MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

1. Responsible for the overall performance of the university’s investment portfolio and diversification initiatives. Accountable for preparing and presenting regular, comprehensive reports to the university’s senior leadership and financial committees on financial performance, risks, and strategic progress.
2. Accountable for the strategic management and performance of the university’s entire investment portfolio. This includes making final decisions on investment allocations, ensuring diversification, and maximizing returns while adhering to the university’s risk tolerance policies.
3. Assist the Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs in the formulation, evaluation, and implementation of investment policies, guidelines, and asset allocation for pension investments. This also includes the selection of external investment managers, risk management, compliance monitoring, and portfolio rebalancing.
4. Oversee various investment activities for a number of non-defined benefit funds. This includes recommending and selecting investment managers, conducting portfolio reviews, managing risk, monitoring compliance, and evaluating mutual fund products.
5. Identify, select, and launch new revenue-generating projects and partnerships. Oversee feasibility studies, business plans, and negotiations to ensure these ventures are profitable and sustainable.
6. Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks associated with all investments and new ventures. This includes advanced planning and management of investment risk at strategic, managerial, and operational levels, as well as developing and enforcing risk management policies to safeguard the university’s financial assets.
7. Ensure all investment and revenue-generating activities comply with relevant financial regulations, university policies, and ethical standards.
8. Responsible for serving as the primary point of contact for investment and revenue matters, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including financial advisors, donors, and potential partners.
9. Supervise the effective achievement of the section’s objectives, set individual goals, supervise the team’s performance, keep them updated and informed, and support their development to achieve overall objectives.
10. Supervise the team’s performance, set individual goals, and provide on-the-job training, coaching, and constructive feedback to build and develop their organizational capabilities.
11. Provide input to enhance and oversee the implementation of the section’s procedures to ensure adherence to UOS’s regulations.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a relevant Business Administration discipline.
• A Master’s degree, such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a Master of Science in Finance, is highly preferred.
• A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or other relevant certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a similar professional designation, are highly preferred.
• 12-14 years of UAE experience in a similar role, preferably in higher education institutions.
• Priority to UAE Nationals.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to prepare technical documents, in both Arabic and English.
• Excellent working knowledge of personal computer applications with an emphasis on MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Deep expertise in managing a diverse investment portfolio, including knowledge of various asset classes (e.g., stocks, bonds, private equity, real estate).
• Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and creating financial models to evaluate investment opportunities and new ventures.
• A solid understanding of financial risks and the ability to implement effective strategies to protect university assets and ensure compliance.
• Expertise in developing and managing budgets, as well as preparing detailed and accurate financial reports for stakeholders.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and governance best practices relevant to investments and non-profit organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree/higher diploma

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

10

As a Head of Investment and Revenue Diversification Office you are expected to strategically lead and manage the University of Sharjah’s investment portfolio and revenue diversification initiatives, ensuring financial stability and sustainable growth. This role is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new income streams, overseeing all investment activities, mitigating financial risks, and providing expert financial guidance to senior leadership. The purpose is to maximize returns on university assets and secure a robust financial future in alignment with the institution’s mission.