Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Investment Associate – Real Estate to support the sourcing, evaluation, execution, and active management of real estate investments across the GCC and international markets.

The successful candidate will play a key role throughout the investment lifecycle, from origination and underwriting to transaction execution, asset management, and eventual exit planning. Working closely with senior leadership, investment partners, developers, and advisors, the Senior Associate will contribute to investment decision-making and help drive value creation across a diverse real estate portfolio.

This role is ideally suited for a professional with strong financial modelling capabilities, deep understanding of real estate markets, and proven experience in acquisitions, development, private equity real estate, asset management, or principal investing.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Origination & Analysis

• Identify, screen, and evaluate real estate investment opportunities across multiple asset classes, including residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, logistics, and mixed-use developments.

• Build and maintain sophisticated financial models to assess investment returns, cash flows, sensitivities, financing structures, and valuation scenarios.

• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, valuation analyses, and commercial due diligence.

• Assess investment risks and develop recommendations to support investment decisions.

• Prepare investment memoranda, business cases, and presentations for senior management and investment committees.

Transaction Execution

• Support the execution of acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, development projects, and strategic partnerships.

• Coordinate due diligence processes with legal, technical, tax, financial, and regulatory advisors.

• Review transaction documentation, financial reports, agreements, and contractual arrangements.

• Assist in structuring transactions, negotiating commercial terms, and managing closing processes.

• Monitor transaction timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement throughout execution.

Portfolio & Asset Management

• Monitor investment and asset performance against approved business plans and investment objectives.

• Analyse operational and financial performance to identify opportunities for value enhancement and risk mitigation.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditure planning, and business planning activities.

• Track portfolio KPIs and prepare regular investment performance reports.

• Assist with refinancing, restructuring, repositioning, and exit strategies where appropriate.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Conduct ongoing research on macroeconomic trends, capital markets, and real estate sectors.

• Analyse supply-demand dynamics, demographic trends, regulatory developments, and market opportunities.

• Monitor competitor activity and emerging themes to support investment strategy formulation.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of the firm's real estate investment strategy.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with internal investment teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain relationships with developers, brokers, lenders, institutional investors, consultants, and other market participants.

• Participate in management meetings, investment reviews, site visits, and stakeholder discussions.

• Represent the firm professionally in interactions with external counterparties and industry networks.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Master's degree, CFA, CAIA, MRICS, or other relevant professional qualification is advantageous.

• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in real estate investments, private equity real estate, investment banking, real estate advisory, asset management, or development.

• Demonstrated experience evaluating and executing real estate transactions.

• Proven expertise in financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis.

• Strong understanding of real estate investment structures, financing arrangements, and transaction processes.

Competencies & Skills

• Advanced financial modelling and valuation capabilities.

• Strong understanding of DCF, IRR, NPV, equity waterfall modelling, sensitivity analysis, and real estate performance metrics.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and commercial judgement skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• High standard of presentation and investment report preparation.

• Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities simultaneously.

• Strong attention to detail and execution discipline.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial investment environment.