Chief Representative - Canada Office

Role overview

The Chief Representative will act as Dubai Chambers’ senior in-country lead in Canada, steering strategic engagement, cultivating strong ties with public and private stakeholders, and supporting the delivery of Dubai’s global economic agenda. This position functions as the organization’s diplomatic and strategic presence in the market, with responsibility for office leadership, market insight, business promotion, and alignment with transformation and growth goals.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the implementation of Dubai Chambers’ international strategy in the host country, ensuring it supports Dubai’s economic priorities and competitiveness objectives.
• Serve as the official face of Dubai Chambers locally, enhancing visibility, credibility, and influence in the market.
• Develop and sustain senior-level relationships with government bodies, business groups, strategic partners, and decision-makers to advance Dubai’s economic diplomacy.
• Promote Dubai’s position as a leading international business destination by highlighting opportunities, initiatives, and sector developments.
• Monitor market trends, risks, and opportunities, then prepare strategic insights and reports for Dubai Chambers and relevant UAE stakeholders.
• Assist Dubai-based companies looking to enter the host market, and guide local businesses interested in expanding into Dubai.
• Attract high-potential companies from the host country to establish or grow their operations in Dubai.
• Support Dubai businesses seeking international expansion through introductions, market-entry guidance, and facilitation support.
• Encourage foreign investors to secure new business licences in Dubai and help Dubai-based companies expand internationally.
• Coordinate with relevant Dubai Chambers teams to align with sector priorities, investment promotion efforts, and global expansion plans.
• Manage the international office’s day-to-day operations, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and adherence to internal policies.
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and administrative processes to keep office operations efficient and effective.
• Plan and execute promotional events, networking initiatives, trade missions, and business facilitation programmes.
• Represent Dubai Chambers at public events and speaking engagements with clear, high-quality presentations that strengthen Dubai’s global positioning.
• Ensure compliance with information security, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously improve systems, procedures, and service delivery in line with international best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international business, business administration, economics, public policy, or a related discipline.
• 8–10 years of experience in international relations, government affairs, economic development, or corporate diplomacy, ideally in the host market.
• At least 4 years of experience in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Strong bilingual communication ability in English and the local language.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Strong business etiquette and professional presence.
• Solid understanding of the political, economic, and commercial environment in the host country.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and adapt to varied environments.

Competencies

• International relations and government affairs
• Strategic communication and public diplomacy
• Market analysis and business advisory
• Events and trade promotion leadership
• Cross-cultural and protocol expertise
• Accountability and high-quality execution
• Transparent and credible stakeholder engagement
• Forward-thinking, insight-led decision-making
• Collaborative, respectful relationship building

Additional information

Applicants must be based in Ontario, Canada. The role requires leadership of the international office, oversight of operational performance, and active representation of Dubai Chambers across government, business, and public-facing settings.