Graduate Analyst , Strategic consulting (UAE National)

Role Overview

Graduate Analyst, Strategic Consulting at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in Dubai, UAE. This role is available to UAE National candidates. This is an entry-level opportunity for exceptional recent graduates to launch a career in real estate consulting and strategy.

Company Overview

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. The Strategic Consulting practice advises clients on complex real estate challenges, helping organizations optimize their real estate portfolios, develop business strategies, and unlock value from their property assets. JLL combines deep market knowledge with analytical rigor to deliver transformative solutions across the MENA region.

Role Purpose

You will work alongside senior consultants and partners on high-impact projects for leading corporations, government entities, and institutional clients, developing critical analytical and problem-solving skills while supporting the delivery of strategic real estate consulting engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive research on real estate markets, industry trends, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes.
• Gather and analyze data from multiple sources including market reports, government statistics, industry publications, and proprietary databases.
• Synthesize complex information into actionable insights and recommendations.

Strategic Analysis

• Support the development of real estate strategies for corporate occupiers, developers, and investors.
• Analyze portfolio performance, space utilization, location strategies, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Evaluate market entry strategies, expansion plans, and investment opportunities across sectors and geographies.

Financial Modeling

• Build financial models to evaluate business cases, investment scenarios, and strategic alternatives.
• Conduct feasibility studies for development projects, portfolio acquisitions, and asset repositioning initiatives.
• Perform sensitivity analysis and risk assessment to support decision-making.

Client Project Delivery

• Contribute to consulting engagements across various workstreams including strategy development, market assessments, feasibility studies, and operational reviews.
• Participate in client workshops, interviews, and site visits to gather requirements and validate findings.
• Support project management activities including timeline tracking, deliverable coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Presentation Development

• Prepare high-quality presentations, reports, and deliverables for client meetings and executive audiences.
• Create compelling data visualizations, charts, and graphics to communicate findings effectively.
• Draft sections of strategic reports, business plans, and recommendation documents.

Industry and Market Intelligence

• Monitor real estate trends, emerging technologies, and best practices across global markets.
• Track policy developments, regulatory changes, and economic indicators affecting real estate sectors.
• Contribute to thought leadership publications and insights reports.

Benchmarking and Metrics

• Conduct benchmarking studies comparing client performance against industry standards and peer groups.
• Develop KPIs and performance frameworks to measure portfolio efficiency and strategic progress.
• Analyze operational metrics including occupancy costs, space efficiency, and service delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Real Estate, Strategy, Finance, or related field.
• Recent graduate within the last 2 years with outstanding academic credentials.
• Preference for candidates with coursework in strategy, analytics, or consulting methodologies.

Skills & Competencies

Analytical and Problem-Solving

• Exceptional analytical capabilities with ability to structure complex problems and develop logical frameworks.
• Strong quantitative skills including statistical analysis, financial modeling, and data interpretation.
• Critical thinking ability with comfort handling ambiguity and developing creative solutions.
• Structured approach to problem-solving with attention to detail and accuracy.

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including complex formulas, pivot tables, scenario modeling, and data analysis.
• Expert PowerPoint capabilities with ability to create executive-level presentations with clear storylines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word for professional report writing.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI is advantageous.
• Knowledge of statistical software including SPSS, R, or Python is a plus.

Communication

• Outstanding written communication skills with ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills suitable for client-facing roles.
• Excellent English language proficiency in written and spoken form; Arabic proficiency is highly valuable.
• Ability to adapt communication style for different audiences from technical teams to C-suite executives.

Consulting Aptitude

• Intellectual curiosity with eagerness to learn about diverse industries and business challenges.
• Client-service orientation with professional demeanor and business maturity.
• Ability to build rapport with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Comfort with ambiguity and changing project requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated self-starter with strong work ethic and drive for excellence.
• Collaborative team player who contributes positively to team dynamics.
• Adaptable and resilient with ability to thrive in fast-paced, demanding environments.
• Strong time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Genuine passion for real estate, strategy, and solving complex business problems.

Additional Information

Career Development

• Structured graduate development program with formal training in consulting methodologies, strategic frameworks, and analytical techniques.
• Mentorship from experienced consultants, directors, and partners.
• Exposure to diverse projects across multiple sectors including corporate real estate, government advisory, master planning, and investment strategy.
• Accelerated learning curve through hands-on project work and client interaction.
• Clear career progression pathway from Analyst to Consultant to Senior Consultant and beyond.

Professional Growth

• Support for professional certifications including MCR (Master of Corporate Real Estate), CFA, PMP, or MBA programs.
• Access to JLL's global knowledge network and best practices.
• Opportunities to contribute to thought leadership and industry publications.
• Regular training sessions on technical skills, industry trends, and consulting capabilities.

Work Environment

• Intellectually stimulating environment working on high-profile, strategic projects.
• Exposure to C-suite executives, government leaders, and senior decision-makers.
• Collaborative, meritocratic culture that values ideas and contributions.
• Access to JLL's global consulting network and cross-regional collaboration opportunities.
• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility balanced with team collaboration.

Project Scope

• Work across various sectors including office, retail, industrial, hospitality, residential, healthcare, and education.
• Engage with diverse client types from multinational corporations to sovereign wealth funds to government entities.
• Participate in projects ranging from portfolio strategy to market entry to feasibility studies to organizational transformation.

Location and Accessibility

• On-site position based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• JLL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.