Public Relations Officer (Emiratisation- Abu Dhabi)

Role Overview

Public Relations Officer (Emiratisation - Abu Dhabi) at Chalhoub Group. This is a Government Relations Associate position supporting the Administration team across the UAE, with primary focus on Abu Dhabi operations.

Company Overview

Chalhoub Group is a leading luxury retailer operating more than 300 stores throughout the UAE. Government Relations plays a vital role in enabling the business to operate seamlessly across the region, supporting new store openings, promotional campaigns, and managing trade licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals.

Role Purpose

Support day-to-day government relations activities that enable Chalhoub Group's operations across retail, commercial, and corporate functions. Work behind the scenes to ensure the Group's brands remain compliant and operational by facilitating approvals, maintaining compliance, and supporting business continuity with government authorities, internal stakeholders, and legal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations & Licensing

• Support trade license applications, renewals, amendments, and related government formalities.
• Coordinate lease registration requirements following leasing agreements.
• Assist with obtaining authority approvals required for new store openings and business operations.
• Monitor compliance requirements and follow up with relevant government entities.

Permits & Regulatory Approvals

• Prepare and process permits for promotions, sales campaigns, seasonal activations, and commercial initiatives.
• Coordinate police permits, mall permits, maintenance approvals, and operational clearances.
• Support approvals for after-hours work, fit-outs, maintenance activities, and other authority requirements.
• Ensure all permits comply with government regulations and consumer protection requirements.

Authority & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with government authorities, municipalities, Civil Defence, police departments, malls, and regulatory entities.
• Process approvals through relevant government and mall platforms.
• Coordinate No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and required supporting documentation.
• Follow up on requests to ensure approvals are completed within required timelines.
• Support operational matters requiring coordination with external authorities.

Legal & Administrative Support

• Support the Legal team with documentation, contracts, and notary requirements.
• Prepare documentation for powers of attorney, trade licenses, and legal submissions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to permits, approvals, and compliance.
• Assist with administrative reporting, trackers, and operational documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• UAE National (Family Book).
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Government Relations, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in the private sector is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and professionalism.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple urgent requests in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence representing Chalhoub Group with government authorities and external stakeholders.
• Proactive mindset with strong follow-up and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.
• Ability to maintain reports, trackers, and documentation accurately.
• Comfort learning and using government portals and online approval platforms.

Additional Information

Work Pattern

• Fully office and field-based role requiring regular travel and physical visits to government entities and external stakeholders.
• Frequent travel across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates based on business requirements.
• Early working hours aligned with government authority operating times.
• Managing urgent, time-sensitive requests with professionalism and accuracy.
• Working closely with both internal teams and external authorities throughout the day.

Internal Stakeholders

Collaborate with Government Relations Team, Group Legal, Leasing Team, Brand Teams, Store Operations, Mall Operations, and Administration & Business Support Functions.

External Stakeholders

Interact with Government Authorities, Police Departments, Municipalities, Civil Defence, Consumer Protection Authorities, Mall Management, Notary Offices, and Trustees and Government Platforms.