Government Affairs Director

Microsoft has an immediate opportunity for a highly skilled, experienced government affairs professional to join the Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) team in the United Arab Emirates as a Government Affairs manager. The successful candidate will report to the Middle East CELA Lead.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Strategy/Policy Program Management - You advocate for, and manage, policy issues (e.g. social, political, legal, technical), and lead the company’s engagement and campaign with senior internal stakeholders related to government affairs on priority issues, strategies and/or programs; you are a subject matter expert and assess regulatory and/or legislative impact on Microsoft's goals and objectives; you develop and gather an intelligence network of data and relationship interactions.
• Policy Program Development - You shape and contribute to Microsoft's policy agenda in the UAE to address complex governmental issues/affairs and business priorities, and develop and/or recommend highly impactful solutions for advancing the agenda while managing risks and consequences; you develop and facilitate program outreach and execution to advance Microsoft’s policy and/or political agenda.
• Issue Resolution - You advise on and respond to key strategic issues, recommending prioritized actions, ensuring alignment with stakeholder positions, and escalating matters, as appropriate.
• External Communication - You direct and align complex or conflicting policy with Microsoft's goals and strategies; you enhance company reputation by driving a communication framework and messaging for Government Affairs; you participate in and assist in developing internal/external events to drive Government Affairs' objectives and social media engagement.
• External Relationships - You develop and build a network of relations and influence partnerships with coalitions, the Public Sector, relevant interests groups and industry thought leaders to achieve desired regulatory and/or legislative outcomes; you lead the implementation of improvements to initiatives based on community and stakeholder feedback; you establish Microsoft's reputation as a globally trusted provider of technology and you assist in navigating and minimizing roadblocks.
• Internal Collaboration - You advocate for and manage policy issues and lead Microsoft's engagement with internal stakeholders related to government affairs; you support senior stakeholders by regularly counselling on public policy, geo-political topics and/or cultural context; you provide direction to teammates and you act as a project lead across countries and teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field AND 4+ years experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government.
• OR 6+ years experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government.
• Significant policy development or government affairs experience in the legal department of an international company, business, trade association, consultancy, government or multilateral organization (or similar experience in an international law firm).

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities.
• Familiarity with policy and regulatory challenges facing the technology industry in the UAE.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills in English and Arabic.