Dubai based, Principal / Senior Principal – Head of Pu…

Job Title: Principal / Senior Principal – Head of Public Markets

Location: Dubai, UAE

Reports to: Chief Investment Officer

Relocation Package: Provided

Role Overview

An exceptional opportunity to lead the strategic development and execution of a world-class public markets investment program. The Principal / Senior Principal will be responsible for shaping asset allocation, selecting top-tier external managers, and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns across global public markets. This is a senior leadership role with significant visibility and influence within the broader investment function.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and lead a forward-looking public markets strategy aligned with long-term investment objectives.
• Integrate public markets within a diversified portfolio framework.
• Develop governance policies, investment guidelines, and operational best practices.

Portfolio Design & Asset Allocation

• Construct and maintain a robust asset allocation model across equities, fixed income, commodities, and alternative listed assets.
• Continuously assess market trends, macroeconomic factors, and geopolitical risks.
• Set performance targets and establish clear benchmarks.

External Manager Selection & Oversight

• Source, evaluate, and onboard leading investment managers across global markets.
• Negotiate mandates and fee structures that ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Conduct ongoing performance monitoring and due diligence.

Team Building & Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing team of public markets professionals.
• Provide mentorship and foster a culture of analytical rigor and excellence.
• Collaborate with internal teams across analytics, risk, and operations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Partner with risk and compliance teams to identify, measure, and mitigate investment risks.
• Ensure all activities meet regulatory and policy requirements.

Stakeholder Reporting & Engagement

• Deliver regular investment reports and insights to senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Act as the public markets representative in internal and external stakeholder discussions.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree (MBA, CFA, or equivalent) in finance, economics, or related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in public markets investing, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role within a global institutional setting (e.g., pension fund, sovereign fund, endowment, or asset manager).
• Proven success in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and manager selection.
• Strong leadership experience with a track record of building high-performance teams.
• Broad understanding of global markets, macroeconomics, and investment strategies.
• High proficiency in quantitative analysis, performance attribution, and portfolio tools.

Core Competencies

• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term vision and short-term execution
• Decisive under uncertainty, using data-driven insights
• Inspirational leadership and team management
• Skilled negotiator and relationship builder
• Strong communicator, able to distill complex information for varied audiences
• Adaptable, innovative, and solutions-oriented