The role is working for a large multinational design and engineering consultancy. Working on part of the largest rail network in the GCC/Middle East. Currently we are at bidding stage for the project. If awarded and if CV is approved by client, we will plan to start in March 2026.
The Stakeholder Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing an effective stakeholder engagement and communications strategy for the railway construction project. The role ensures proactive identification, management, and coordination of all internal and external stakeholders, including government authorities, local communities, utilities, landowners, operators, and other affected parties, in order to minimize risks, maintain positive relationships, and support timely and successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Stakeholder Identification & Strategy
- Identify, map, and analyze all project stakeholders, assessing interests, influence, risks, and communication needs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Stakeholder Engagement Plan in line with contract requirements, regulatory obligations, and international best practice.
- Establish clear communication protocols, approval workflows, and reporting mechanisms related to stakeholder matters.
External Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary interface between the project and external stakeholders, including government authorities, municipalities, transport agencies, utility providers, landowners, businesses, and affected communities.
- Coordinate consultations, meetings, workshops, and public briefings related to construction activities and impacts.
- Manage stakeholder expectations related to construction impacts such as access restrictions, traffic diversions, noise, vibration, and land acquisition.
- Support permitting, approvals, and third-party consents by coordinating stakeholder inputs and responses.
Community & Public Relations
- Oversee community engagement activities, including information dissemination, public notices, and community liaison programs.
- Manage grievance mechanisms, ensuring complaints are logged, investigated, responded to, and closed out within agreed timelines.
- Work closely with environmental and social teams to address community concerns and ensure alignment with ESMP and social impact commitments.
Internal Coordination
- Coordinate closely with engineering, construction, planning, environmental, HSE, and legal teams to integrate stakeholder requirements into project design and construction planning.
- Ensure construction schedules and methodologies consider stakeholder constraints and commitments.
- Provide stakeholder-related risk input to project risk registers and mitigation plans.
Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation
- Maintain stakeholder registers, communication logs, meeting records, and action trackers.
- Prepare regular stakeholder engagement reports for the Client, Engineer, and relevant authorities.
- Monitor the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement activities and recommend improvements as required.
Issue & Risk Management
- Anticipate and proactively manage stakeholder-related risks that could impact cost, schedule, safety, or reputation.
- Support resolution of disputes and conflicts with stakeholders in coordination with project leadership and legal advisors.
- Assist in crisis communication and incident response where stakeholder or public interface is required.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, Environmental Engineering, or a related technical / engineering discipline.
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years relevant professional experience in stakeholder management, interface management, or public relations within infrastructure or construction projects.
- Demonstrated experience on large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably railway or infrastructure projects.
- Experience working with government authorities, utilities, and local communities in complex project environments.
Technical & Professional Competencies
- Strong understanding of infrastructure project lifecycles, construction methodologies, and engineering interfaces.
- Ability to interpret technical information and communicate it clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and documentation capabilities.
- Ability to manage sensitive issues diplomatically and professionally.
- Proactive, resilient, and capable of working under pressure in a live construction environment.
Desirable Qualifications
- Certification or training in stakeholder engagement, communications, or social impact management.
- Membership of a recognized engineering or project management professional body.
