Account Director - Government & Public Affairs

Overview

Who We Are Burson 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.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit  and follow us on Linked In and Instagram. Burson MENA operates as one of the largest and most respected communications agencies in the region, delivering impactful strategies rooted in craft, curiosity, counsel, and camaraderie. Offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, with presence in 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. 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.

• 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.

• 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…