Communications & External Affairs Manager     
                                               

Location and Travel
Rotational 28/28

Role Synopsis
Member of the leadership team.

Leading the C&EA department, playing a lead role in conceptualizing, planning and implementing the organization’s internal and external communications, overseeing project stakeholder relations and social investment. Advises leadership team on issues and developments related to community, political and reputational risks. Supervises the C&EA team, ensuring the team is equipped with the necessary tools to carry out their jobs effectively.

Operating in Iraq presents a unique set of challenges, and the C&EA manager is heavily involved in identifying, monitoring, mitigating and advising on risks.

The C&EA Manager will report to the Head of C&EA Iraq.


  Key Accountabilities

• Prepares C&EA annual operating plan, identifying milestones and KPIs, providing periodic performance reports.
• Oversees the community engagement strategy to facilitate effective, early and on-going communication and constructive dialogue.
• Manages the KPOD social welfare (infrastructure) fund, working with local stakeholders and community to identify suitable projects, working to secure efficient and timely approvals and implementation.
• Represents KPOD with local government authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to manage and mitigate reputational and non-technical risks. Maintains stakeholder mapping.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction on all social responsibility matters and supports operational planning by providing technical input
• Manages C&EA third party contracts and contractors.
• Prepares departmental annual budget and provides regular financial reporting.
• Develops, maintains and delivers integrated communications strategy including:
• External communications channel and content activity: annual report, press releases, broadcast interviews, video production, website and social media footprint.
• Internal communications and engagement, staff recognition through multiple channels; town hall meetings, staff newsletter, videos, posters, staff awards etc
• Events, including ceremonies to celebrate organization’s successes and achieving major milestones

Criteria & Qualifications

• Relevant university degree, or equivalent work experience. An advanced degree (e.g. Masters) would be an advantage.
• A highly skilled C&EA professional with 15 years of experience in the design and delivery of C&EA strategy and implementation.
• Significant experience in direct communities-related work for large-scale projects
• Demonstrable experience in identifying and mitigating external and non-technical risks.
• Demonstrate international / leadership experience.
• Demonstrable understanding and 10 years’ experience of social, political and community issues in the Middle East region, ideally Iraq.
• Extensive experience working with multiple stakeholders, including governments, communities, third-party contractors/ NGOs and media.
• Experience identifying, documenting, developing and implementing community development programs/ strategies.
• Demonstrated experience of effectively leading, managing and energizing people and teams as well as influencing change.
• Strong analytical skills in areas relevant to social and political risk along with strong negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge of communications strategies, campaign planning and implementation.
• Deep discipline knowledge encompassing the full breadth of C&EA activities.
• Business acumen, encompassing an understanding of budgetary management and financial decision making.
• Proficient English and superior communication, presentation, mentoring and coaching skills. Arabic ability beneficial.
• A track record of working to international standards.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.