Head, Communications ZSP

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head, Communications ZSP

🔹 Company: Masdar

🔹 Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the development and execution of the communications strategy for the Zayed Sustainability Prize (ZSP).
• Overseeing media relations, content development, and strategic communication initiatives to safeguard and strengthen ZSP's brand and reputation.
• Managing a team to deliver corporate communications and content in a challenging environment.
• Collaborating with senior leadership to provide executive communications support.
• Monitoring industry trends and competitor activities to ensure continuous alignment and relevance of communications strategies and plans.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage the ZSP's brand and reputation in the UAE and international markets.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and deliver the Prize's annual communications plans and KPIs for the unit and contribute to performance monitoring and reporting.

✅ Develop and oversee the Prize's communications strategies in alignment with business priorities.

✅ Implement the communications strategy through thought leadership, media relations, content development, message creation, and broader strategic communications.

✅ Develop and execute event-specific communications plans and lead strategic communication initiatives.

✅ Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to ensure continuous alignment and relevance of communications strategies and plans.

✅ Lead and manage PR agencies and their activities across domestic, international, and strategic communications.

✅ Oversee performance measurement and ROI of PR campaigns, working closely with agencies to refine and optimize campaigns to meet performance targets.

✅ Provide executive communications support to senior leadership, including drafting speeches, presentations, and internal messages.

✅ Oversee the development of news releases, fact sheets, and related materials to communicate corporate information, partnerships, community activities, events, etc., and manage distribution via the PR agency and the internal media list.

✅ Create and cultivate positive media relationships that can be leveraged to promote messaging.

✅ Handle incoming media inquiries and provide accurate, timely information to press.

✅ Leverage social media channels to support and amplify the organization's communications strategy.

✅ Oversee media training for spokespeople.

✅ Lead and oversee digital communications plans from social media, website development, influencer engagements, etc., to maximize engagement and brand visibility.

✅ Ensure the Prize's digital platforms are always equipped with the latest tools and technologies while ensuring contents are always up to date.

✅ Oversee social media strategies and plans to increase the number of followers, engagements, and impressions across all platforms.

✅ Responsible for the implementation of digital initiatives running on all social media such as web series, newsletters, campaigns, etc., ensuring they run effectively and have a high number of views and followers.

✅ Direct content strategies, campaigns, and engagements on various social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

✅ Monitor issues that could potentially impact the company/industry from a communications perspective and keep executive management informed.

✅ Regularly review and recommend updates to the company's crisis communications plan to ensure timely responses to global incidents that could impact the company and/or its personnel.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the complexity and challenges of driving/building a project delivery culture and strong project management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.

Experience: At least 10 years of experience in senior roles in corporate communications in large and reputable organizations and a proven track record in the management of teams delivering corporate communications and content in a challenging environment or an equivalent experience.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills leading to a consultative approach within a corporate/multifunctional environment.
• Strong understanding of the complexity and challenges of driving/building a project delivery culture and strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of latest sustainability trends.
• Knowledge of latest marketing trends in the industry, beyond and diverse communications media, channels, as well as latest trends.
• Strong knowledge of budget management and strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent computer literacy, with strong background in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent ability to plan and organize work and prioritize projects.
• Excellent time management skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the UAE gaining strong knowledge and understanding of local rules, regulations, systems, and processes related to sustainability.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the UAE and a strong understanding of local regulations will have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level and industry standards for a Head of Communications role in the UAE, the estimated salary range is AED 400,000 - AED 600,000 per annum (approximately USD 108,000 - USD 162,000).

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Performance-based bonuses
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working hours may be available based on business needs and team agreement.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Renewable Energy

Company Size: Masdar is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: Masdar was launched in 2006 by the Abu Dhabi leadership with a mandate to advance renewable energy through education, R&D, investment, and commercialization.

Company Description:

• Masdar is the UAE's clean energy champion and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges.
• Established in 2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development.
• Masdar is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and under this ownership, the company is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.

Company Specialties:

• Clean technology commercialization & development
• Renewable energy project development
• Investment & asset management
• Carbon capture & storage project development & investment
• Clean technology capital investment & management
• Green Hydrogen

Company Website: https://www.masdar.ae

ASSUMPTION: Masdar's focus on renewable energy and sustainability provides an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in driving communications strategies that support these initiatives.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Zayed Sustainability Prize's leadership team.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Communications ZSP will oversee a team of communications professionals responsible for delivering the Prize's communications strategies and plans.

Work Arrangement: This role is based on-site in Abu Dhabi, with flexible working hours available based on business needs and team agreement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within Masdar's communications department or other departments within the organization.
• Expanding the team and taking on additional responsibilities as the Zayed Sustainability Prize grows in prominence and impact.
• Gaining valuable experience in the renewable energy sector and contributing to Masdar's mission to advance clean energy technologies worldwide.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for candidates looking to develop their careers in communications within the renewable energy sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Masdar's headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with additional offices in other countries where the company operates.

Office Location(s): Airport Road, Khalifa A, Masdar City, Opposite Presidential Flight, Abu Dhabi, AD PO Box 54115, AE

Geographic Context:

• Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates.
• The city is known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Abu Dhabi is also a major center for the global energy industry, making it an ideal location for a role focused on renewable energy communications.

Work Schedule: The working hours for this role are full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours available based on business needs and team agreement.

ASSUMPTION: Abu Dhabi's status as a global energy hub and its commitment to sustainability make it an attractive location for professionals interested in the renewable energy sector.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and team management
• Industry knowledge and understanding of sustainability trends
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Masdar's mission and the Zayed Sustainability Prize's objectives in your application materials.
• Prepare examples of your past communications strategies, campaigns, and achievements to discuss during the interview.
• Research Masdar and the UAE's renewable energy sector to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry.

ATS Keywords: Zayed Sustainability Prize, Communications Strategy, Media Relations, Content Development, Strategic Communications, UAE, Renewable Energy, Sustainability

ASSUMPTION: Masdar's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the organization, with a focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and communication abilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn)
• PR and communications software (Cision, Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
• CMS and website management tools (WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Experience Manager)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard communications tools and platforms is essential for this role, as is a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Results-driven and performance-oriented culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Masdar's commitment to innovation and sustainability in your past experiences and personal values?
• Describe a time when you had to manage a team through a challenging project or crisis. How did you ensure effective communication and collaboration to achieve the desired outcome?
• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy sector and communications industry?

ASSUMPTION: Masdar values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, as well as a proven track record of success in communications roles.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team remotely or across different time zones
• Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Adapting to changes in the organization's structure or priorities
• Navigating the unique cultural and political landscape of the UAE

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other communications roles in the renewable energy sector, this position offers a unique opportunity to focus on the strategic communications aspects of a high-profile sustainability initiative.
• Unlike other roles in the industry, this position requires a strong understanding of the UAE's local rules, regulations, systems, and processes related to sustainability.
• Career progression in this role could lead to opportunities in other departments within Masdar or in senior communications roles within the renewable energy sector.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic communications experience and the opportunity to work on a high-profile sustainability initiative in the UAE's renewable energy sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for the Zayed Sustainability Prize's annual awards ceremony, including media outreach, event-specific communications, and digital campaigns.
• Managing a team to create and distribute press releases, fact sheets, and other materials to promote the Zayed Sustainability Prize's initiatives and achievements in the UAE and international markets.
• Collaborating with senior leadership to create and deliver executive communications, including speeches, presentations, and internal messages, to support the organization's strategic objectives.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and strategic communications challenges that the Head of Communications ZSP may face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current communications team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the next 12-24 months, and how does this role address those challenges?
• How does Masdar support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in communications roles?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
• How does Masdar collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, and what role does this position play in those relationships?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the organization's culture, priorities, and expectations for the Head of Communications ZSP.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your understanding of Masdar's mission and the Zayed Sustainability Prize's objectives.
• Prepare examples of your past communications strategies, campaigns, and achievements to discuss during the interview.
• Research Masdar and the UAE's renewable energy sector to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.