Government Affairs Lead - Middle East
Leads Cohere’s government affairs and public policy strategy across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Gulf region. The role builds senior government relationships, advises on AI and technology regulation, supports public-sector growth, and requires 7+ years of relevant experience plus regional policy expertise.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Report to the Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy and partner with senior leadership, legal, public policy, responsible AI, communications, and commercial teams.
- Develop and execute government affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Serve as the primary government affairs representative across the region, building relationships with ministries, regulators, government authorities, public-sector organizations, sovereign entities, and innovation agencies.
- Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments affecting AI, cloud computing, data governance, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
- Develop consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing materials, executive talking points, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Support business development opportunities across government, financial services, telecommunications, energy, and other regulated industries.
- Collaborate with communications, marketing, and public relations teams on messaging regarding responsible AI, innovation, and technology policy.
- Represent Cohere in industry associations, public-private partnerships, conferences, and policy forums across the Middle East.
- Manage relationships with external government affairs consultants, advisors, and trade associations.
- Ensure government engagement, lobbying, and political activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Contribute to broader GCC government affairs initiatives and cross-functional international projects.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in government, a ministerial office, public policy, diplomacy, public-sector consulting, regulatory affairs, corporate government affairs, or a leading industry association.
- Strong understanding of the policymaking, regulatory, and public-sector landscape in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
- Experience building trusted relationships with senior government officials and public-sector stakeholders.
- Familiarity with AI policy, digital transformation, innovation policy, cloud technologies, public procurement, or technology regulation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong analytical, stakeholder management, and project execution skills.
- Ability to work effectively across international, cross-functional teams and time zones.
- Entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset and passion for AI and emerging technologies.
- Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, business, economics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional proficiency in Arabic.
- Existing government stakeholder relationships in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Experience engaging with GCC institutions or regional organizations.
- Experience in enterprise software, cloud computing, AI, or another emerging technology sector.
- Experience supporting government procurement, digital transformation, or national AI initiatives.
Benefits
- Weekly lunch stipend of $75/£75 or equivalent in local currency.
- Full health and dental benefits, including a separate mental health budget.
- RRSP matching, 401K, or pension scheme.
- Up to six months of 100% parental leave top-up for either parent.
- Annual enrichment benefits for arts and culture, fitness and wellness, quality time, and workspace improvements.
- Education and learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching.
- Six weeks of paid vacation.
- Travel budget for remote employees and an annual company offsite.
- Coworking benefit and a $500 home office stipend.
Skills
Government Affairs, Public Policy, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Data Governance, Cybersecurity, Public Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Regulatory Affairs, Policy Advocacy, Digital Transformation, Emerging Technologies
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