Senior Manager Public Affairs

Talabat; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional delivery company is seeking a seasoned Public Affairs professional to enhance government engagement across the MENA region. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in government relations and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. This role demands strong political acumen, exceptional communication skills, and fluency in both English and Arabic. Responsibilities include developing advocacy strategies and building relationships with key stakeholders at the governmental level.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in government relations, policy, or regulatory affairs.
• Strong political acumen and business sensitivity.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Update government engagement strategy across the MENA region.
• Serve as primary contact for senior-level government officials.
• Build and maintain relationships with ministries and public institutions.

Skills

Government relations

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder management

Crisis management

Exceptional communication skills

Job description

Overview

At talabat, we’re transforming how people connect with food and essential services across the region. As we grow, so does the importance of our relationships with governments, regulators, and policy influencers. We’re looking for a seasoned Public Affairs professional to enhance our government engagement across the GCC and broader MENA region. You’ll play a critical role in shaping a regulatory environment that supports innovation, while fostering meaningful relationships with key stakeholders at the highest levels. This is a high-impact role for a strategic thinker with access to decision-makers and a deep understanding of the region’s political and economic landscape.

What’s on your plate?

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Government Engagement: Update talabat’s government engagement strategy across the MENA region, with a strong focus on the GCC. Serve as the primary point of contact for senior-level government officials, regulatory bodies, and policy influencers.
• Policy Advocacy: Anticipate, monitor, and assess relevant regulatory and political developments. Develop policy positions and advocacy strategies that align with business priorities and regional realities.
• Executive Advisory: Act as a senior advisor to talabat’s leadership, providing counsel on political risks, public policy trends, and government affairs strategy.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain a network of trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, public institutions, industry associations, and diplomatic missions.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Collaborate closely with the wider Public Affairs, Communications, Operations, legal, and other internal teams to ensure coordinated, compliant, and strategic external engagement.
• Crisis & Issue Management: Lead response strategies related to regulatory risks, government investigations, or reputational threats with high-level public stakeholders.

What you need to be successful

What did we order?

• A trusted and connected expert in public affairs with 10+ years of experience in government relations, policy, or regulatory affairs in the MENA region.
• Deep network within GCC government institutions and regional stakeholders, with a proven track record of access and influence.
• Strong political acumen, business sensitivity, and understanding of how government decisions impact digital platforms and consumer services.
• Exceptional communication, persuasion, and executive presence skills.
• Fluent in English and Arabic (mandatory).
• Experience in tech, digital economy, or highly regulated sectors is preferred.

Who we are

talabat is part of the Delivery Hero Group, the world’s pioneering local delivery platform, our mission is to deliver an amazing experience—fast, easy, and to your door. We operate in over 70+ countries worldwide. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Delivery Hero has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2017 and is part of the MDAX stock market index.