Early Warning and Strategic Foresight Researcher

About the role

The Al Habtoor Research Centre is seeking an Early Warning and Strategic Foresight Researcher for its Foresight and Early Warning Unit in Dubai. The role suits an analytical and curious researcher interested in geopolitical developments, emerging risks and the future implications of regional and international affairs. The work supports strategic decision-making by identifying emerging trends, assessing potential risks and exploring future scenarios.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct political, geopolitical, economic, security and technological research.
• Monitor regional and international developments through horizon scanning.
• Contribute to early warning assessments and geopolitical risk analysis.
• Support scenario planning, trend analysis and strategic foresight research.
• Prepare analytical briefs, research reports and presentations.
• Synthesise information from diverse sources into clear, evidence-based insights.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Strategic Studies or a related field.
• Approximately 2-4 years of relevant research or analytical experience.
• Good understanding of regional and international geopolitical dynamics.
• Familiarity with horizon scanning, risk analysis, scenario planning or strategic foresight is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Applicants must currently reside in the UAE.

Required skills

• Strong research, critical thinking, analytical writing and information-synthesis skills.
• Experience in quantitative methods is an asset but not essential.