Specialist - Communication

Role Overview

Specialist - Communication at AD Ports Group. The role is based in the UAE and reports to the Communications and Marketing function within the Business Unit.

Role Purpose

Champion external communications activities for the Business Unit, translating business strategies into integrated annual plans, media campaigns, and tactical deliverables. Develop and implement corporate communication and PR initiatives that build brand awareness, manage media relationships, and ensure all communications reflect the organisation's strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement external PR and corporate communication plans for campaigns and projects to meet business objectives and build brand awareness.
• Champion all external communications activities for the Business Unit and translate strategies into integrated annual plans, media campaigns, and tactical deliverables intended to achieve agreed-upon KPIs.
• Take a lead role in the development and implementation of communications plans and key messaging for the Business Unit.
• Define and oversee the delivery of annual plans, campaigns, and media relations activities, working closely with communications and marketing managers.

Content Creation & Quality Assurance

• Assess needs, create, oversee, and execute written material in relation to corporate communications for the Business Unit.
• Create press releases, interviews, speeches, Q&As, and digital content, and be accountable for the accuracy and quality of all content generated for external and internal communications, social media, marketing, videos, websites, and brochures.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of all written and visual materials produced, including press releases, fact sheets, written interviews, messaging documents, video, and website content.

Media Relations & Stakeholder Management

• Source stories and proactively arrange meetings to develop news and editorial materials.
• Manage the approval process smoothly and effectively, obtaining vital project and business information from the Business Units and relevant technical departments.
• Serve as the key point of contact for Business Units and their relevant spokespeople, managing public engagements, media activities, and other relevant promotional opportunities.
• Maintain good relationships with key media.
• Maintain a good knowledge of the media relevant to the business and contribute to maintaining an updated database of key media representatives.
• Build productive relationships with the Business Unit and internal customers, researching briefs for stories and being alert to potential news opportunities.

Governance & Process Management

• Manage the approvals process between the PR and Corporate Communications team, any third-party contacts, and senior management within the approval chain.
• Manage, update, and track figures and fact sheets.
• Maintain tracking, archiving, and reporting of all communications activities.

Business Knowledge & Development

• Develop a keen understanding of the Business Unit business and AD Ports Group.
• Understand objectives and ensure communication reflects the organisation's strategic vision.
• Proactively build knowledge and be alert to opportunities while being mindful of the resources available to deliver materials and current priorities for the team.
• Advise and promote professional high standards of PR and communication.

General

• Perform any other related duties as assigned by direct manager or director.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, journalism, public relations, or communications studies.
• 6–8 years of experience in public relations or communications.
• PR experience in both B2B and B2C environments.
• Work experience in a range of different settings with majority focus on media relations.
• Good familiarity with UAE and International Media.
• Commercial and cultural awareness.
• Continuously updated with industry news.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in Arabic and English, both written and oral.
• Exceptional Arabic writing skills and grasp of English language.
• Strong PR and corporate communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Track record of developing effective and successful PR and corporate communication programmes.
• Knowledge of social media and latest digital practices for business-to-business.
• Good knowledge of the maritime sector and maritime sustainability with a willingness to learn about the Business Unit.
• Innovative and creative.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Culturally aware with a good understanding of corporate priorities, management strategies, and business objectives.