Stakeholder Liaison Officer
Job Title: Stakeholder & Community Liaison Officer
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project Type: Water & Wastewater Infrastructure
Job Purpose:
To act as the primary point of contact between the project and all external stakeholders, including government entities, local authorities, utility companies, and the local community. The primary goal is to facilitate smooth project execution by securing necessary permits, managing interfaces, and minimizing disruption to the public. (Saudi Nationals are strongly preferred for this role due to the nature of stakeholder engagement).
Key Responsibilities:
- Stakeholder Management: Identify, map, and build positive relationships with key stakeholders such as local municipalities (Amanah), traffic police, civil defense, and other utility providers (SEC, STC, etc.).
- Permitting & Approvals: Lead the process of obtaining necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), wayleave permits, road cutting permits, and other statutory approvals required for construction.
- Community Engagement: Develop and implement a community liaison plan. Communicate with residents and business owners affected by construction activities (traffic diversions, service interruptions) to inform them of timelines, manage expectations, and address concerns.
- Conflict Resolution: Proactively identify potential stakeholder conflicts or community complaints and work with the project team to find solutions, mediating disputes as necessary.
- Reporting: Maintain a stakeholder issues log and prepare regular reports on engagement activities, permits obtained, and public feedback for project management.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Nationality: Saudi National (mandatory).
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in a liaison, PR, or government relations role, preferably in the construction or infrastructure sector.
- Deep understanding of local governmental processes and regulatory frameworks in KSA.
- Experience working with NWC or other water authorities is a significant advantage.
Core Competencies:
- Language: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English are essential.
- Strong negotiation, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills.
- Problem-solving mindset and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- In-depth knowledge of local culture and customs.
