Chief Specialist – Research & Development (UAE National)

About the role

The Roads and Transport Authority is seeking a UAE national to lead its research governance, partnerships and R&D programmes. The Chief Specialist will shape strategy, oversee research centres and ensure high‑quality studies support the Authority’s future direction.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain research policies, processes, annual plans and KPIs aligned with RTA strategy.
• Promote a research culture, define publishing frameworks, authorship rules and review cycles.
• Govern R&D centres, proof‑of‑concept projects and the Scientific Research Award programme.
• Plan and manage strategic partnerships with universities and research centres, including IP clauses and performance indicators.
• Supervise corporate research projects from concept to delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, budget and quality.
• Maintain the central research output database, enforce data standards and publication workflows.
• Prepare policy documents, leadership presentations and periodic performance reports.
• Mentor early‑career researchers and coordinate MoUs and collaboration agreements.
• Review research and PoC outcomes, drive adoption or closure, and capture lessons learned.

Required profile

• UAE national with at least 9 years of experience in research governance or R&D management.
• Proven track record of leading large‑scale research programmes and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of IP protection processes and legal liaison.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills

• PMP certification
• PRINCE2 methodology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts
• Data management and analysis
• Research governance frameworks
• R&D project design
• Academic partnership development