We are currently looking for an Ecosystem Investments Manager to support a key initiative within the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on a 12-month freelance contract.
DCT Abu Dhabi is the government entity responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, playing a central role in positioning the emirate as a global hub for culture, creativity, and tourism.
This role sits within a high-impact program focused on accelerating the growth of Abu Dhabi’s gaming ecosystem through strategic investments and acquisitions. The successful candidate will help identify and evaluate international gaming companies, structure co-investments with sovereign wealth funds and private equity investors and support the localization and value creation of acquired businesses to establish a strong presence in Abu Dhabi.

Key Responsibilities
Target Identification & Assessment Identify and screen established international gaming companies as potential strategic investments or acquisition targets aligned with the corporate strategy and objectives Build and maintain a pipeline of opportunities across different models, including anchor companies, mid-sized studios, and specialist portfolios Assess strategic fit, relocation potential, and value creation opportunities Conduct commercial, financial, IP, and talent-retention due diligence on shortlisted targets

Co-Investment with SWFs & Private Equity Support the structuring of potential deal structures (joint investments) alone or with sovereign wealth funds and private equity investors to optimize risk and capital deployment Build and manage relationships with co-investors and align on investment approach and governance Assess ownership and deal structures, including majority acquisitions with relocation and minority investments combined with local joint ventures Support transaction terms and execution while ensuring appropriate oversight and institutional risk controls

Localization, Value Creation & Ecosystem Growth Contribute to investment evaluations, valuation assessments, and transaction structuring activities Support negotiation processes and transaction execution workstreams Develop investment memoranda, strategic assessments, and executive decision-making materials Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders throughout the investment lifecycle
Localization & Ecosystem Development Support the incorporation of relocation, joint venture, and collaboration commitments into transaction structures, competing on ecosystem fit rather than price alone Coordinate with investment attraction stakeholders on incentives and landing packages Support post-deal localization and value creation initiatives to establish a long-term presence in Abu Dhabi Help ensure investments contribute positively to ecosystem growth and sustainable value creation

Requirements8–10 years of experience within an MBB or equivalent top-tier strategy consulting firm, with a strong due diligence and deals background serving private equity funds and corporate acquirers Extensive hands-on experience supporting buy-side acquisition engagements is required Experience engaging with sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and strategic counterparties

Core Capabilities Strong analytical and structuring skills, including target screening, valuation logic, ecosystem-fit assessment, and deal framing Extensive hands-on due diligence experience across commercial, financial, IP, and talent dimensions Strong understanding of transaction structures, co-investment models, and joint venture arrangements Ability to engage confidently with sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and strategic investors Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills Ability to operate in complex and fast-paced transaction environments

Experience & Exposure Experience in gaming sector transactions is preferred; exposure to media, technology, or entertainment sectors is also relevant Prior M&A, private equity, or corporate development experience, either in-house or advisory Exposure to cross-border transactions and relocation or localization structures Strong working knowledge of AI tools and their application to strategy and due diligence

Contract Duration12-month contract

Location Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Interested candidates are welcome to apply or share their CV for consideration.