Senior Vice President – International Business Development
Industry: Education | EdTech | Educational Publishing
Location: UAE
Experience: 15+ Years
About the Opportunity
A leading UAE-based diversified business group, part of one of Abu Dhabi’s largest semi-government-linked groups, is seeking a Senior Vice President – International Business Development to lead the international expansion of its Education business. The role will focus on developing new markets across MENA, Africa and Central Asia, driving government partnerships, institutional contracts, educational publishing, digital learning solutions and strategic alliances.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute international market-entry and business expansion strategies.
- Identify and secure new opportunities through government ministries, public-sector institutions, school groups and international education partners.
- Lead B2G/G2G engagements, institutional tenders, strategic partnerships and large-scale education contracts.
- Drive business development across educational publishing, textbooks, digital learning platforms, LMS, assessment solutions, examination papers and teacher training.
- Build and manage an international sales pipeline across priority markets in Africa, MENA and Central Asia.
- Establish strategic alliances with publishers, EdTech providers, education operators and international organisations.
- Lead commercial negotiations, proposals, pricing strategies and partnership agreements.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify cross-selling opportunities and accelerate international growth.
Requirements
- 15+ years of experience in international business development, strategic sales or commercial leadership.
- Proven track record of originating and closing large institutional or government contracts.
- Experience in Education, EdTech, Educational Publishing, B2G/G2G, Public-Sector Sales or education-related services.
- Strong exposure to emerging markets, particularly Africa, MENA or Central Asia.
- Established relationships with government ministries, education authorities, school networks or institutional stakeholders.
- Expertise in market entry, tender management, commercial negotiations and strategic partnerships.
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
Priority Markets: Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Nigeria, alongside other emerging international markets.
Confidentiality: The hiring organisation's identity will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.