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Senior Consultant - Sustainable Development & Healthy Living - Job Opportunity at WSP

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 8, 2025
On-site
Based on the senior-level requirements, Middle East location, and international consulting focus, the salary range is likely between USD 80,000-120,000 annually, with Dubai market premiums and tax-free status potentially pushing total compensation higher. WSP's global scale and the specialized nature of sustainability consulting in high-growth Middle East markets typically command premium compensation packages.

Benefits

Access to a global network of over 69,000 professionals providing extensive knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities
Opportunity to work on diverse international projects across government, industrial, commercial and scientific sectors
Professional development through mentoring responsibilities and exposure to emerging sustainability trends
Community-focused work environment that emphasizes making positive social and environmental impact
Career advancement opportunities within a well-respected, large and dynamic consulting team

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic urban planning initiatives with sustainability focus, driving alignment with Middle East regional development objectives and influencing long-term urban growth patterns
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with diverse stakeholders to architect sustainable urban solutions that directly address community challenges and enhance quality of life
Execute comprehensive urban environment assessments to identify high-impact sustainability enhancement opportunities that deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits
Provide authoritative expertise on sustainability policies and regulations, positioning clients as leaders in sustainable urban development practices
Design and facilitate stakeholder engagement initiatives including workshops and community sessions that build consensus and drive adoption of sustainable practices
Drive innovation integration by identifying and implementing cutting-edge sustainability trends and technologies into project designs
Build organizational capability through mentoring junior professionals and delivering specialized training on sustainability and urban planning methodologies
Architect sustainable business solutions that enable clients to achieve measurable sustainability targets while maintaining commercial viability
Lead business development activities including technical proposal development and strategic client relationship building
Manage high-stakes client interactions including executive presentations and critical project deliverables that influence major urban development decisions

Requirements

Education

A bachelor's or master's degree in Architecture/Urban planning

Experience

6-10 years of experience in sustainability related consulting in urban planning/Engineering design with experience in international projects

Required Skills

Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders Proficiency in sustainability assessment tools and urban planning software A passion for sustainable development and a commitment to making a positive impact in urban environments Collaborative mindset and outcome driven working method

Certifications

Experience in sustainability building and masterplan certifications (knowledge of rating systems such as LEED, Mostadam, Estidama, CEEUQAL, SITES, WELL is preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented urban transformation driven by Vision 2030 initiatives across Gulf countries, creating massive demand for sustainability consultants who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks while delivering commercially viable green development solutions. This trend is particularly pronounced in the UAE and Saudi Arabia where government mandates are requiring LEED and local green building certifications for major developments. Global ESG investment flows have reached record levels, with institutional investors increasingly requiring sustainability credentials for real estate and infrastructure projects, making expertise in multiple green building rating systems a critical differentiator for consulting professionals in emerging markets. Post-pandemic urban planning is emphasizing health and wellness integration, driving demand for consultants who understand both environmental sustainability and human health outcomes, particularly in dense urban environments where air quality and community spaces directly impact public health. Smart city initiatives across the Middle East are creating convergence opportunities between traditional sustainability consulting and digital technology integration, requiring consultants who can bridge environmental science with IoT and data analytics capabilities.

Role Significance

Typically managing or collaborating with teams of 5-15 professionals including junior consultants, technical specialists, and project coordinators, while interfacing with larger multidisciplinary teams on complex urban development projects.
This is a senior individual contributor role with significant client-facing responsibilities and team leadership elements. The position carries substantial influence over project outcomes and strategic direction, with expectations for business development and mentoring responsibilities that indicate preparation for principal-level advancement.

Key Projects

Large-scale master planned communities requiring integrated sustainability strategies and multiple green building certifications Mixed-use urban developments incorporating wellness principles and environmental performance standards Government and institutional projects requiring compliance with evolving Middle East sustainability regulations International development projects requiring cross-border expertise and cultural sensitivity in sustainability implementation

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in multiple green building rating systems combined with practical implementation experience in Middle East regulatory environments, enabling navigation of complex certification processes while maintaining project timelines and budgets. Strong stakeholder management capabilities that can bridge diverse interests including government agencies, private developers, community groups, and international investors, requiring cultural fluency and diplomatic communication skills. Business acumen that connects sustainability initiatives to financial performance and risk management, demonstrating ROI and competitive advantages to clients while maintaining environmental integrity. Continuous learning mindset that stays current with rapidly evolving sustainability technologies, regulatory changes, and market trends, particularly in the dynamic Middle East development landscape.

Market Demand

High demand driven by regulatory requirements, ESG investment mandates, and major infrastructure development projects across the Gulf region, with limited supply of qualified professionals having both international experience and Middle East market knowledge.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Multi-certification expertise in green building rating systems is absolutely essential as Middle East projects increasingly require multiple certifications to access international investment and meet government mandates. Professionals without this technical foundation cannot compete for senior roles. Advanced stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills are crucial for success in the diverse Middle East market where projects involve government agencies, international investors, local communities, and global development teams with varying cultural expectations and communication styles. Project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple concurrent projects is fundamental given the fast-paced nature of Middle East development cycles and client expectations for rapid delivery while maintaining quality standards.

Beneficial Skills

Digital fluency in sustainability assessment tools and emerging technologies like AI-driven environmental analysis will become increasingly important as the industry adopts more sophisticated analytical capabilities. Arabic language skills or deep cultural knowledge of local markets would provide significant competitive advantage for client relationship building and community engagement activities. Financial modeling and business case development skills will differentiate consultants who can demonstrate economic value of sustainability initiatives rather than just technical compliance.

Unique Aspects

The role combines traditional urban planning with emerging health and wellness focus, reflecting post-pandemic trends in sustainable development that consider human health outcomes alongside environmental performance.
Position requires expertise in both international standards (LEED, WELL) and Middle East-specific certification systems (Mostadam, Estidama), providing valuable cross-cultural technical knowledge that is rare in the market.
The role explicitly emphasizes community engagement and stakeholder facilitation, indicating projects that require complex consensus-building and public participation, skills that are increasingly valuable in sustainable development.
Integration of business development responsibilities with technical delivery creates opportunity for entrepreneurial professionals to build their own client relationships and practice areas within a large firm structure.

Career Growth

Progression to principal level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the high-growth Middle East market and limited supply of experienced professionals, with director-level opportunities emerging within 5-7 years for high performers.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Consultant or Practice Lead positions focusing on regional sustainability strategy and business development Regional Director roles overseeing multiple Middle East markets and larger consulting teams Client-side sustainability leadership positions with major developers or government agencies Independent consulting practice specializing in Middle East sustainable development

Company Overview

WSP

WSP is a globally recognized engineering and professional services consultancy with over 69,000 employees worldwide, known for delivering complex infrastructure and environmental projects. The company has established significant presence in the Middle East market, working on major government and private sector developments across the region.

WSP ranks among the top global engineering consultancies, competing with firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and Arup. The company's scale and technical capabilities position it to win large, complex projects that smaller firms cannot handle, while its global network provides resources and expertise that regional competitors cannot match.
WSP's Middle East operations are strategically positioned to capitalize on the region's massive infrastructure investment cycle, with the Dubai office serving as a regional hub for sustainability and environmental consulting services across Gulf markets.
Large global consulting firms like WSP typically offer structured career development, extensive training opportunities, and exposure to diverse projects, while requiring adaptability to varying client cultures and project demands. The emphasis on community impact and sustainability suggests values-driven work environment.
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