Senior Manager – Government Affairs

About the role

The Senior Manager – Government Affairs will lead executive government engagements, high‑level stakeholder interactions, official visits and protocol‑sensitive activities for a major Abu Dhabi‑based organization. Reporting to the VP, Government Affairs, the role sits within the MD & CEO Office.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute government‑facing engagements for the Group CEO, senior executives and government representatives.
• Develop structured engagement plans, briefing packs, stakeholder profiles and agendas.
• Manage the executive engagement calendar, ensuring preparation, dependencies and follow‑up actions.
• Coordinate national and international meetings, conferences, delegations and strategic events.
• Provide protocol guidance, cultural considerations and executive etiquette advice.
• Oversee stakeholder communications, invitations, official correspondence and post‑engagement reporting.
• Maintain standard procedures, templates, checklists and document repositories.
• Supervise and develop the Government Affairs Specialist, monitoring performance and deliverables.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Protocol & Diplomacy, Communications or related field.
• Approximately 8 years of progressive experience in government affairs, executive engagement or protocol management.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience coordinating senior‑level engagements.
• Proven experience managing CEO‑level or senior executive interactions with government authorities, diplomatic missions and high‑profile stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of UAE and international government protocol, diplomatic practices and cultural sensitivities.

Required skills

• Expertise in planning and delivering high‑visibility government engagements and events.
• Advanced stakeholder management, coordination and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in preparing executive‑level briefing packs, agendas, talking points and action trackers.
• Knowledge of confidentiality standards, governance requirements and document control procedures.