Director, Corporate Communications, Energy - Arabic speaker (Secondment Role)

Daniel J Edelman Holdings; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading communications firm is seeking an experienced Director Corporate Communications focusing on Energy based in Abu Dhabi. The role demands expertise in stakeholder management and delivering impactful communication strategies within a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate should possess over 12 years of experience, particularly within the energy sector, and excellent advisory skills. This position offers competitive compensation and the chance to work on high-profile projects that shape regional energy narratives.

Benefits

Exposure to senior decision-makers

Opportunity for professional growth

Competitive package aligned with seniority

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or corporate reputation focused on the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of global and regional energy trends and sustainability.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and advisory skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor on reputation management and communications.
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies focused on energy.
• Build and manage relationships with government entities and media.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder management

Media engagement

Crisis management

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced communications professional to join as Director Corporate Communications for Energy based in Abu Dhabi on a secondment role. This position requires a deep understanding of the global and regional energy landscape, strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to deliver high‑impact advisory and communications strategies within a fast‑paced environment. You will be embedded within a client’s in‑house team working closely with senior leadership to provide strategic counsel, manage complex projects and ensure flawless execution of integrated communications campaigns that align with business and reputational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Counsel & Client Leadership
  • Act as a trusted advisor to client senior leadership on reputation management, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
  • Develop and execute integrated communications strategies focused on energy transition, sustainability and national priorities.
  • Provide counsel on issues management, crisis preparedness and media engagement.
• Program & Campaign Management
  • Lead the development and delivery of multi‑channel communications programs ensuring alignment with client goals and stakeholder expectations.
  • Oversee content strategy including speeches, op‑eds, reports, thought leadership and digital platforms.
  • Drive proactive and reactive communications related to the energy sector including policy shifts, new projects and innovation narratives.
• Stakeholder & Media Engagement
  • Build and manage relationships with government entities, regulators, media and key industry stakeholders.
  • Support high‑level events, forums and global energy platforms (e.g. ADIPEC, COP, World Future Energy Summit).
  • Manage international and regional media relations to amplify the client’s energy leadership.
• Team & Collaboration
  • Mentor and guide junior team members fostering professional growth and high performance.
  • Collaborate with Edelman regional teams and global experts to leverage best practices, insights and tools.
  • Ensure seamless integration with the client’s internal communications and public affairs functions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 12 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs or corporate reputation preferably with a focus on the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of global and regional energy trends including energy transition, sustainability and geopolitical dynamics.
• Proven track record of managing senior client relationships and delivering complex communications programs.
• Excellent writing, presentation and advisory skills in English (Arabic desirable but not essential).
• Experience working in the GCC with strong understanding of regional cultural and business contexts.
• Ability to thrive in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑profile energy projects shaping the region’s future.
• Exposure to senior decision‑makers and global industry platforms.
• Professional growth in a world‑class communications advisory environment.
• Competitive package aligned with seniority and regional market standards.

Required Experience

Director