About this role

Job Purpose/Background:

BlackRock aims at offering clients a whole portfolio perspective, which includes thought leadership on macro and markets, caters to their investment needs and offers views on tactical and strategic asset allocation. This role plays an important and fully integrated part in this approach. The role’s main objective is to help foster BlackRock’s regional identity as a leading provider in Middle East asset management and broaden our range of services to clients in the region.

The investment strategist supports the Chief Investment Strategist and contributes to business development and execution of BlackRock Middle East growth strategy. By conveying the BII narrative, enriched by individual views as well as locally relevant content, and presenting to clients, the successful candidate will actively support the growth of BlackRock in the Middle East region.

In addition to its local function, the role will also have an important link to the BII global team. In this function, the new colleague will be entrusted with tasks catering to the needs of other regions as well as the BII more generally.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Chief Investment Strategist in delivering the BII’s whole portfolio perspective to clients in the Middle East region

• Connect to the global team of BII strategists to work on common projects, be present and vocal in internal BII meetings/calls and actively promote connectivity between regional and global BII

• Help formulate views on markets and investment topics by using the full range of BII expertise, teaming up with regional colleagues and the overall BII team

• Act as a spokesperson for local relationship managers/sales colleagues when it comes to commenting on the market, asset allocation views or interpretation of special events

• Help build out BlackRock’s regional identity as a contact person to local media

• Contribute to formulating macro expertise, investment narratives and asset allocation views that cater to local investors’ needs; offer regular updates

• Feed back local perspectives (from clients and based on research and findings) into the broader BII and BLK investor platform

• Support sales units (Wealth, ICB, FIG) as a speaker in client meetings, at events, conferences etc.

• Contribute to digital distribution of local macro & market content, e.g. writing a local weekly market outlook and/or shooting related videos.

• Reach out and connect to the firm’s investor platforms (MASS, MPS, BAI etc.) and be prepared to offer insights from a regional perspective

• Help build out, in cooperation with the marketing and communications teams, BlackRock’s reach on investment strategy topics using innovative formats (podcasts, videos, blogs, ‘social media’ etc.)

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Economics/Business Administration, a Master’s degree and/or CFA is a plus

• Minimum of 4-6 years of related experience, ideally as a market economist/strategist and preferably in the banking or asset management industry

• Strong quantitative/modelling skills and asset allocation experience

• Understanding of the asset management industry, especially client needs in the local market, is required

Additional Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills

• Strong command of Arabic and good English in speaking and writing

• Outstanding analytical abilities in economics, finance and investment solutions

• Excellent teamplaying and interpersonal skills

• Ability to build strong and effective networks with colleagues within the BII, local business partners and

members of key functional areas in other locations

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.