Government Liaison Officer

The client is an international construction and manufacturing firm with offices across the Middle East.

Your new role

They're looking for an experienced, well-organised, approachable and detail-orientated individual to assume the role of government liaison officer who will be part of the centralised legal department, that sits in the Dubai office.

In this role, you will serve as the key point of contact between an organisation and government entities and will be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders. Your primary focus will be to build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, regulators, and policymakers across the Kingdom to build strong, collaborative relationships grounded in trust.

The ideal candidate will hold strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of regulatory and policy environments, and the ability to communicate effectively across both government and organizational contexts.

The role will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and you should have prior experience working in either the Middle East or Africa.

Responsibilities

1. Establishing and nurturing relationships with various government agencies, regulators, and policymakers to cultivate mutual trust and collaboration.
2. Ensuring the company stays informed about relevant laws and regulations across Saudi Arabia, particularly within construction and manufacturing. The officer would guide departments on regulatory compliance, helping to navigate complex bureaucratic processes.
3. Representing the company's interests in discussions with government officials, advocating for policy positions, and helping to influence favorable outcomes for the company's objectives.
4. Keeping track of new legislation, policy changes, and regulatory updates that could impact the organization, and proactively advising on potential implications.
5. Assisting in obtaining permits, licenses, or approvals required from government agencies, ensuring timely and efficient processing of applications.
6. Acting as a mediator during crises or issues involving government, managing communications, and coordinating efforts to resolve conflicts.
7. Regularly updating senior stakeholders and management on governmental activities, policy trends, and any relevant changes that could affect the company's strategy or operations.
8. Assisting internal teams by providing input on how government policies may affect strategic initiatives and supporting policy development to align with government standards.

What you'll need to succeed

1. Bachelor's degree in law.
2. Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic are essential.
3. Experience working as a government liaison officer or in a similar role with knowledge of regulatory and policy environments is required.
4. Alternatively, prior experience working within government or regulatory bodies would be advantageous.
5. Familiarity with Saudi's legal, cultural, and regulatory environment is essential.
6. Exceptional communication skills.
7. Willingness to travel within the region for meetings with government agencies as necessary.
8. Strong negotiation, influencing, and interpersonal skills.