Stakeholder Manager

WSP; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Abu Dhabi is seeking a dynamic Stakeholder Manager to lead a team handling all aspects of stakeholder engagement for major construction projects. The role involves managing relationships with Abu Dhabi authorities, overseeing stakeholder processes, and ensuring compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields and a minimum of 10 years' relevant experience. Strong communication and negotiation skills, along with fluency in English and Arabic, are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in stakeholder management, authority liaison, or approvals within the UAE infrastructure or construction industry.
• Strong understanding of Abu Dhabi authority processes, design codes, and approval workflows.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary infrastructure or transportation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of stakeholder engineers.
• Manage the stakeholder and approvals process for design and construction phases.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Abu Dhabi government authorities.
• Review authority submissions and monitor compliance.
• Act as primary contact for external stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Authority liaison

Communication

Negotiation

Multicultural work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Stakeholder Manager to lead a team of stakeholder engineers and manage all aspects of stakeholder engagement, authority liaison, and approvals for major design and construction projects in Abu Dhabi. This role is pivotal in ensuring timely coordination with government entities, developers, and other external stakeholders to facilitate smooth project delivery across all stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of stakeholder engineers, ensuring effective coordination with all relevant authorities and third parties.
• Manage the end-to-end stakeholder and approvals process for both design and construction phases of infrastructure and development projects.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Abu Dhabi government authorities (e.g., ADM, ADSSC/ADDC, DMT, DOT, AD Ports, Etihad Rail, etc.) to ensure alignment and compliance with local regulations and standards.
• Review and monitor authority submissions, feedback, and approvals to ensure compliance with project requirements and schedules.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, addressing issues and facilitating resolution in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with internal design and construction teams to ensure all stakeholder requirements are incorporated into project plans and designs.
• Develop and implement stakeholder management plans, communication strategies, and reporting mechanisms.
• Participate in coordination meetings with clients, contractors, and authorities to resolve conflicts and expedite approvals.
• Maintain up-to-date records of stakeholder correspondence, permits, and approvals.
• Provide regular progress updates and reports to project leadership and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in stakeholder management, authority liaison, or approvals within the UAE infrastructure or construction industry, preferably with consultancy firms.
• Strong understanding of Abu Dhabi authority processes, design codes, and approval workflows.
• Proven experience leading stakeholder or authority teams on multidisciplinary infrastructure or transportation projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.