SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

We are currently looking for a Public Relations/Communications Expert in Mekkah. A confident and articulate communicator, proactive with excellent problem-solving skills, adaptable and diplomatic, to provide advice, direction, management and support for all matters related to Public Relations and Marketing. Plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the public image of the CLIENT in the context of the project. Responsible for creating and managing communication strategies to ensure a positive reputation and build strong relationships with the public, media and stakeholders.

• Media Relations:

  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets.
  • Develop and distribute press releases, statements, and briefings to promote the project, initiatives, and announcements.
  • Act as a spokesperson for the Project, preparing responses to media inquiries and participating in interviews as required.

• Strategic Communication:

  • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with the Client's goals and objectives.
  • Monitor public opinion and media coverage related to the project's activities, identifying opportunities and challenges.
  • Provide strategic communication advice to senior leadership, ensuring key messages are clear, consistent, and effective.

• Crisis Communication:

  • Manage crisis communication efforts, developing rapid response strategies to address negative publicity, accidents, or emergencies related to the Client's services or infrastructure.
  • Prepare crisis communication plans and act as the lead on crisis situations, ensuring messaging is aligned with organizational priorities.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, industry groups, and the general public.
  • Represent the Project team/Client at external events, forums, and public consultations to promote initiatives and gather feedback.

• Internal Communications:

  • Work closely with internal teams to ensure consistent and effective communication across all levels of the Client.
  • Develop and implement internal communication strategies to engage employees, enhance organizational culture, and ensure alignment with the Client's goals.

• Content Creation and Messaging:

  • Develop high-quality content for press materials, speeches, presentations, newsletters, and social media platforms.
  • Ensure that all written materials adhere to the Client's tone, style, and policy guidelines.

• Event Management:

  • Coordinate and manage public events, press conferences, launches, and other initiatives to promote the Client/Project's work and engage with the community.

• Reporting and Analysis:

  • Monitor and analyze media coverage, public sentiment, and the effectiveness of PR campaigns, providing regular reports to senior management.
  • Track PR KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure the impact of communication activities.

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 14 years of experience in public relations, communications, or media relations, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
  • Proven experience in managing media relationships and executing communication strategies in a government, public sector, or large-scale organizational setting.
  • Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
  • Middle East experience is a must

• Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Strong media relations and networking abilities.
  • Proficiency in social media management tools and digital communication platforms.
  • Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Personal Attributes:

  • A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.
  • Highly adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • A proactive problem solver with a positive, can-do attitude.
  • High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive information.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.