Investment Officer [UAE National]
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Full timeOn-site
Job description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Investment Officer will play a key role within the Pensions & Savings department by participating in the management and optimization of the investment portfolio. This position requires an analytical and rigorous individual capable of contributing to strategic investment decisions while ensuring prudent asset management in accordance with long-term return objectives and the company's risk appetite.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Investment Analysis & Research
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on investment opportunities across different asset classes (equities, fixed income, funds, alternatives)
- Perform due diligence on external fund managers and financial instruments
- Analyze the performance of existing investments and identify optimization opportunities
- Monitor financial market trends and their potential impact on the portfolio
- Prepare investment notes and recommendations for management
Portfolio Management & Monitoring
- Participate in daily monitoring of the investment portfolio
- Ensure compliance with investment policies and regulatory constraints (DIFC, DFSA, SCA, CBUAE)
- Collaborate with the actuarial team on asset-liability management (ALM)
- Contribute to portfolio rebalancing according to defined strategic allocations
- Monitor investment risks and performance KPIs
Stakeholder Relations & Negotiations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with fund managers and asset managers
- Participate in regular meetings and due diligence sessions with investment counterparties
- Assist in the evaluation, selection, and negotiation process with external managers
- Support fee negotiations and contract terms with asset managers
- Coordinate manager presentations and investment proposals
- Participate in regulatory submissions, reporting, and compliance discussions
- Respond to regulatory inquiries and information requests in a timely manner
- Stay informed of regulatory changes and their implications for investment strategy
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare periodic investment performance reports (monthly, quarterly, annual)
- Contribute to investment committee presentation preparation
- Produce ad-hoc analyses for management and stakeholders
- Maintain and improve reporting tools and dashboards
- Participate in meetings with asset managers and counterparties
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to internal investment policies and UAE regulations
- Collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Finance teams
- Participate in investment process documentation
- Contribute to internal and external portfolio audits
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory developments (DFSA, SCA, CBUAE)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Academic Background
- Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field
- Preferred: Master's degree (MSc Finance, MBA) or equivalent
- Professional certifications (in progress or completed):
- CFA (Level 1 minimum required, Level 2-3 highly appreciated)
- CAIA, FRM, or equivalent certifications (a plus)
Professional Experience
- Minimum: 0-3 years of experience in financial analysis, asset management, or related field
- Preferred:
- Experience in an insurance company, pension fund, or financial institution
- Experience in asset management or investment research
- Knowledge of the pensions and life insurance sector in UAE/GCC (highly valued)
- Internship or exposure to GPSSA, DIFC, or similar institutions (a plus)
- Prior interaction with fund managers or regulatory bodies (advantageous)
Technical Skills
Mandatory:
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial modeling, VBA a plus)
- Strong knowledge of financial markets and investment instruments
- Understanding of portfolio management and asset allocation principles
- Demonstrated analytical and quantitative capabilities
- Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Preferred
- Bloomberg Terminal and/or Reuters Eikon
- Financial modeling tools (FactSet, Morningstar Direct, eVestment)
- Python, R, or SQL for data analysis (a plus)
- ALM or risk management software
- Power BI, Tableau, or data visualization tools
Sector-Specific Knowledge
- Understanding of Asset-Liability Management (ALM) principles
- Basic knowledge of actuarial concepts and risk management
- Familiarity with long-term investment strategies (LDI, liability-driven investing)
- Understanding of regulatory constraints for UAE insurers and pension funds
- Knowledge of IFRS standards (particularly IFRS 9 and IFRS 17) - a plus
- Awareness of SCA regulations governing investment funds and securities
- Understanding of DFSA rulebook requirements for authorized firms
Behavioral Competencies
- Analytical rigor and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Critical thinking and synthesis capability
- Proactivity and results orientation
- Adaptability and fast learning ability
- Impeccable integrity and professional ethics
- Strong relationship management and negotiation skills
- Diplomatic approach when dealing with external parties and regulators
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Languages
- English: Fluent (mandatory) - primary working language
- Arabic: Fluent or conversational (highly appreciated, particularly for Emirati candidates)