Strategy & Insights Consultant – Research, Planning & Experience - Must be based in the UAE

Must be based in Abu Dhabi, UAEAbout MC&Co.MC&Co. is a UAE-based creative company working across strategy, experiences, culture and creative development.We bring together strategic thinking, creativity and local understanding to develop meaningful work for clients and communities across the UAE.About the RoleWe are looking for a Strategy & Insights Consultant to join us on a project-based engagement.This is a hands-on strategy role for an early-to-mid career professional with proven professional experience in the UAE.You will work closely with senior members of the team and alongside creative and experiential specialists to turn research, information and complex briefs into clear insights, strategic thinking and practical recommendations.We are not looking for a senior strategy director or highly senior consultant. We are looking for someone who is highly capable, intellectually curious and professionally mature, but who is still close to the detail and enjoys doing the work.You should be comfortable taking ownership of defined workstreams, conducting research, developing analysis and turning your thinking into clear and compelling outputs.What You'll Be DoingResearch UAE markets, audiences, sectors, cultures and relevant trendsConduct qualitative and quantitative research where appropriateBenchmark relevant UAE and international examplesAnalyse information and identify meaningful patterns and insightsStructure findings into clear strategic frameworksDevelop audience, customer, visitor and experience journeysSupport programme, activation and experience strategyHelp develop KPIs and measurement frameworksSupport stakeholder interviews, workshops and working sessionsDevelop presentations, reports and strategic documentsBuild strategic recommendations and implementation roadmapsWork with creative and experiential teams to translate strategy into concepts and experiencesContribute to multiple project workstreams from research through to recommendationWhat We're Looking ForWe are looking for someone with approximately 3–6 years of professional experience, with relevant professional experience in the UAE.Essential RequirementsCurrently based in Abu Dhabi, UAEProfessional experience working in the UAEFluent in Arabic and EnglishStrong research and analytical skillsAbility to structure complex information and identify meaningful insightsStrong written communication and presentation skillsAbility to turn research into clear strategic recommendationsA structured approach to solving ambiguous problemsAbility to take ownership of defined workstreams and deliver independentlyStrong attention to detailGood commercial and strategic judgementStrong understanding of the UAE market, culture and stakeholder environmentAbility to work effectively with strategic, creative and experiential teamsYour background may include:Strategy or consultingResearch and insightsInnovationExperience strategyBrand or communications strategyCultural or creative strategyVisitor experiencePlacemakingProgramme or community strategyGovernment or public-sector strategyAnother analytical or strategic disciplineExperience in cultural projects, community programmes, visitor experience, placemaking, creative industries or government/public-sector engagements would be an advantage.The Right PersonWe're looking for someone who is:Strategic. Curious. Analytical. Culturally aware. Commercial. Hands-on.You don't need to have all the answers.You do need to know how to ask the right questions, find and assess information, make sense of complexity and turn your thinking into something clear, useful and actionable.The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys moving between research, analysis, strategy and execution and wants to work closely with experienced strategists and creative teams while taking real ownership of their work.This is a role for someone who wants to do the work, build their strategic capability and contribute meaningfully to ambitious projects across the UAE.ImportantThis role is only open to candidates who:Are currently based in Abu DhabiHave professional experience working in the UAEAre fluent in both Arabic and EnglishCandidates who do not meet all three requirements will not be considered.