Account Director Government & Public Affairs

Burson MENA

Bursons MENA operations stand as one of the largest and most respected communications agencies in the region delivering impactful strategies rooted in craft curiosity counsel and camaraderie. Burson MENA is a trusted partner for clients navigating complex communications and public affairs landscapes shaping reputations and driving business outcomes across diverse sectors.

Offices in Dubai Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia and also part of the region is Qatar Jordan Bahrain and Egypt our team combines strategic expertise with AI-driven insights to craft compelling narratives that influence key decision-makers. Backed by a strong international and global network we provide innovative data-driven solutions that connect with audiences and create lasting impact. At Burson our inclusive and high-performance culture fuels innovation empowering individuals to excel and collaborate in a dynamic environment where growth thrives.

More about the role:

This pivotal role sits within our Government Public Affairs & Sustainability communications team supporting public sector institutions policymakers regulators and government-adjacent organisations across the region. The role focuses on shaping narratives around public policy sustainability ESG and responsible innovation helping clients communicate complex priorities that directly impact citizens industry and the broader economy.

As an Account Director you will play a central role in managing high-profile often sensitive communications programmes at the intersection of government sustainability regulation and emerging technologies. You will join a team recognised for its strong public-sector and institutional communications legacy bringing strategic counsel sound judgement and deep stakeholder insight to complex challenges.

What youll do:

• Be part of the development and execution of integrated government public affairs and sustainability communications strategies for ministries regulators state-owned entities and public-sector partners.

• Advise clients on policy positioning sustainability narratives ESG priorities and stakeholder engagement ensuring alignment with national visions climate commitments and regulatory frameworks.

• Support communications around sustainability policy climate action energy transition digital transformation and social impact initiatives.

• Drive proactive and reactive media relations across mainstream policy sustainability and trade media managing sensitive issues and high-profile announcements.

• Develop and implement crisis issues and reputation management strategies particularly for sustainability- and policy-related risks.

• Build and maintain trusted advisory relationships with senior clients acting as a strategic partner on long-term reputation and public trust.

• Oversee day-to-day account management ensuring high-quality execution strong governance and excellent client service.

• Mentor and develop junior team members strengthening public affairs and sustainability expertise across the team.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Track record in public relations public affairs sustainability or ESG communications ideally within an agency or advisory environment.

• Proven experience working with government entities regulators policy bodies or public-sector organisations.

• Strong understanding of public policy sustainability frameworks ESG principles and regulatory environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in media relations issues management content strategy and stakeholder communications.

• Experience advising on or communicating sustainability initiatives climate policy energy transition or social impact programmes

• Proficiency in English with Arabic highly desirable.

• Interest in how emerging technologies and data support sustainability transparency and public-sector transformation.

• Exceptional strategic thinking judgement and relationship management skills.

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Required Experience:

Director