Officer - Stakeholder Engagement (UAE Nationals Only)

Officer – Stakeholder Engagement (UAE Nationals Only)

Location: Umm Al Quwain; Hybrid Model; other UAE locations may be required for projects. Full time contract. Closing date: July 10, 2026. Commencement: Q3 2026.

Job Summary

The Officer – Stakeholder Engagement will serve as the primary liaison between Emirates Nature–WWF and key stakeholders involved in the IHYAA' programme. The position supports the development of strong relationships with fishing communities, fishermen cooperatives, government authorities, local partners, schools, and community groups to facilitate the successful implementation of activities related to fisheries restoration, ghost gear prevention, marine conservation, and community engagement. The role places particular emphasis on stakeholder management, government liaison, and fisheries sector engagement, supporting successful delivery of programme activities and ensuring effective coordination between Emirates Nature‑WWF, local communities, and relevant authorities.

Background

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental non‑governmental charity, established in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors.

We operate with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and are governed by a local board of directors.

Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. Emirates Nature‑WWF has been active in the UAE for two decades and is renowned for its commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, sustainable development, and community engagement. Some of our flagship projects include marine conservation initiatives to protect coral reefs and marine species, wildlife conservation programs focusing on endangered species such as Arabian oryx and sea turtles, habitat restoration projects in critical ecosystems, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts and promoting eco‑friendly practices across various sectors.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities to our stakeholders within the UAE.

Major Duties and Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with fishermen, community leaders, cooperatives, and local authorities.
• Act as the day‑to‑day focal point for stakeholder engagement activities in Umm Al Quwain and other emirates as required.
• Support coordination with federal and local government entities, including environmental and fisheries authorities.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, consultations, and community events.

Fisheries & Community Engagement

• Engage directly with fishing communities to collect local ecological knowledge and support project implementation.
• Support awareness campaigns related to ghost gear, sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and circular economy initiatives.
• Identify community champions and support their participation in programme activities.
• Promote stakeholder participation in conservation and restoration activities.

Programme Coordination

• Support planning and delivery of field activities, stakeholder meetings, training sessions, and public events.
• Coordinate logistics and communications with partners and local stakeholders.
• Maintain records of engagement activities and stakeholder feedback.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the project team.

Communications & Outreach

• Assist in developing Arabic‑language materials and stakeholder communications.
• Support social media and communication activities when community engagement elements are involved.
• Represent Emirates Nature–WWF at community events and stakeholder meetings when required.

Requirements

Experience: UAE National (required).

• 2–5 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, government relations, or project coordination.
• Experience working with local communities, government entities, NGOs, or environmental programmes is an advantage.
• Experience working with fishing communities, environmental programmes, or community‑based initiatives is desirable.
• Familiarity with UAE government structures and stakeholder engagement processes is advantageous.
• Experience facilitating workshops, consultations, or public events is desirable.

Education/Skills

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Skills:

• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of Emirati culture and local community dynamics.
• Ability to build trust and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel regularly and spend time in the field.
• Passion for environmental conservation and community development.

Competencies

Emirates Nature–WWF Focus

Acts as a committed member of Emirates Nature–WWF, prioritising organisational conservation outcomes above individual objectives and ensuring alignment across programme activities.

External Orientation

Maintains awareness of environmental trends, technological developments, and stakeholder expectations to ensure programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

Plans effectively and delivers high‑quality technical outputs aligned with programme objectives, KPIs, and timelines.

Building Working Relationships

Develops strong collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.

Communicating Effectively

Communicates complex technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.

Leading Change

Supports innovation and adaptive programme management through the integration of scientific evidence and operational learning.

Managing Resources

Ensures responsible and efficient use of financial, technical, and operational resources.

Impact Driven

• Results oriented and focused
• We passionately seek impactful solutions to overcome the planet’s greatest challenges
• Uses a science‑based approach and applies facts, logic and professional knowledge to create impact, displaying a strong understanding of the issues
• Demonstrates focus, determination, efficiency and accountability
• Consistently delivers high‑quality work

Integrity

• Acts and communicates openly, constructively and ethically, and is sensitive to other people and cultures
• Treats others fairly and respects others points of view, creating an environment of trust
• Is consistent, honest and transparent in what one does and says
• Demonstrates self‑awareness, manages own emotional response, and is aware of the impact of own behaviour on others
• Demonstrates professionalism and upholds a high regard for the reputation of the organization
• We live the principles and standards we call on others to meet, and hold each other accountable

Together We’re Stronger

• Shows empathy, listens, asks questions and shows consideration and understanding for others
• Is approachable, empowers others, provides trust and mutual respect
• We remain optimistic, light‑hearted and participate in celebrating success together
• Recognizes the value that each individual brings to the collective impact of the organization
• Embraces diversity and inclusion
• Speaking with one voice, unified by one mission, shared values and common priorities
• Seeks to build powerful and aligned networks with government, organizations and communities

Courage

• Demonstrates perseverance and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization
• Acts with confidence and from a position of strength
• Takes measured risks and encourages action
• Inspires hope and optimism

Adaptable

• Stays informed of external developments and trends and adapts accordingly
• Pursues avenues for continuous learning and development
• Stays open‑minded, seeks innovative and creative solutions
• Flexible and open to change and others view‑points, remains calm and confident during change
• Embraces feedback

Working Relationships

Internal: Works closely with the Marine Restoration Programme Team, Outreach & Citizen Science Unit, Communications, Operations, Finance, and other Conservation Unit colleagues.

External: Liaises with fishermen, fishermen cooperatives, community representatives, municipalities, ports, environmental authorities, government entities, schools, NGOs, consultants, and programme partners.

Additional Information

Emirates Nature‑WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment.

Emirates Nature‑WWF staff participate wholeheartedly in general activities and events that require the full support and participation of all staff members, regardless of the focus of any particular event or activity.

How to Apply

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN‑WWF and your CV with the subject “Application: Project Officer – Stakeholder Engagement” to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun at View email address on click.appcast.io before 10th July 2026.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.