Account Director - Government And Public Affairs

Who We Are

Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Burson MENA

Burson’s MENA operations stand as one of the largest and most respected communications agencies in the region, delivering impactful strategies rooted in craft, curiosity, counsel, and camaraderie. Burson MENA is a trusted partner for clients navigating complex communications and public affairs landscapes, shaping reputations, and driving business outcomes across diverse sectors.

Offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia and also part of the region is Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and Egypt our team combines strategic expertise with AI-driven insights to craft compelling narratives that influence key decision-makers. Backed by a strong international and global network, we provide innovative, data-driven solutions that connect with audiences and create lasting impact. At Burson, our inclusive and high-performance culture fuels innovation, empowering individuals to excel and collaborate in a dynamic environment where growth thrives.

More About The Role

This pivotal role sits within our Government, Public Affairs & Sustainability communications team, supporting public sector institutions, policymakers, regulators, and government-adjacent organisations across the region. The role focuses on shaping narratives around public policy, sustainability, ESG, and responsible innovation, helping clients communicate complex priorities that directly impact citizens, industry, and the broader economy.

As an Account Director, you will play a central role in managing high-profile, often sensitive communications programmes at the intersection of government, sustainability, regulation, and emerging technologies. You will join a team recognised for its strong public-sector and institutional communications legacy, bringing strategic counsel, sound judgement, and deep stakeholder insight to complex challenges.

What Youll Do

• Be part of the development and execution of integrated government, public affairs, and sustainability communications strategies for ministries, regulators, state-owned entities, and public-sector partners.
• Advise clients on policy positioning, sustainability narratives, ESG priorities, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national visions, climate commitments, and regulatory frameworks.
• Support communications around sustainability policy, climate action, energy transition, digital transformation, and social impact initiatives.
• Drive proactive and reactive media relations across mainstream, policy, sustainability, and trade media, managing sensitive issues and high-profile announcements.
• Develop and implement crisis, issues, and reputation management strategies, particularly for sustainability- and policy-related risks.
• Build and maintain trusted advisory relationships with senior clients, acting as a strategic partner on long-term reputation and public trust.
• Oversee day-to-day account management, ensuring high-quality execution, strong governance, and excellent client service.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, strengthening public affairs and sustainability expertise across the team.
  
  

Experience That Contributes To Success

• Track record in public relations, public affairs, sustainability or ESG communications, ideally within an agency or advisory environment.
• Proven experience working with government entities, regulators, policy bodies, or public-sector organisations.
• Strong understanding of public policy, sustainability frameworks, ESG principles, and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in media relations, issues management, content strategy, and stakeholder communications.
• Experience advising on or communicating sustainability initiatives, climate policy, energy transition, or social impact programmes
• Proficiency in English, with Arabic highly desirable.
• Interest in how emerging technologies and data support sustainability, transparency, and public-sector transformation.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, judgement, and relationship management skills.
  
  

You Belong At Burson

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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