Head of Permits

Organization: Dubai GovernmentEducational-level Beginning of the main content section.Return to the home pagePrintable Format Job Description - Head of Permits (26001880)Job Description Head of Permits - (26001880) About Dubai Media Council:The Dubai Media Council is the government authority responsible for regulating and developing Dubai’s media sector, strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading regional and global media hub through progressive policies, innovation, and talent development.Job Description JOB PURPOSEThe Section Head Permits is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end permits function for media-related activities in Dubai, ensuring efficient, compliant, and timely processing of permits for filming, TV/film production, events, and related activities. Importantly, the Section Heads Permits is responsible for streamlining processes, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and enhancing the overall experience for media companies through a responsive and enabling permits ecosystem. The role holder is expected to demonstrate leadership skills, financial and budget management acumen and carry out his/her duties in accordance with the relevant business policies and procedures. No.Key Focus Area Key Accountabilities1. General Responsibilities · Develop the strategy for Permits to support the overall Media Permits and Licensing and DMC vision, direction and strategic objectives· Ensure the successful implementation of the strategic vision for Permits to achieve the strategic objectives set out for the Media Permits and Licensing department in line with the department and DMC’s vision and objectives· Lead the teams within Permits to deliver the objectives set out within the section· Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with CEO, Executive Directors and Directors across DMC, working together when needed to support and deliver the DMC strategy· Develop and manage the Permits budget, working with Finance to secure funds and ensuring proper tracking of the allocated budgets across the team· Ensure monthly KPI reports are generated, shared with the Strategy & Governance Excellence department on time and supported by documentation to aid in capturing and calculating the KPI metrics· Develop talent within the Permits team, focusing on soft skills as well as technical skills development· Ensure compliance with audit findings and reports, implementing necessary changes, policies and risk mitigation strategies to strengthen compliance with local government and global requirements.· Implement digitization strategies where possible, ensuring digital solutions for key processes are applied and utilized to drive higher efficiencies and effectiveness.2. Permits Processing and Service Delivery· Oversee the end-to-end processing of permits for media activities, including filming, film/TV production, events, and related operations.· Ensure all permit applications are reviewed, processed, and approved within defined service-level timelines.· Establish clear workflows, guidelines, and service standards for permit issuance.· Monitor application volumes and allocate resources to ensure efficient handling of peak demand periods.· Act as the escalation point for complex, urgent, or high-priority permit requests.3. Process Optimization and Digital Enablement· Lead continuous improvement of permitting processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and user experience.· Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to reduce turnaround times and administrative friction.· Collaborate with digital and IT teams to enhance permitting platforms, automation, and online services.· Support the implementation of unified portals and digital tools for permit applications and tracking.· Drive the adoption of innovative solutions (e.g. automation, AI-assisted workflows) to improve operational performance.4. Cross-Entity Coordination and Approvals· Coordinate with relevant government entities (e.g. municipalities, law enforcement, free zones) to facilitate permit approvals.· Ensure alignment and consistency in requirements across different regulatory stakeholders.· Establish clear communication channels and escalation mechanisms with partner entities.· Support the harmonization of permitting requirements to reduce duplication and complexity.· Facilitate fast-track approvals for priority and high-impact media projects.5. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence· Ensure all permits issued comply with applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines.· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements impacting media permits.· Support audits and ensure compliance with internal governance and external regulatory standards.· Identify risks related to permitting processes and implement mitigation measures.·