Associate Director | Director International Media Relations (Bilingual- Arabic & English)

Who we are:

Burson part of WPP 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.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the worlds leading brands. We unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions world-class creativity next-generation production transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Opento help our clients navigate change capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information visit

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More about the role:

We are looking for a senior bilingual International Media Relations professional to join Burson as part of a dedicated seconded team embedded within the Corporate Communications function of a high-profile global organisation operating at the intersection of energy policy and international affairs.

This role sits at the heart of complex high-stakes communications across regional and international markets. You will lead strategic media engagement shape narratives that resonate across Arabic and international press and serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders navigating an evolving geopolitical and business landscape. Experience across energy oil gas or adjacent regulated sectors will be highly advantageous.

This is an opportunity for a commercially astute communications leader who thrives in sophisticated environments and understands the nuance of operating within regionally sensitive globally visible mandates.

What youll do:

• Lead international and regional media strategy development and execution across Arabic and global markets

• Serve as a senior counsel to client leadership on proactive and reactive media engagement

• Develop clear compelling messaging frameworks Q&A documents and media responses

• Oversee press office operations including media planning pitching and journalist engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Tier 1 Arabic and international media

• Manage high-profile announcements executive interviews and press conferences

• Provide crisis communications support including rapid response planning and issue mitigation

• Collaborate with Burson and client stakeholders to ensure narrative consistency across markets

Experience that contributes to success:

• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written) with exceptional drafting capability in both languages

• Proven experience in international media relations at Associate Director or Director level within an agency or in-house corporate communications team

• Strong established media network across GCC and wider regional press

• Deep understanding of the Middle East media landscape and its geopolitical sensitivities

• Experience supporting senior executives with media preparation and reputation management

• Background in energy oil gas infrastructure or other complex regulated sectors preferred

• Demonstrated experience managing issues and crisis communications

• Ability to operate confidently within embedded/seconded environments and complex stakeholder structures

If you are a strategic bilingual media leader ready to operate at the forefront of international communications we would love to here from you.

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