Regional Manager –International Education, Middle East

India, Middle East and Africa Team

Based in Dubai, UAE

(Two year fixed Term)

As a part of the Department for the Economyin Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland (‘Invest NI’) with key stakeholders, is driving the transformation of Northern Ireland into an innovative, competitive and knowledge-based economy.

Internationalising Northern Ireland’s education provision is a new focus for the organisation and as a result we are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Regional Manager - International Education for our Regional HQ in Dubai.

You should have experience of the education infrastructure across the region including an understanding of the market and relevant trends, a well-developed network across the public and private education sector and a working knowledge of the UK education system.

You must be a current, proven, mid-level marketing/business development professional with a clear understanding of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) States, particularly UAE and either Saudi Arabia or Qatar, andthe drivers of international education.

Reporting to the Regional Director (UAE and Oman), youwill work closely with Northern Ireland education providers including Higher Education, Further Education, Boarding Schools and English Language Training providers to promote Northern Ireland as a study destination and a source country for transnational partnerships/collaborative projects. You will also assist in the development of recruitment partner networks as required, across the Middle East region.

Thiswill also involve support at conferences, exhibitions, VIP visit programmes and building a communications network across the Middle East with other UK stakeholder groups, such as the Department of International Trade, the British Council, British Embassies and education focused groups and the Northern Ireland diaspora/ex-patriate community.

The Role and Requirements

  1. To lead the development and implementation of an outcomes focussed Middle East recruitment strategy to maximise recruitment performance and economic impact from the region, with a particular, but not exclusive, emphasis on the Education sector.
  1. To develop an in-depth knowledge of the strategic plans and capabilities of the Northern Ireland education providers.
  1. To promote Northern Ireland Education sectors and support international enrolment and economic impact targets agreed by Invest NI, and the education providers.
  1. To strategically develop Invest NI, Queen’s University and Ulster Universitypartner and stakeholder networks within Middle East.
  1. To represent Northern Ireland, Queen’s University, Ulster University, Further Education, English Language providers and Boarding NI at exhibitions, recruitment events, roadshows, events, inward/outward visits throughout the region.
  1. To engage with Invest NI and Northern Ireland’s education sector to provide sectoral and market insights from the ME region to inform planning and strategy; and develop robust business plans for all NI education providers.
  1. To identify and advise on new market opportunities and initiatives, including potential sources of funding for international students from eGovernment, Institutional and Corporate sponsorship schemes and academic partnerships.
  1. To provide regular reports on performance including leads and enquiries. To record and report on outcomes from key events and marketing activities on an ongoing basis.
  1. To maintain regular contact with the NI Diaspora and provide support to the Northern Ireland Connections and the Alumni teams in Queens University and Ulster University.

Please note:

a.You must be resident in the UAE.

b.You must be flexible and willing to work evenings, weekends and public holidays in accordance with the needs of the post.

c.You must possess a clean UAE driving license and a valid passport in order to undertake regular travel throughout the Middle East region

d.You must have no impediment to exiting the UAE and travelling in any country.

e.In addition, you will be required to travel to the UK as required.

Selection Criteria

  1. A University degree and English Language qualification - IELTS Grade 6.5 with no band at less than 6.0 (or equivalent qualification).
  1. At least four years recent relevant experience in an international student recruitment role, including developing and implementing student recruitment plans to deliver results, co-ordinating student recruitment marketing activity including agent events, educational fairs, school and institutional events etc.
  1. Recent experience of working effectively with educational agents & alumni networks within the UAE and wider GCC region; establishing and developing relationships with institutional partners, Government and sponsoring agencies; and influencing decision makers.
  1. Recent experience in interpreting market intelligence, analysing and presenting data accurately and to act on it by developing effective strategies to recruit students.
  1. Knowledge of the education systems in the region, a working knowledge of the UK education system and knowledge of the competitor landscape for international student recruitment.
  1. A working knowledge of visa and English language issues in relation to international student recruitment, and an understanding of cultural issues related to international students.
  1. A high level of oral and written communication skills with extensive experience of giving presentations and public speaking in English.
  1. Experience in the development of printed and digital promotional material.
  1. Excellent ICT skills, with recent frequent experience of word-processing, databases, excel and a working knowledge of digital and social media channels.
  1. Experience of working on own initiative, meeting deadlines and providing a comprehensive office support function on behalf of the Education sector.

Please note:

-Recent experience is defined as being in the last eight years.

To Apply

Whilst providing your CV suitably adapted to the Employee Specification, in 250 words, please tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

Invest NI will shortlist for this position based on criteria 1 through 6 detailed above.

Your CV/ Résumé must clearly demonstrate your experience and methodology for undertaking this role by providing clear evidence of how you meet the above requirements. Invest NI will not make assumptions from the title of the applicant’s post or the nature of the organization as to the skills and experience gained or the methodology you propose to use in the delivery of this role.

To attract and motivate high quality and qualified applicants, the salary for this post is competitive. UAE labour laws and local terms and conditions of employment will apply to the post holder.

If you are interested in this exciting and rewarding opportunity, please submit your CV / résumé and cover note in a .doc (word) file format to .

The closing date for applications is Friday 17th February 2017. All applications must be received no later than 5pm GMT.

References and a statement of good standing will be required before appointment.

Invest NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.