Off-Road Operations Specialist

Job Summary

The Off-Road Operations Specialist supports the planning, preparation, and execution of off-road motorsport events (rally, cross-country, desert, and baja races), ensuring routes, safety measures, and vehicles meet local and international standards. The role covers route surveying and mapping, on-ground stage safety coordination, technical vehicle checks, and logistics support during off-road competitions, working under the guidance of the Sport Operations Section Head.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, preparation, and setup of off-road race stages (rally, cross-country, desert, and baja events), ensuring compliance with local regulations and international off-road motorsport standards (e.g., FIA/FIM).
• Conduct on-ground surveys and technical assessments of off-road terrain, tracks, and stages to identify hazards and confirm route feasibility and safety.
• Assist in designing and marking off-road race routes, way-points, and special stages, and prepare related technical guidance maps and road books.
• Carry out technical inspections of off-road vehicles and safety equipment prior to competition, and submit inspection reports to the Sport Operations Section Head.
• Coordinate the placement and inspection of safety, marshalling, and medical points along off-road stages in line with risk assessments.
• Monitor race progress along off-road stages in real time, relay updates to race control, and support incident and recovery response for competitors.
• Coordinate logistics and transport arrangements for vehicles, equipment, fuel, and support crews at off-road stage locations, in coordination with the Administrative Services Section.
• Liaise with course marshals, safety officers, medical teams, and local authorities to ensure stage security and spectator safety during off-road events.
• Support the installation, maintenance, and dismantling of off-road stage infrastructure, signage, and barriers before and after events.
• Maintain records of off-road route conditions, incidents, and stage results, and contribute to post-event technical and safety reports.
• Assist in maintaining the database and asset register for off-road vehicles, recovery equipment, and specialized machinery.
• Provide technical input on the specifications and suitability of vehicles, tyres, and equipment used in off-road competitions.
• Support periodic inspection of off-road equipment and machinery, flagging items requiring maintenance, replacement, or write-off in coordination with the concerned sections.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Sport Operations Section Head.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Motorsport Engineering, Automotive/Mechanical Engineering, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in off-road motorsport operations, rally organization, or a similar field-based race operations role.
• Working knowledge of FIA/FIM off-road and rally regulations and safety standards.
• Practical experience with off-road route surveying, road book preparation, and GPS/route-marking tools.
• Familiarity with off-road/4x4 vehicle technical requirements and recovery procedures.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• Valid driving license (off-road/4x4 driving experience preferred); willingness to travel to remote locations and work outdoors in varying conditions, including irregular hours during events.

Skills & Competence

• Strong field coordination and problem-solving skills under time pressure.
• Good physical fitness and comfort working in remote, off-road, and outdoor environments.
• High attention to detail with a strong safety-first mindset.
• Effective communication and coordination with marshals, safety teams, and race officials.
• Ability to read and prepare route maps, road books, and technical inspection reports.
• Basic proficiency in GPS/mapping software and MS Office applications