Sustainable Communications Associate Director – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
ERM is seeking a Sustainable Communications Associate Director to expand and elevate our sustainability communications offering across the Middle East. This senior role blends business development, strategic advisory, and hands‑on delivery, supporting clients as they navigate fast‑evolving expectations around sustainability, value creation, and stakeholder engagement.
Role Purpose
The position strengthens ERM’s growing Strategic Communications (StratComms) practice in the region. You will work closely with the Partner Lead for StratComms, EMEA, to shape, scale, and deliver a market‑leading sustainability communications capability for clients across sectors.
Responsibilities
Lead the growth of ERM’s sustainability communications offering in the Middle East, working in partnership with the EMEA StratComms leadership team.
Develop compelling proposals and lead winning pitches to prospective clients.
Identify opportunities to sell and embed sustainability communications within existing ERM Middle East client relationships, collaborating closely with internal client leads.
Originate new business opportunities, leveraging your own network and market insight to drive practice growth.
Provide senior-level advisory to clients on sustainability communication strategies, value creation narratives, and multichannel engagement.
Oversee and quality‑assure delivery of client briefs, with a particular focus on sustainability report development and onward communication.
Contribute directly to delivery where needed, including copy‑editing sustainability reports, shaping corporate narratives, and producing high‑quality written content.
Contribute to building our reputation for sustainability comms in the region through identifying and participating in thought leadership and external events.
What you Bring
Proven track record in a communications consultancy environment within the Middle East.
Strong knowledge of regional and global sustainability reporting requirements, including ADX guidance and international frameworks.
Some technical knowledge of ESG topics and solid experience of translating this for corporate and brand communication.
Ability to travel across the UAE and attend in‑person client meetings.
Expertise in multichannel communications, spanning corporate promotion, reputation management, and risk mitigation.
Experience communicating with diverse audiences: investors, regulators, policymakers, customers, and employees.
Familiarity with the Middle East business and financial ecosystem, including work with Sovereign Wealth Funds and government stakeholders.
Understanding of how Middle Eastern businesses position themselves to regional and global stakeholders.
Experience advising businesses on communication and reputation management.
Ideal Profile
Experience in key sectors such as energy, oil & gas, real estate, and financial services.
Hands‑on experience delivering corporate sustainability reports.
Emirati nationals or long‑term UAE residents are strongly encouraged to apply.
Goal of Role
Driving commercial growth for ERM’s sustainability communications agency.
Building a visible, credible sustainability communications presence for ERM in the Middle East.
Strengthening existing client relationships, developing new ones and expanding the firm’s footprint across priority sectors.
Delivering high‑quality, insight‑driven sustainability communications that support clients’ strategic objectives and enhance stakeholder trust.
Contributing to a collaborative, entrepreneurial team culture during a period of rapid growth.
#LI-SG2
#LI-Hybrid
⠀
ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.
We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report..