Research Specialist - Tourism Sector JOB

Job Title: Research Specialist

Sector: Tourism

Department: Tourism Sector Management Office   

Section: Strategy Development

Direct Manager: Research Unit Head

Job Purpose

Conduct market research, analyzing data, and assisting in the preparation of strategic reports. This role focuses on opportunity assessments, feasibility studies, and business plan evaluations. The role holder will collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to ensure timely and accurate research delivery, while also supporting the Unit’s operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Strategy Execution

• Collect, synthesize, and analyse qualitative and quantitative data for market & opportunity assessments and feasibility studies.
• Contribute to the development of benchmarks, strategic assessments, and performance studies to identify new opportunities and propose initiatives.
• Support the preparation of detailed execution plans and final reports for strategic initiatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables for senior review.
• Engage with internal teams, government entities, consultants, and other stakeholders as required to support strategic planning and implementation efforts.
• Assist in monitoring progress of research-related projects and managing external consultants where relevant.
• Provide day-to-day support to ensure effective strategy execution, maintaining consistency in outputs across various research initiatives.

Conducting Studies

• Execute research studies of varying scope and complexity, including short-term analyses and long-term strategic projects for DCT & tourism.
• Address ad hoc research requests with a high level of accuracy, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Support the assessment of new opportunities, testing of hypotheses, and validation of ideas through thorough research and analysis.
• Apply creative thinking to explore unconventional ideas and contribute to innovative solutions.

Operations & Support

• Assist the Unit Head with administrative and reporting tasks related to unit operations.
• Support the preparation of unit work plans and help track key deliverables, timelines, and progress updates.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication with senior team members through reports and presentations.

• Identify areas for improvement in research processes and tools, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of the unit’s operations ensuring alignment with global standards and organizational goals.

Shared Activities

• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities related to the role at the request of the direct manager
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Demonstrate compliance to organization’s values and ethics at all times to support the establishment of a value drive culture within the organization.
• Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Take an active role in the EHS initiative.
• Adhere to the DCT Occupational Safety and Health policy, regulations, and laws, and provide help to the Corporate EHS in executing the OSHMS.
• Report any incidents, near misses, occupational illnesses, unsafe practices, and conditions immediately to the concerned person and participate in the investigation of OSH incidents, as required.
• Wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, strategy, tourism, hospitality management, marketing, or a related field.
• Prior 0-3 experience in research, strategy, or consulting within tourism, hospitality, or a related sector. Experience with top-tier consulting firms (e.g., Big Four, MBB) is preferred.
• Basic understanding of the UAE tourism landscape, particularly in Abu Dhabi, is highly desirable

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research, analyze datasets, and produce strategic recommendations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.