Senior Director - Dubai - Fitch Ratings

Description

Job Title: Senior Director – Governments & Public Finance, GCC

Location: Dubai, UAE

Work Arrangement: Hybrid; 3 days per week in office in accordance with Fitch Ratings' Onsite Flex policy and local office guidelines.

Travel: Approximately 25–30% travel across GCC markets, primarily to Saudi Arabia and within the UAE, with occasional trips to London and select broader Middle East and African countries.

About Fitch Ratings

Fitch Ratings, part of Fitch Group, provides objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions, research, and commentary to global capital markets. Fitch Group has dual headquarters in London and New York and operates in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

About the Team

The Governments & Public Finance group delivers independent and forward-looking credit opinions and research on sovereign governments and public-sector entities. The Sovereigns team includes roughly 50 analysts worldwide, with primary hubs in London, Frankfurt, and Hong Kong. The International Public Finance team—covering sub-sovereign governments and government-related entities—includes roughly 80 analysts across a global office network.

This Senior Director will play a critical regional role while operating within Fitch's collaborative global structure to ensure methodological consistency, governance rigor, and cross-sector alignment. This position will report to the Head of Middle East & Africa Sovereigns, with a dotted line report to the EMEA Head of International Public Finance (both based in London). In addition to GCC coverage, this Senior Director will have selective responsibilities in the broader Middle East and Africa, depending on portfolio needs.

What We Offer

• A senior analytical role to influence credit views on a growing region.
• High visibility with global stakeholders through rating analysis, research, and outreach.
• The opportunity to work as part of an integrated global team with regular touchpoints across London leadership and peer analysts worldwide.
• Access to global criteria development and thought leadership initiatives.
• Cross-sector collaboration opportunities.
• An open, collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are valued and integrity is paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as lead or secondary analyst for designated GCC sovereigns and related GREs. The role will involve conducting in-depth analytical meetings with management of rated entities and other relevant constituents, updating databases and preparing forecasts, writing credit rating reports, presenting credits to a rating committee, and preparing research reports and press releases for publication, all in a manner consistent with Fitch's published criteria and standards of analytical excellence.
• Coordinate closely with colleagues from across the group to ensure consistency of approach.
• Chair and contribute to rating committees, driving evidence-based consensus and ensuring independence and objectivity.
• Author clear, concise research and commentary communicating Fitch's views to global market participants.
• Provide thought leadership on GCC macro-credit themes (e.g., macroeconomic trends, fiscal frameworks, diversification, SWFs, external finances, monetary regimes, structural reforms), including initiating and contributing to broad macroeconomic research projects coordinated by the global group.
• Lead analytical outreach and market engagement (non-commercial), acting as a visible spokesperson for Fitch for Governments & Public Finance in the GCC (approximately one-third of time). Represent the agency's views to external constituents, including investors, issuers, bankers, and the media.
• Help shape cross-sector perspectives (sovereign, GREs, banks, corporates) through coordinated research and analysis.
• Support coverage of the broader Governments & Public Finance Middle East and Africa portfolio, serving as lead or secondary analyst as requested.
• Adhere strictly to Fitch's regulatory obligations, keeping clear separation from commercial activities and maintaining rigorous record-keeping.

What You Need to Have

• 10+ years' experience in sovereign credit analysis or closely related macro/credit roles, or equivalent combination of experience in central banking, multilateral institutions, or sovereign advisory.
• Demonstrated GCC experience and deep familiarity with regional policy frameworks, macro-fiscal dynamics, and institutional structures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics transparently and objectively in public forums. Ability to deliver confident, insightful presentations at conferences and other public events and to present the agency's views across a range of media platforms, including broadcast television interviews.
• Proven ability to collaborate in distributed global teams.
• Strong judgment under pressure and in high-visibility contexts.
• Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, public policy, or related field; advanced degree (MA/MSc/MPA) or CFA preferred.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Arabic language proficiency.
• Experience covering GREs and their linkages/support frameworks to sovereign credit profiles.
• Demonstrated thought leadership on GCC macro-credit themes.

Why Choose Fitch

• Impact through Independent Insight: Bring your judgment to the forefront. At a rating agency, our analytical opinion drives real-world outcomes.
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development, and mentorship programs to ensure continuous learning.
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, supported by Employee Resource Groups across the globe.
• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days/week in office required, subject to Onsite Flex policy and local guidance.
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings and supportive parenting policies.
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations, and community engagement opportunities.

Regulatory and Compliance (Global and GCC-Specific)

• Fitch Ratings is committed to providing objective, timely, independent, and forward-looking credit opinions. Employees must avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof.
• Successful candidates must declare securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to beginning employment and may be asked to divest holdings that conflict with work responsibilities.
• Employment in the UAE (or applicable GCC jurisdiction) is subject to local labor law, visa/work permit regulations, and any applicable financial services or ratings regulatory requirements. Employees must comply with Fitch's local policies, data protection standards, and any mandatory registrations or licensing.

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