Innovation Section Head

About the role

The Innovation Section Head will lead the Department of Energy’s (DOE) innovation agenda, driving strategic initiatives that position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for water, energy, sustainability and technology. Reporting to the Chairman’s Office, the role oversees partnership development, technology scouting and the delivery of pilots and demonstration projects across multiple sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute strategic innovation programmes aligned with DOE priorities.
• Develop operating models, governance frameworks, business cases and implementation plans for innovation platforms, centres of excellence and demonstration facilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with government entities, utilities, technology providers, universities, research institutions, investors, startups and international partners.
• Identify, evaluate and attract emerging and disruptive technologies in water, power, district cooling and petroleum products.
• Lead technology scouting, market intelligence, benchmarking and partnership development activities.
• Manage innovation pilots, demonstration projects and technology validation initiatives.
• Promote AI, robotics, automation, advanced analytics, digital twins and smart‑infrastructure solutions.
• Represent DOE in stakeholder engagements, working groups, steering committees and international forums.
• Prepare strategic reports, presentations and briefing notes for DOE leadership and the Chairman’s Office.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Innovation Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in innovation management, research and development or technology commercialization.
• Proven track record of leading large‑scale innovation programmes and building multi‑stakeholder ecosystems.

Required skills

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Automation
• Advanced Analytics
• Digital Twins
• Smart Infrastructure Technologies