimates and schedules to support project delivery.
3. Develop and manage Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) to ensure accurate cost reporting and alignment with project requirements.
4. Lead lifecycle forecasting activities, identifying risks and financial exposure, and proactively manage cost control measures.
5. Utilize earned value management techniques to analyze the relationship between planned work, executed work, and actual costs, providing key insights into project efficiency.
6. Perform in-depth schedule logic analysis, including critical-path reviews and 'what-if' scenario planning to optimize project timelines and recommend corrective actions.
7. Conduct variance analysis, schedule performance tracking, and cost control to ensure project success.
8. Oversee risk management processes, ensuring risks and opportunities are integrated into the project schedule and budget.
9. Administer change control procedures for both schedules and budgets, ensuring that changes are appropriately documented and approved.
10. Ensure the timely delivery of goods and services, tracking any schedule variances and taking corrective actions as needed.
11. Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly project financial summaries to senior management, highlighting performance against budgets, forecasts, and identified risks.
12. Work closely with project teams to establish and monitor project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management frameworks.
13. Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and contractors to ensure accurate and timely reporting of project status and milestones.
14. Ensure compliance with client requirements, contractual obligations, and local regulations in the UAE.
15. Provide expert consulting support to clients in resolving project control issues and implementing process improvements.

Role Requirements:

1. 15+ years of project experience with an engineering, consulting, or professional services company.
2. Minimum 10 years of experience in project controls. Experience within capital projects, infrastructure, and energy sectors is an asset.
3. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent working experience.
4. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PMP, CRMA, PSP) are preferred.
5. Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.
6. Expertise in Primavera P6, MS Project, and MS Office suite (esp. MS Excel).
7. Experience with leading cost control systems (e.g. Contruent, Ecosys, Cobra) preferred.
8. Extensive knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and similar monitoring techniques.
9. Advanced knowledge in cost estimation, budget management, scheduling, and risk analysis (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation and bowtie analysis).
10. Extensive experience in developing and managing WBS and CBS on a variety of project scopes.
11. Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies, including risk management and change control processes.
12. Experience working in a consulting role and delivering high-value project controls services to clients.
13. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
14. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
15. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
16. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
17. Strong client-facing skills with the ability to build trust and maintain relationships at senior levels.
18. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex project controls data in a clear and concise manner.
19. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.
20. Experience working in the MENA region is a strong asset.
21. Flexibility to work in an office environment and travel as required to client sites across the MENA region.
22. Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on industry best practices and project controls methodologies.
23. Willingness to work outside of normal business hours as required.
24. This role is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, candidates must be able to commute or willing to relocate.

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.