Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs

About the role

A global energy player and pioneer of the energy transition is expanding its business in the UAE and is looking for a Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The role reports to the Regional Vice President GCC and engages with authorities at the highest level in the energy sector. It covers stakeholder engagement, government and corporate affairs, and communications and reputation management.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with government entities, partners, industry associations, strategic clients and media, and lead strategic partnership initiatives with the Business Development team.
• Influence regulatory frameworks, policy development and bidding environments, and support client engagement across existing and new accounts.
• Monitor regulatory developments, engage with policymakers and regulators, and advise on corporate and public affairs to protect reputation.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead crisis communication, develop PR strategies with internal communications teams, manage media engagement and oversee CSR initiatives.
• Facilitate internal communications, prepare executive reports and support strategic and ad-hoc projects.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or a related discipline; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in government engagement or regulated sectors.
• Fluent in Arabic and English; French is an advantage.
• Strong experience engaging with government stakeholders and a senior-level background in business development, corporate affairs or strategic partnerships.
• Knowledge of sustainability and energy transition sectors (cogeneration, desalination, renewables, energy storage) preferred.

Required skills

• Strategic thinking, stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
• Experience preparing structured business and executive reports.