Senior Strategic Planning Consultant

Experience : 10-12 years

Line of Service : Management Advisory

Location :United Arab Emirates

Brief Description:
The consultant will be responsible for supporting organizations to plan for future development of their business by utilize strategic planning tools like SWOT analysis and PESTEL analysis to identify the essential internal or external factors, utilize trend analysis technique for strategic assessment and to evaluate operational effectiveness. Support client in developing long term strategic goals and short term operational objectives and setting up quantities targets that will be the basis for execution of future initiatives leading to defining of KPIs.
As a member of Merit Consulting team, the Consultant plays an integral role in contributing to the successful execution of client engagements and building the firm's reputation for quality service.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Support client in setting up organization Strategic Planning Department
•   Develop a focused and knowledgeable approach/Framework towards strategic plan development
•   Support client in developing organization strategic plan, Strategy Map, Accountability Map, etc..
•   Support client in developing departmental Operational Plans
•   Utilize strategic planning tools like SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis and PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Environmental and Legal) analysis to identify the essential internal or external factors and macro environmental factors like market growth, business position and direction for operations.
•   Identify and generate short term and long term strategic goals to pave a focused strategic pathway for the client.
•   Utilize Trend analysis technique (through research, surveys, benchmarking visits, etc.) that is instrumental in strategic planning and assessment enabling the adoption of international and regional best practices in the strategy formulation.
•   Identify Priority Areas by using a set of criteria (e.g. external factors, internal capabilities etc.) and analyze their rating/scoring mechanism; classify related quantifiable Targets based on priority areas that will be utilized for evaluation of performance.
•   Ensure all objectives are specific, measurable, aligned, realistic and time based for judgment of the priority area through S.MA.R.T Metrics.
•   Identify quantifiable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess progress in implementing the defined Initiatives and in achieving results (the targets).
•   Identify and describe tangible Balanced Scorecard and Performance Management Framework with the organization that allow for the measurement of progress and performance of each Initiative towards its target. Ensure the validity of the KPIs and their alignment with the Initiatives and Targets.
•   Conduct Workshops during the cycle of planning.
•   Train Client related team and ensure proper transfer to the knowledge
•   Maintains positive working relationships with all team members, stakeholders, client members and subject matter experts from within the organization to understand current state processes.
•   Participate in the drafting of reports and presenting draft to project manager for review and approval.
•   Related projects/work as assigned.

Qualifications:
•   Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field
•   10-12 years of experience in Strategic Planning and Performance Management Consultancy Services to public Sector is highly desired (less years of experience is still acceptable)
•   Proven experience effectively prioritizing workload to meet deadlines
•   Demonstrated ability to write clearly and professionally 
•   Proficiency in spreadsheet and presentation creation tools
• Presentable Person