Vice President - International and Government Affairs

Job description / Role

Job Purpose

At Emirates, we believe in connecting the world to and through our global hub in Dubai and in constantly innovating to ensure our customers 'Fly Better'. Our International Affairs team's activities are essential to our success as a global airline. By securing market access, building relationships with governments, and advocating for the interests of the industry, Emirates is able to expand its network, grow its business, and provide its customers with more travel options.

About this role:

The Vice President - International and Government Affairs will drive the strategic planning and execution of international relations and government affairs. Oversee the team on key relationships, regulatory issues, and market access, ensuring proactive management of political and government developments. Maintain high-quality engagement with crucial stakeholders in key markets.

In this role you will:

• Manage relationships with a matrix of key International and Government Affairs stakeholders to ensure that objectives and strategies are understood and implemented. Guide the organization in related policy trends and legislation development.
• Strategically manage and cultivate high-impact relationships with key government stakeholders within your geographic area, ensuring consistent and purposeful communication to advance mutual objectives.
• Design and execute strategic communication initiatives for the International and Government Affairs function to enhance stakeholder engagement, support policy objectives, and align with organizational goals.
• Source valuable intelligence and accurate advice involving the monitoring and analysis of the international and government affairs environment with a view to determine the impact of these on Emirates interests around the world.
• Navigate key legislative, public policy, and political issues to secure favorable commercial outcomes for Emirates, focusing on liberalization, market access, regulatory challenges, and broader environmental policies.
• Align with other areas of the Group to ensure related activities of other departments are well coordinated and appropriately focused. Oversee and manage relationships with external consultants and lobbyists, tailoring engagement by region and specific requirements to optimize outcomes.
• Advise the SVP International and senior management on essential international political, economic, environmental, and regulatory issues impacting air transport. Assess their effects on Emirates' commercial activities and ensure the company's interests are represented in government decisions.
• Actively participate in influential industry forums, associations, and advocacy campaigns to shape policy, gather strategic insights, and advance Emirates' interests. Leverage these engagements to build relationships, influence industry trends, and drive initiatives that support the company's long-term objectives and competitive positioning.
• Protect and enhance EK reputation and shareholder value. Engage with governments, civil society, multilaterals, NGOs, and trading associations.
• Build and sustain EK's operations and licenses to operate. Mitigate reputational risks and create a positive climate of opinion for Emirates.
• Provide support to Emirates environmental sustainability program.

Qualifications & Experience

This role might be for you if you have:

• Degree or Honours (12+3 or equivalent) Degree in Economics, Business, International Affairs, Finance, Languages, Science, or equivalents. Master or MBA equivalent is preferred.
• 12+ years experience in either government, public or international affairs or lobbying and campaigning. Practical experience and exposure to aero-politics and environmental policies.

You'll have an edge if you have:

• Negotiation skills - commercial at a business level or bilateral/multilateral at country level.
• Advanced drafting skills required and expertise in producing high-quality submissions, minutes, and publications.
• Proficiency in information sourcing and networking, combined with extensive experience in data mining and manipulation.
• Ability to identify and gather relevant information from diverse sources, build and maintain strategic relationships.
• Strategic thinking and project management experience.
• Management and guidance of team to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and achieving departmental goals.

About the Company

A fast-growing international airline with one of the youngest fleets in the sky and more than 400 awards for excellence worldwide.