Public Relations Officer

Roles and responsibilities

Our client is seeking a skilled Public Relations Officer (PRO) to join their team in Dubai. In this full-time, on-site role, the PRO will manage visa and immigration processes for expatriate employees, ensuring compliance with UAE labour and immigration laws.

The candidates will be handling work permits, residency visas, and other government documentation through platforms like Tamm and Tasheel. The PRO will liaise with government authorities, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely renewals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle all employee visa applications, work permits, residency procedures, and renewals for expatriate staff.
• Serve as the main point of contact with government departments and authorities for tasks related to visa processing, immigration documentation, labour cards, and Emirates ID processing.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE’s immigration and labour laws. Provide basic legal support related to documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and maintain accurate records for all visas, work permits, and legal documents related to employee mobility.
• Utilize UAE government systems such as Tamm, Tasheel, and others to manage and track visa applications and renewals.
• Provide regular updates and reports to management regarding visa status, government procedures, and compliance issues.
• Handle any administrative tasks related to immigration and legal matters as required.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a PRO in the UAE, with a solid understanding of both public relations and legal requirements.
• Proficiency in both English and Arabic
• Strong knowledge of government systems like Tamm, Tasheel, and basic UAE labour laws
• Relevant degree or certification in Public Relations, Law, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Desired candidate profile

A Public Relations Officer (PRO) requires a mix of communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills. Below is an overview of key skills for this role:

Core Skills

1. Communication Skills

   • Verbal: Crafting and delivering persuasive messages to diverse audiences.
   • Written: Writing press releases, speeches, newsletters, and social media posts.
   • Listening: Understanding client and audience needs to tailor messages effectively.

2. Media Relations

   • Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets.
   • Preparing press releases and handling media inquiries.

3. Content Creation

   • Developing compelling content for various platforms, including blogs, websites, and social media.
   • Storytelling to communicate the organization's vision and values effectively.

4. Event Management

   • Planning and coordinating press conferences, public events, and corporate gatherings.
   • Ensuring seamless execution to create a positive impression.

Strategic Skills

1. Crisis Management

   • Responding to public relations crises swiftly to protect the organization’s reputation.
   • Developing contingency plans for potential reputational risks.

2. Campaign Planning

   • Designing and executing PR campaigns to meet organizational goals.
   • Analyzing campaign performance and making improvements.

3. Brand Management

   • Ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with brand identity.
   • Building a positive image through strategic communication.

Digital and Technical Skills

1. Social Media Management

   • Creating and curating content across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
   • Monitoring online reputation and engaging with the audience.

2. Analytics and Reporting

   • Measuring the success of PR efforts using tools like Google Analytics or social media metrics.
   • Presenting data-driven insights to stakeholders.

3. Graphic Design (Basic)

   • Using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to create visual content.

Soft Skills

1. Interpersonal Skills

   • Building trust and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the public.

2. Problem-Solving

   • Addressing unexpected challenges with poise and creativity.

3. Adaptability

   • Adjusting strategies based on audience feedback and industry trends.

4. Leadership and Teamwork

   • Leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with other departments.

5. Cultural Sensitivity

   • Understanding and respecting diverse cultural norms when communicating globally.