Head of Communications (UAE Expo)

YOSH; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A government office in the UAE is seeking an experienced Head of Communications to lead integrated communications efforts across its Expo portfolio. The role requires developing communication strategies that align with the organization's vision, managing agencies, and building media relationships. Candidates need 7 to 10 years of strategic communications experience, ideally with public sector projects, and fluency in English and Arabic is preferred. Strong leadership and editorial skills are essential for this senior role.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of experience in strategic communications, ideally in public sector.
• Strong experience managing communications agencies and campaigns.
• Fluency in English and Arabic, UAE National candidates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a master communications strategy for the UAE Expo Office.
• Lead the development of communications strategies for Expo participation.
• Manage appointed communications agency or agencies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Editorial judgment

Cross-cultural communication

Collaboration

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism

Job description

Job Summary

The UAE Expo Office is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Communications to lead and oversee integrated communications across its multi-Expo portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing the overall communications strategy aligned with the Office's long‑term vision as well as tailored strategies for each individual Expo participation.

The role will drive strategic storytelling narrative development, editorial direction and agency management to ensure the UAE's story is communicated clearly, consistently and effectively to key audiences locally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development

• Develop and maintain the UAE Expo Office’s master communications strategy ensuring it reflects the Office's purpose and ambitions.
• Lead the development of communications strategies for each Expo participation aligned with thematic objectives and the national narrative.
• Define and oversee the narrative framework, tone of voice and messaging consistency across all channels.
• Develop and oversee the deployment of strategic plans aligned to Expo Office goals and objectives.

Reputation Management

• Develop the UAE Expo Office’s reputation management strategy and systems.
• Lead issues and crisis management from a communications perspective in close collaboration with leadership.
• Lead and develop the UAE Expo Office’s monitoring and horizon‑scanning systems from a strategic perspective, overseeing day‑to‑day activities during each Expo participation.

Agency Management & Media

• Manage the appointed communications agency or agencies responsible for planning, implementation and activation.
• Supervise media outreach, press events, campaigns and distribution of press materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media stakeholders both in the UAE and internationally.
• Serve as the main communications contact with Expo organisers and partner communications teams.

Content & Editorial Leadership

• Lead the development of strategic narratives and messaging frameworks for each Expo participation aligned to UAE Expo Office objectives.
• Oversee the creation and rollout of high‑quality content across all platforms including speeches, social media, editorials and promotional materials.
• Ensure messaging and tone are consistent across internally and externally developed content.
• Translate the UAE’s Expo strategies into clear, compelling stories for target audiences.

Performance & Risk

• Define KPIs and lead performance tracking to assess communications impact against strategic goals.
• Monitor media coverage and provide regular insights and recommendations to office leadership.
• Lead the development and implementation of crisis communications plans, including media readiness and reputational risk assessments.

Internal & Cross‑Stream Coordination

• Work closely with internal teams to align communications with broader office initiatives.
• Identify opportunities from across the Expo Office’s workstreams that support communications goals and storytelling efforts.

Leadership & Budget

• Lead the planning, procurement and management of all external communications partners.
• Oversee the communications budget ensuring timely and high‑quality delivery of outputs.

Key Skills & Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in strategic communications, ideally with public sector, cultural or international projects.
• Strong experience managing communications agencies and integrated campaigns.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; UAE National candidates are preferred.
• Prior experience working in the UAE is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable communications plans.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to define and uphold tone and messaging frameworks.
• Skilled in operating in high‑pressure, fast‑moving environments.
• Excellent cross‑cultural communication skills and experience working with international media.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to coordinate across diverse disciplines and stakeholders.
• Ability to translate strategy into operational delivery including media and digital execution.
• Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic environment.

Other

• Familiarity with Expo formats, international events or pavilion operations is a plus.
• Willingness to relocate or travel internationally for extended periods.