Strategy & Research Consultant — Project-Based Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

About 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 ProjectWe are currently developing the pre-implementation strategy and concept for a new community-focused experience in Abu Dhabi.The project is rooted in Emirati culture, identity and community, and explores how culture, experiences, learning and engagement can come together to create a meaningful experience for the community.The project is currently at an early planning stage. Before moving into physical implementation, the team is developing the strategic foundation, audience understanding, visitor experience, spatial approach, pilot programme strategy and framework for future implementation.VERY IMPORTANT:Experience in cultural projects, community programmes, visitor experience, placemaking or the creative industries would be an advantage.About the RoleWe are looking for an early-career Strategy & Research Consultant to join us on an initial approximately 9-week project-based engagement.This is a hands-on strategy role. You will work closely with senior members of the team and alongside creative and experiential specialists to turn research, information and complex questions into clear insights, strategic thinking and practical recommendations.The role will involve moving between research, analysis, strategy, experience thinking and creative development.We are not looking for a senior strategy director or highly senior consultant. We are looking for someone who is intellectually curious, professionally mature, culturally aware and comfortable doing the detail.You should be able to take ownership of defined workstreams, conduct research, develop analysis, structure information and turn your thinking into clear and compelling outputs.What You'll Be DoingResearch UAE audiences, communities, culture, sectors and relevant trendsDevelop an understanding of community needs, motivations, behaviours and expectationsResearch and benchmark relevant UAE and international examplesConduct qualitative and quantitative research where appropriateAnalyse information and identify meaningful patterns and insightsTranslate research into strategic recommendationsDevelop audience and visitor journeysSupport visitor experience and programme strategyContribute to pilot programme thinking and testing frameworksSupport the development of KPIs and measurement frameworksSupport stakeholder interviews, workshops and working sessionsDevelop presentations, reports and strategic documentsBuild strategic recommendations and future 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, including relevant experience working 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 local contextAwareness and understanding of Emirati culture and community contextAbility to work effectively with strategic, creative and experiential teamsYour Background May IncludeStrategy or consultingResearch and insightsInnovationExperience strategyBrand or communications strategyCultural or creative strategyVisitor experiencePlacemakingProgramme or community strategyAnother analytical or strategic disciplineExperience in cultural projects, community programmes, visitor experience, placemaking or the creative industries 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 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 an opportunity for someone who wants to build their strategic capability, work on a culturally meaningful project and contribute to an ambitious initiative in the UAE.EngagementThe initial engagement is expected to run for approximately 9 weeks.Depending on project requirements, progress and overall fit, there may be an opportunity to continue working with the team beyond the initial engagement.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.Further information about the project will be shared with shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.