Associate, Strategic Projects

About the role

The Institute of Foundation Models is a research lab focused on building, understanding, using and risk-managing foundation models. As an Associate on the Strategic Projects team, you will help turn the institute's frontier AI models into real-world impact, working on its highest-priority initiatives in strategy, commercial and go-to-market, partnerships and operational programs. The role moves between analysis, execution and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end execution of strategic initiatives, from scoping and planning through delivery, tracking milestones and unblocking issues across teams.
• Analyse market and competitive landscapes, business cases, financial models and partner or deal evaluations to inform leadership decisions.
• Support go-to-market and commercial efforts, including positioning, pricing inputs, launch planning and adoption strategies.
• Help identify, structure and manage strategic partnerships with industry, government and academic stakeholders.
• Produce executive-ready documents and presentations such as strategy papers, board briefings and partner materials.
• Work with research, engineering, product, legal and finance teams to turn technical capabilities into value propositions and plans.
• Design and improve internal processes, operating models and governance for strategic programs.
• Track AI ecosystem developments and turn them into strategic insights.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law or a related field; Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, strategic projects or a similar role.
• Experience in the AI, technology or TMT sector; exposure to AI models, cloud or data infrastructure is a plus.
• Fluent in English; international experience and familiarity with the UAE and GCC technology ecosystem are preferred.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel/financial modelling (or equivalent tools).
• Strong written and verbal communication, with documents and presentations for senior audiences.
• Ability to work across strategy, business, technology and operations with technical and non-technical stakeholders.