Key Objectives
To develop and enhance the relationship with the governments across UAE, GCC and MENA region in order to pro-actively identify, assess, and manage risks and B2B/B2G opportunities resulting from governments activities, policies and regulations.
Responsibilities
Pro-active Monitoring and Analysis
• Prepare periodical monitoring and analysis report regarding geopolitical issues, policy and regulation in UAE, GCC and other MENA regions. (SGE and RHQ level)
• Prepare ad-hoc detailed analysis on specific issues.
• Maintain up-to-date sensing and analysis of policies, laws, regulations, movements of key people in public sectors, and any other government & Political developments, to identify risks and business opportunities which could affect business and operations in UAE, GCC and MENA region.
Stakeholder Engagement and Networking
• Maintain and enhance relationship with government officials in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and other GCC countries as well as in MENA priority countries (Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, etc)
• Assess on a regular basis the roles and influences of key stakeholders in UAE and GCC, MENA region.
• Develop high-level engagement plan to build relationship with key stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong network across sectors and industries, including embassies, Industry associations, and experts to enhance sensing and intelligence of the changing environment.
• Engage directly with government officials on urgent issues affecting company’s operations.
Advocacy
• Develop strategies and advocacy plans to respond to key policies and regulations developments relevant to operations and strategy in UAE, GCC and MENA.
• Engage with colleagues at country level to implement effectively these advocacy plans.
• Represent in forums across UAE, GCC and MENA to share perspectives on key policy and regulatory issues.
• Engage directly with government officials on urgent issues affecting company’s operations.
B2B/B2G Business Development
• Identify tenders and potential sales opportunity for the B2B & B2G business across UAE, GCC and MENA region.
• Collect information on public investments and strategic projects in order to identify B2G and B2B opportunities across UAE, GCC and MENA.
• Collect information on public investments and strategic projects in order to identify B2G and B2B opportunities.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to have more visibility on the requirements granting it a competitive edge.
• Collaborate with the sales team through the government procurement process.
Develop GR capabilities across MENA
• Build government engagement and networking capabilities in subsidiaries to support the implementation of activities at country level. (including guidance, process, tools and training)
• Build crisis management and strategic communications capabilities to communicate with government stakeholders if needed.
• Provide strategic guidance and operational support to subsidiaries and relevant colleagues in MENA.
• Collaborate with internal teams to provide GR guidance: Legal, ESG, B2B.
Experience and Essential Skills
• 7+ years of relevant experience in international companies, consulting firms, institutions at public sectors.
• Previous strong background across UAE, GCC and MENA region.
• Hands-on expertise and knowledge on public policy development, advocacy, and public affairs initiatives.
• Strong network with Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments as well as those in other priority countries.
• Experience in developing and implementing GR strategy, plans and activities.
• Knowledge in policy and regulations assessment.
• Ability to coach and support senior leaders on public speaking and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) especially with public sector.
• Excellent problem solving skills with impeccable attention to detail.
• University degree in reputable university, Master degree is plus.
• A strong track record of balancing a corporate controllership with significant ad hoc project experience.
• Ability to work diligently, manage strict deadlines, and summarise complex issue in a clear and concise way.
Language Skills
• English (Mandatory)
• Arabic (Preferred)