JOB DESCRIPTION

Wood is recruiting for a Government Liaison Officer to join our Iraq Operations Business. This role is a full-time on-site role in Basra, Iraq with local travel requirement.

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The role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Government Liaison Officer to join our Iraq Business Unit.

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Wood is an integral part of operations in Iraq, and we are continuing to grow our footprint across the country. With a 90-year heritage, 10 major contracts and over 850 employees, we have the skills, expertise and asset knowledge to support clients to deliver energy security and decarbonisation ambitions.

Wood excels in supporting our clients to deliver complex upstream and midstream oil and gas projects in Iraq delivering maintenance, modifications and engineering solutions. We are committed to decarbonising existing assets, producing cleaner energy and developing a sustainable national workforce, ensuring the long-term growth of the region

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects Delivered to high profile clients and complex projects in Iraq
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
• Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
• Medical Insurance: Ensures inpatient and outpatient medical care is available should you require treatment.
• Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
• Global connections: join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession
• Long Service Award: Wood values the commitment and loyalty of our people. Celebrating Long Service provides an opportunity for the business to demonstrate their appreciation of the hard work, dedication and many years' services of our employees at 5-year service milestones

Role Purpose:

To serve as the primary representative of the company in Iraq for all matters involving government authorities, regulatory bodies, and local institutions. This role ensures compliance with local laws and regulations, facilitates operational approvals, and fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders to support the company's strategic and operational objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the official point of contact between the company and Iraqi government entities, including ministries, regulatory agencies, banks, and local authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with Iraqi laws, regulations, and administrative procedures relevant to the company's operations.
• Lead the process of obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and approvals for business activities.
• Monitor changes in local legislation and advise management on potential impacts.
• Represent the company in official meetings, inspections, and negotiations with government bodies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key government officials and community leaders.
• Support crisis management and conflict resolution involving local authorities.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and operational teams to ensure alignment with corporate policies.
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on government relations and regulatory developments.
• Manage relationships with local bank and facilitate in account opening, updating signatories, POA and other required docs.

QUALIFICATIONS

What makes you remarkable?

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world's most critical challenges.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, or operations in Iraq.
• Strong understanding of Iraqi administrative systems, legal frameworks, and business regulations.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and negotiation with government entities.
• Excellent communication skills in Arabic and English.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Negotiation and influence
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Compliance and risk management
• Adaptability and resilience

ABOUT US

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.