You as Head of Communications Middle East & Africa (Open) will be part of be part of Hitachi Energy business based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We are seeking an experienced, strategically minded Communications professional with pronounced business acumen to join our team as the Region Communications Head for Middle East and Africa (MEA). In this critical role, you will be responsible for safeguarding Hitachi Energy’s reputation across the region and positioning our brand in alignment with our global strategy. You will manage relationships with all internal and external stakeholder groups, establish and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the region, and coordinate the overarching global planning processes. Leading a highly motivated team of communications professionals, you will also interact with colleagues across our strong international Communications community. Your responsibilities Managing all communication activities across the Gulf and Maghreb cluster (UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and Egypt) including Saudi Arabia and Africa, ensuring alignment with global strategies and objectives. Leading and mentoring a team of communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Developing and coordinating integrated internal and external communication strategies, budgets, and processes in close collaboration with the global communication team and regional HUBs, supporting overall business and market strategies. Ensuring consistent and effective brand positioning across all communication channels and activities. Creating, curating, and managing content for internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with company messaging, business priorities and regional needs. Building and maintaining relationships with key media in the region to support communications around key events. Develop and disseminate press releases, press kits, and other materials. Conduct media training for market and business-relevant spokespeople. Overseeing the region’s social media presence and digital communication strategies. Planning and executing communication strategies for key events such as industry conferences, tradeshows, and employee meetings. Provide management guidance. Developing and implementing crisis communication strategies in alignment with the global team to protect and manage the company’s reputation during adverse events. Developing and executing internal communication strategies to ensure employees are informed and engaged with company initiatives and updates. Managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Overseeing the work of external agencies, ensuring their output aligns with the company’s communication goals and standards. Regularly measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies and activities, using KPIs to drive continuous improvement. Ensuring all communication activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. Living Hitachi Energy’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business. Your background Post graduate degree in Mass communication is preferred. 15+ years of relevant experience in media and content event management. Cross-functional communication skills (branding, media, editorial, web, internal, crisis communications, etc.) Excellent planning and organizational skills to manage competing projects and priorities. Strong knowledge of communication practices and techniques. Understanding of digital communications channels and the power of social media Strong business acumen Excellent networking ability and multi-cultural credentials International work experience and preferably experience of the Middle East and Africa region and the energy sector is of great advantage Direct work experience with senior management in an international environment Proactive engagement with local and regional business stakeholders and partners Fluency in English - both spoken and written to native level. Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage