Associate, Strategic Projects

About the Institute of Foundation Models We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy. As part of our team, you'll work at the intersection of frontier AI research and real-world impact, alongside world-class researchers, engineers, and business leaders. You will help shape how groundbreaking AI models are positioned, partnered, and deployed across industries, contributing to establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for foundation model development and adoption. The Role As an Associate on the Strategic Projects team, you will help turn IFM's frontier AI models into real-world impact. You will work on the institute's highest-priority initiatives, including strategy, commercial and go-to-market, partnerships, and operational programs. You will move fluidly between analysis, execution, and stakeholder engagement. The role suits a versatile, hands-on profile who blends strategy, business, technology, and operations skills, and who takes full ownership from problem definition to delivery.

Drive end-to-end execution of strategic initiatives, from scoping and planning through delivery, tracking milestones, and unblocking issues across teams. Conduct in-depth analysis to inform leadership decisions, including market and competitive landscapes, business cases, financial models, and partner or deal evaluations. Support go-to-market and commercial efforts for IFM's foundation models, including positioning, pricing inputs, launch planning, and adoption strategies. Help identify, structure, and manage strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academic stakeholders. Produce crisp, executive-ready documents and presentations, such as strategy papers, board and leadership briefings, and partner materials. Collaborate closely with research, engineering, product, legal, and finance teams to translate technical capabilities into clear value propositions and actionable plans. Design and improve internal processes, operating models, and governance for strategic programs. Stay on top of developments in the AI ecosystem, including models, players, policy, and infrastructure, and turn them into insights for IFM's strategy. Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager commensurate with these functional objectives.

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, or a related field required. Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MSc) or equivalent experience preferred.

3–5 years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, strategic projects, or a similar role. Experience in the AI, technology, or TMT sector (exposure to AI models, cloud, or data infrastructure is a plus). Highly analytical, with a proven ability to dive deep into complex problems and come back with clear, well-founded answers. Excellent written and verbal communication, with a track record of producing sharp documents and presentations for senior audiences. Hands-on, execution-oriented mindset with strong ownership and a drive to get things done in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. Ability to work across strategy, business, technology, and operations, and to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel/financial modelling (or equivalent tools). Fluent in English.

Experience supporting commercial, go-to-market, or partnership initiatives from concept to execution. Familiarity with the UAE and wider GCC technology ecosystem. International experience is preferred. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.

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