Senior Heritage Planning Projects Specialist

About the Role

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is seeking a Senior Heritage Planning Projects Specialist to join its team. This role involves managing heritage planning studies, feasibility analyses, adaptive reuse frameworks, and urban revitalization projects that respect and promote Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage. The position is central to preserving the emirate’s identity and advancing its reputation as a premier global cultural and tourism destination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate heritage planning studies essential to restoration, reuse, and heritage-led urban revitalization.
• Develop planning tools including Site Management Plans, Conservation Management Plans, Heritage Masterplans, and implementation guidelines.
• Support business plan creation for adaptive reuse projects, including economic viability evaluations and operator selection criteria.
• Manage consultant engagements, scope definitions, and project documentation to facilitate successful procurement and delivery.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders and resources to adhere to delivery standards and timelines.
• Contribute to business cases, feasibility analyses, and economic narratives ensuring alignment with heritage values and operational needs.
• Maintain an institutional knowledge base comprising regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, socio-economic data, and stakeholder mappings.
• Research and integrate international best practices into heritage planning and management approaches.
• Monitor execution of heritage plans and adaptive reuse frameworks, tracking progress and addressing risks or implementation challenges.
• Facilitate engagement with internal departments, governmental bodies, consultants, developers, and community partners to ensure consistent governance and collaborative project outcomes.
• Produce technical reports, briefing documents, presentations, and contribute to research and dissemination activities including conferences and publications.
• Perform additional tasks as directed, adhering to departmental policies, ethics, and safety protocols while driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, Heritage Conservation, Landscape Architecture, or related fields.
• Master’s degree in Heritage Conservation, Urban Planning, Architecture, Cultural Heritage Management, or closely related discipline.
• Between 6 and 8 years of professional experience in heritage and conservation planning, adaptive reuse, urban regeneration, or cultural asset management.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and large-scale heritage projects.

Skills

• Expertise in Heritage Planning and Conservation Management
• Proficiency in Business Feasibility Analysis and Financial Modelling
• Competence in Adaptive Reuse Planning and Urban Revitalization Initiatives
• Experience developing Heritage Policy and Planning Guidelines
• Strong Project and Program Management Skills
• Knowledge of GIS and Spatial Analysis Techniques
• Effective Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation Abilities
• Advanced Report Writing and Publication Skills
• Budget Planning and Consultant Oversight Abilities

Additional Information

The role demands close collaboration with diverse stakeholders and ongoing monitoring to ensure the successful application and management of heritage plans. Candidates will participate actively in research and knowledge-sharing efforts and represent the department at relevant professional events. Commitment to operational excellence, adherence to regulatory standards, and upholding of ethics and safety practices are essential.