Senior Government Relations Manager - UAE

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Job Role Summary

Senior Government Relations Advisor will lead the development and execution of ExxonMobil’s strategy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This role focuses on strengthening relationships with government entities, stakeholders, and communities, while ensuring alignment with the company’s integrated business strategies and corporate policy goals. Additionally, this role requires a deep understanding of UAE geopolitics, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances

The Senior Advisor will oversee community investment and engagement initiatives, draft high-impact reports, and build external networks to support operations and policy advocacy. Additionally, this role provides strategic support to the Lead Country Manager and key ExxonMobil business lines to identify, support and capture new business development opportunities in the UAE.

Based in Abu Dhabi, the role involves interacting with state-owned entities like ADNOC, international partners, and local communities to navigate the UAE’s dynamic energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, build and leverage relationships for ExxonMobil executives with key stakeholders, including business executives at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), UAE government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy), local emirate authorities, and industry associations. Use these relationships to advocate for, defend base business, and capture new business opportunities.
• Represent ExxonMobil in high-level meetings with government officials.
• Develop and excevute public affairs strategices to position ExxonMobil’s reputation and influence among stakeholders, including media, industry associations, and the public.
• Build and maintain external networks with key stakeholders, such as UAE business councils, international oil and gas companies, and regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• Lead crisis communication efforts to address public or geopolitical issues impacting the company’s operations in the UAE.
• Negotiate and coordinate public events, conference sponsorships and community engagement initiatives to raise ExxonMobil’s reputation.
• Design and implement community investment programs that align with UAE’s social and economic goals, focusing on STEM, sustainability and youth empowerment.
• Partner with UAE-based foundations such as: Emirates Foundation, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
• Manage the UAE Public & Government Affairs budget maintain oversight over ExxonMobil JV community relations activities and budget
• Develop and implement communication plans to effectively convey the company's messages to various audiences.
• Manage media relations, including drafting press releases and responding to media inquiries.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to manage emergencies.
  
  

Required Skills And Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field. A Master’s degree preferred.

Language: Fluent in Arabic and English

Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or related role, preferably in the energy sector or a highly regulated industry in the UAE.
• Proven track record engaging with UAE government entities and building external networks with stakeholders in the GCC region.
• Proven experience in the energy sector and in developing and implementing successful public & government affairs strategies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with media, government officials, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical and research skills
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with experience in drafting reports, policy briefs, and executive communications in English and Arabic.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to navigate complex processes and issues.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and community engagement.
  
  

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to navigate complex political and cultural environments in the UAE
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills Ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, and business stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills to advocate for ExxonMobil’s strategies and business development opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively articulate complex ideas and influence decision-makers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and community engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Geopolitical Knowledge

• Scope and leverage relationships beyond the energy sector to maintain relevancy in the UAE.
• Deep understanding of UAE’s political system, energy policies, and regional geopolitics.
  
  

Alternate Location:

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship.

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