Permitting & NOC Engineer

Role Overview

Permitting & NOC Engineer at Nova Construction. The role is based on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and is responsible for managing all authority permit applications, No Objection Certificate submissions, and regulatory approvals for a large-scale, phased residential Design & Build development.

Company Overview

Nova International General Contracting is a well-established UAE-based company dedicated to delivering excellence in general contracting and construction, specializing in executing branded residences. The company is committed to the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction in every project undertaken. The organization aims to grow as a trusted partner and deliver landmark developments that shape the future of the UAE's built environment.

Role Purpose

This is a critical delivery role with end-to-end ownership of the permitting process for a large residential development. The role manages permit applications and NOC submissions from preparation and authority portal submission through to approval follow-up, authority comment response, and internal team coordination to ensure timely close-out of all NOCs and permits.

Key Responsibilities

Permit & NOC Submissions

• Prepare, compile, and submit all permit applications and NOC requests to Abu Dhabi authorities across all project phases directly and without reliance on third parties where possible.
• Manage submissions across all relevant authorities including DOT, ADDC, ADSSC, DM, ADDED, TASAREEH, Miral, telecommunications providers, and any other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Operate authority portals and digital submission platforms proficiently, including TASAREEH, ADDC portal, ADSSC portal, DOT portal, and DM systems.
• Ensure all submission packages are complete, accurate, and compliant with each authority's specific requirements prior to submission.
• Prepare covering letters, submission forms, and supporting documentation required for each NOC and permit application.
• Coordinate with the design consultant to obtain and verify all required drawings, calculations, and reports needed for authority submissions.

Follow-Up & Approval Management

• Proactively follow up with authority contacts and portal case handlers to track submission status and expedite approvals.
• Maintain a comprehensive NOC and permit tracker covering all submissions, expected approval dates, status, conditions, and close-out actions.
• Receive and review authority comments on submitted packages and coordinate prompt responses with the relevant technical team or design consultant.
• Resubmit revised packages in response to authority comments and track through to final approval.
• Escalate delayed or at-risk approvals to the Project Director or PMO with proposed resolution actions.
• Ensure all NOC conditions and permit requirements are communicated to the construction and design teams for compliance.

Authority Coordination

• Serve as Nova's primary point of contact with all Abu Dhabi authorities for permitting and NOC matters on the project.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with authority representatives to facilitate efficient processing of submissions.
• Attend authority meetings, site inspections, and coordination sessions as required.
• Stay current with changes to authority requirements, submission procedures, portal updates, and regulatory timelines relevant to the project.
• Coordinate with Miral and Yas Island development management for any island-specific permit requirements and approvals.

Internal Coordination & Reporting

• Coordinate closely with the Infrastructure Lead Engineer and discipline engineers to align permitting timelines with design delivery and construction programme.
• Provide regular NOC and permit status reports to the Project Director and PMO, highlighting critical path items and risks.
• Maintain a complete and organized document archive of all submitted packages, authority correspondence, approvals, and conditions.
• Support the construction team in obtaining construction permits, road opening permits, and utility connection approvals as required.
• Coordinate with the commercial and planning teams to ensure permit-related programme impacts are captured and managed.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline — mandatory.
• Master's Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field — advantageous.
• Professional membership with a recognized engineering or planning body — advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in permitting, NOC management, and authority approvals in Abu Dhabi — mandatory.
• Proven track record of managing multi-authority NOC and permit processes on large-scale residential, mixed-use, or infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi.
• Hands-on experience submitting directly on Abu Dhabi authority portals including TASAREEH, ADDC, ADSSC, DOT, and DM systems — essential.
• Prior experience on Yas Island or with Miral authority processes — highly advantageous.
• Experience working on Design & Build projects, with an understanding of how permitting interfaces with design delivery and construction sequencing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large volumes of simultaneous NOC applications across multiple authorities and project phases.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Proficient in TASAREEH portal — mandatory.
• Hands-on experience with ADDC, ADSSC, DOT, and DM digital submission portals — mandatory.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, site plans, and technical reports across civil, infrastructure, and MEP disciplines.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for basic drawing mark-up and submission package preparation — advantageous.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel for NOC and permit tracking.
• Familiarity with document management and project management systems.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Abu Dhabi Authority and Regulatory Knowledge.
• NOC and Permit Submission Management.
• Authority Portal Proficiency — TASAREEH, ADDC, ADSSC, DOT, DM.
• Follow-Up and Approval Expediting.
• Multi-Stakeholder Coordination.
• Organisational and Documentation Skills.
• Communication and Relationship Management.
• Programme Awareness and Risk Escalation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple submission streams simultaneously under programme pressure.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage professionally with authority representatives at all levels.
• Detail-oriented with a systematic approach to submission preparation, follow-up, and record keeping.

Additional Information

Requirements

• Valid UAE driving licence — required.
• Excellent written and spoken English — mandatory; Arabic is a significant advantage for direct authority communication.

Relevant Abu Dhabi Authorities & Portals

• TASAREEH — Abu Dhabi permit and approval management platform; primary submission portal for construction-related permits.
• Department of Transport (DOT) — road access permits, traffic management approvals, and road opening permits.
• Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) — electrical and water network connection NOCs and approvals.
• Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) — foul and storm drainage connection NOCs and approvals.
• Department of Municipalities (DM) — development permits, planning approvals, and building NOCs.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (ADDED) — energy compliance and sustainability approvals.
• Miral Asset Management — Yas Island master developer NOC and development approval processes.
• Telecommunications authority providers — infrastructure and network NOC requirements.
• Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) — materials and construction standards compliance where applicable.

Equal Opportunities

Nova International General Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and business requirements, without unlawful discrimination, and in accordance with applicable UAE labor and employment laws. All hiring and employment is subject to compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, including those relating to work permits and residency visas, where applicable.