Stakeholder Coordination Engineer

The Stakeholder Coordination Engineer serves as Nova’s primary interface with government authorities, regulatory bodies, utility providers and external stakeholders across Abu Dhabi. The role is accountable for securing project permits, approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in a timely manner, safeguarding regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle, and removing authority-related obstacles that may impact the construction projects and delivery. Acting as a trusted liaison between Nova’s project delivery teams and external entities, the post-holder ensures that statutory, municipal and utility requirements are anticipated, planned for and satisfied — thereby protecting the Company against delays, financial penalties and reputational risk.

Key responsibilities include:

Authority & Stakeholder Liaison

• Act as the single point of contact between Nova and Abu Dhabi government authorities, municipalities, utility providers and regulatory bodies.

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with key authority representatives to facilitate efficient processing of submissions.

• Represent the Company in meetings, inspections and negotiations with external stakeholders.

Permits, Approvals & NOCs

• Manage the end-to-end application, tracking and issuance of permits, licenses, approvals and NOCs required for project commencement and execution.

• Prepare, compile and submit technical and administrative documentation in line with each authority’s requirements and online submission portals.

• Proactively monitor approval timelines and escalate bottlenecks to safeguard the project programme.

Design Coordination & Compliance

• Coordinate with design consultants and internal engineering teams to incorporate stakeholder feedback into design development

• Identify potential authority-related design risks and advise on mitigation strategies during concept and detailed design stages

• Support the Design Manager in aligning design deliverables with regulatory and approval requirements

• Facilitate resolution of design comments raised by authorities to avoid delays in approvals

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all project activities comply with applicable Abu Dhabi codes, municipal regulations, Estidama / Pearl Rating requirements and health, safety and environmental statutes.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in regulations, fee structures and submission procedures, advising project teams accordingly.

• Coordinate authority inspections and ensure timely close-out of any non-conformities or conditions of approval.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, auditable records of all submissions, approvals, correspondence and authority interactions.

• Prepare periodic status reports, approval trackers and risk registers for project and senior management.

• Provide accurate forecasts of approval lead times to support project planning and scheduling.

Project Delivery Support

• Work closely with project managers, engineering, planning and HSE teams to integrate authority requirements into project programmes.

• Advise tendering and pre-construction teams on authority-related obligations, costs and timelines.

• Support resolution of site-related authority issues during construction to maintain continuity of works.

• Coordinate submissions prepared by consultants, specialist designers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with authority requirements and project schedules.

Interface Management

•  Manage all authority interfaces throughout the project lifecycle and ensure authority requirements are incorporated into design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and handover activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from a recognized institution.

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience , with a substantial track record in authority liaison, government relations and permit / approvals management within the UAE construction or contracting sector.

• In-depth knowledge of Abu Dhabi building codes, municipal regulations and NOC / permit procedures.

• Demonstrable experience obtaining approvals and coordinating with DMT, ADCD, TAQA Distribution, EAD, Abu Dhabi Mobility, ADSSC, telecommunications providers and other relevant authorities within Abu Dhabi is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with Estidama and relevant utility-authority requirements and online submission systems.

• Strong understanding of design approval processes from concept stage through authority approval, construction, testing, commissioning and handover.

• Proven experience working for a main contractor on Design & Build projects in Abu Dhabi (Preferable)

• Demonstrable, hands-on experience in Abu Dhabi, with direct dealings with Abu Dhabi authorities and regulatory bodies, is mandatory.

• Valid UAE driving license; membership of the Society of Engineers – UAE and familiarity with authority e-submission portals are advantageous.

Nova International General Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and business requirements, without unlawful discrimination, and in accordance with applicable UAE labor and employment laws. All hiring and employment is subject to compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, including those relating to work permits and residency visas, where applicable.