Chief of Staff, UAE

Role Summary

We are searching for a Chief of Staff to support the CEO of ICEYE UAE, based in Abu Dhabi. This permanent role operates on a hybrid work model and requires passing security screenings as applicable. The Chief of Staff will serve as a trusted advisor, driving strategic initiatives into effective implementation within a dynamic and sensitive environment focused on sovereign intelligence.

Company Overview

ICEYE leads the world in space-based sovereign intelligence. Operating the largest and most advanced synthetic aperture radar satellite fleet globally, ICEYE provides high-quality, timely intelligence for any location and weather conditions, enabling critical decision-making in defense, intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance, and emergency response. Founded in Finland, ICEYE employs over 1,000 people worldwide across multiple continents.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the UAE CEO to convert strategic and operational goals into concrete action plans and monitor progress against deadlines.
• Manage the operational cadence for the UAE team, including organizing agendas, tracking decisions, addressing obstacles, and escalating issues as necessary.
• Lead cross-departmental projects and initiatives on the CEO’s behalf, from initial scope to successful execution.
• Develop briefing documents, board reports, and presentations for leadership and government stakeholders.
• Control the CEO’s schedule, prioritizing commitments and drafting communications to amplify impact.
• Facilitate interactions with UAE governmental bodies, sovereign clients, and strategic allies by arranging meetings, preparing briefs, and ensuring proper follow-ups.
• Oversee regional performance reporting including KPIs and OKRs, and implement operational enhancements in the UAE office.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of seven years in strategy consulting, investment banking, executive office roles like Chief of Staff, or operational leadership within a rapidly scaling company.
• Proven experience engaging with senior government, defense, or sovereign wealth representatives within the UAE or the GCC region.
• Strong capabilities in managing cross-functional programs and delivering executive-level communications effectively.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive or classified information with a high degree of autonomy and discretion.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Willingness to travel within the region and occasionally internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Arabic language.
• Background in space, satellite, aerospace, or defense sectors.
• Experience supporting a regional branch of a global tech or industrial organization.
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• A proactive approach and a mindset geared toward building structure in ambiguous situations.
• Sound judgment and professionalism in politically and commercially sensitive contexts.

Work Culture and Values

ICEYE cultivates a diverse, engaged, and ambitious environment committed to pushing boundaries and making the impossible achievable. Teamwork, curiosity, big-picture thinking, inclusivity, and a positive atmosphere are core to how we succeed together.

Application Procedure

• Initial screening call with Talent Partner.
• Interview with the UAE CEO.
• Strategic case study exercise.
• Presentation and stakeholder panel discussion.
• Final interview round.

Benefits and Inclusion

Our benefits package supports employee health and wellbeing and evolves through feedback, tailored to location specifics. We are dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply and ensuring accommodations during recruitment where needed.