Dubai-Based Regional External Affairs Lead

World Bank Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 881,000 - 1,175,000; Full time

Job summary

World Bank Group in Dubai is seeking a Senior Communications and External Affairs Officer to help advance regional engagement, advocacy, and strategic communications across IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA. The role combines advisory responsibilities with hands-on delivery, requiring strong political acumen, stakeholder management, and ability to shape narratives and mobilize support for development priorities.

You will work with regional and country teams to strengthen reputation, support operations,

Qualifications

• Master's degree with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, international affairs, political science, or related field.
• Experience in an international environment with understanding of global development issues.
• Experience designing and implementing strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, or reputational risk management initiatives in complex institutional environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
• Ability to provide strategic advice to senior management and to manage reputational risks and issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement strategies to advance World Bank Group priorities across the region.
• Build relationships with government officials, development partners, private sector, civil society, media, academia and other actors.
• Develop strategic narratives and engagement approaches supporting regional priorities and client engagement.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns and ensure consistent messaging across communications channels.
• Oversee risk assessments, stakeholder analyses, issue management, and mitigation strategies for sensitive operations.
• Mentor junior staff and promote knowledge sharing across the regional communications network.

Job description

World Bank Group in Dubai is seeking a Senior Communications and External Affairs Officer to help advance regional engagement, advocacy, and strategic communications across IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA. The role combines advisory responsibilities with hands-on delivery, requiring strong political acumen, stakeholder management, and ability to shape narratives and mobilize support for development priorities.

You will work with regional and country teams to strengthen reputation, support operations,