External Relations Manager, IISS-Middle East

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Manama; On-site; BHD 33,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Full benefits package

Job summary

A leading defence think tank is seeking an External Relations Manager for its Middle East headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. The role involves managing external relationships, developing engagement strategies, and enhancing funding opportunities. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, fluency in English and Arabic, and proven experience in government and corporate engagement. The position offers competitive salary and full benefits, with applications accepted until April 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven experience engaging partners with government ministries.
• Demonstrable experience working in government and corporate engagements.
• Ability to cultivate strategic relationships for outreach and funding.

Responsibilities

• Manage IISS external relationships across the region.
• Develop an external engagement strategy for the Middle East office.
• Identify and develop funding opportunities aligned with IISS priorities.
• Open new opportunities through existing networks.
• Develop relationships with government offices, corporate partners, and Embassies.
• Coordinate outreach to enhance the ecosystem of experts, businesses, and policymakers; connect key individuals to IISS researchers.
• Support execution of IISS Middle East events and dialogues, including data coordination and delegate communication.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Diplomatic ability

Fluency in English and Arabic

Education

Bachelor's degree in any field of study

Job description

• External Relations Manager, IISS-Middle East

External Relations Manager, IISS-Middle East

Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed-term, 2 years
Location: Manama, Bahrain

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is an expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations. The IISS–Middle East office is internationally staffed and is set to grow and develop substantially. The office is based in a prestigious location in Manama’s Financial Harbour district.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) seeks to hire a full-time External Relations Manager for its Middle East Regional Headquarters in Bahrain. The role reports to the Managing Director.

Responsibilities:

• Manage IISS external relationships across the region, using cultural and language expertise, to expand the organization’s regional engagement.
• Develop and implement an external engagement strategy for the Middle East office.
• Lead strategic external engagement across the Middle East to identify and develop funding opportunities that align with IISS priorities.
• Open new strategic opportunities for IISS through existing networks.
• Develop substantive relationships with government offices, corporate partners, and Embassies across the region; link key individuals to relevant IISS offices and departments.
• Conduct outreach to enhance the IISS’ ecosystem of experts, businesses, and policymakers, solicit research funding opportunities, and connect key individuals to IISS researchers.
• Support the execution of all IISS Middle East events and Dialogues including data coordination, delegate communication, and database management for high profile contacts.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience working inside/with government and alongside corporate partners, researchers, Embassies, and other institutions in the region.
• Proven experience engaging partners across the region with functional relationships at the government ministry level; and the ability to cultivate strategic relationships to advance organisational outreach and funding objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, and diplomatic ability.
• Ability to work seamlessly on a global team and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Bachelor’s degree in any field of study.

Remuneration:

The IISS offers a competitive salary based on skills and experience and a full benefits package.

Application:

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ blue button above and follow the instructions to submit two documents:

• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 April 2026.

Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Applications requesting another location other than IISS – Middle East, Manama, Bahrain will not be considered.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.