Authorities Liaison Engineer

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking an experienced Authorities Liaison Engineer to join our UAE team.

The role focuses on managing submissions, permits, approvals and NOCs with Dubai authorities and utility providers throughout design and construction. The successful candidate will coordinate with project teams, contractors and authorities to ensure compliance and timely progression, while mitigating approval risks and guiding documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in UAE or similar markets.
• Strong knowledge of submission and approval processes with UAE authorities (DM, DDA, Trakhees, DCD, DEWA, RTA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; Arabic skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate submissions, permits, approvals, and NOCs with government authorities and utilities.
• Interface between project team, contractors, consultants and authorities to ensure compliance and timely delivery.
• Advise project teams on authority requirements and submission procedures.
• Coordinate with contractors and design disciplines to ensure complete and compliant submissions.
• Monitor status of submissions, resolve issues, and escalate risks to project leadership.
• Attend meetings with authorities and coordinate technical clarifications among stakeholders.
• Maintain records and trackers for submissions, comments, and close-out actions.
• Support obtaining approvals for construction activities, inspections, and utility connections.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Arabic language

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are seeking an experienced Authorities Liaison Engineer to join our team in the UAE. The role will be responsible for managing and coordinating submissions, approvals, permits and NOCs with relevant government authorities and utility providers throughout the design and construction stages of projects.

The successful candidate will act as the key interface between the project team, contractors, consultants and authorities, ensuring authority requirements are understood, incorporated into project deliverables and progressed efficiently to support project timelines.

• Manage and coordinate all authority-related activities during the design and construction stages of projects.
• Prepare, review, track and follow up on technical submissions, applications, permits, approvals and NOCs.
• Liaise directly with relevant authorities including Dubai Municipality (DM), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Trakhees, Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), DEWA and RTA, as applicable to the project.
• Advise project teams on authority requirements, submission procedures, approval processes and documentation requirements.
• Coordinate with contractors, design consultants and technical disciplines to ensure submissions are complete and compliant with authority requirements.
• Monitor the status of authority submissions and proactively resolve comments, outstanding requirements and approval constraints.
• Attend meetings with authorities and coordinate technical clarifications between the authority and project stakeholders.
• Maintain clear records and trackers for submissions, approvals, permits, NOCs, comments and outstanding actions.
• Support project teams in obtaining approvals required for construction activities, inspections, utility connections and project completion.
• Identify authority-related risks or potential approval delays and **escalate** these to the project leadership team.
• Support coordination of final inspections, completion certificates and other authority close-out requirements relevant to the project.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, preferably within engineering consultancy, project delivery or multidisciplinary project environments in the UAE.
• Strong practical experience dealing with UAE/Dubai government authorities and utility providers.
• Demonstrable knowledge of submission and approval processes involving DM, DDA, Trakhees, DCD, DEWA and RTA.
• Strong understanding of architectural compliance requirements, authority regulations, development controls and approval procedures within Dubai and the UAE.
• Experience coordinating authority approvals during both design and construction stages of projects.
• Familiarity with NOCs, permits, technical submissions, inspections and project close-out requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively across contractors, consultants, project teams and government entities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic would be advantageous.
• Relevant authority accreditation/registration is highly desirable, particularly where required to undertake submissions or coordination with the respective authorities.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 70,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.