Liaison Officer - Saudi National (Based in Dammam, KSA)

Job Purpose

The Liaison Officer is the primary point of contact and representative for Air Arabia's new hub in Dammam, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with all external stakeholders. This role is crucial for building and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and ground handling partners to ensure seamless, compliant, and efficient airline operations.

Key Result Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the official point of contact for external partners, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Dammam Airport Authority (King Fahd International Airport), Saudi Customs, Immigration, and security agencies.
• Build, maintain, and nurture positive and productive relationships with all key stakeholders to support the new hub's operational goals.
• Coordinate and attend regular meetings, briefings, and forums with government and airport officials to discuss operational matters, resolve issues, and align strategic objectives.

Operational Coordination & Problem Solving:

• Proactively identify and address potential operational challenges or conflicts that may arise between the airline and external parties.
• Serve as a mediator to resolve issues related to flight operations, ground handling, passenger services, and cargo and customs clearance.
• Provide real-time support during irregular operations, emergencies, or high-pressure situations, ensuring timely and effective communication with all relevant authorities.
• Track and follow up on pending issues, permits, and approvals to ensure they are processed efficiently.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:

• Stay informed and up-to-date on all local, national (GACA), and international aviation regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure the airline's operations at the Dammam hub are in full compliance with all relevant laws and standards.
• Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and applications to regulatory and airport authorities in a timely manner.
• Act as an in-house expert on local regulations and procedural requirements for other internal departments.

Communication & Information Flow:

• Facilitate a smooth flow of information between internal departments (e.g., Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Commercial) and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex operational needs into clear and concise requests for external partners.
• Compile and distribute reports, briefing notes, and summaries of meetings and key communications for senior management.

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant business software.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a liaison, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within the aviation or transportation industry.
• Proven experience working with government and regulatory bodies in Saudi Arabia is a significant advantage.
• Experience working at a major international airport is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of airport operations, ground handling procedures, and aviation regulatory frameworks in Saudi Arabia.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Arabic. This is a critical requirement for communicating with local authorities.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• High level of integrity, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as collaborate effectively with a diverse team.