Government Relations Manager

Roles and responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensuring the organization complies with all Saudi laws, regulations, and policies.
• Keeping the company updated on changes in government regulations that may impact operations, HR, or business practices.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of company policies that adhere to Saudi labor laws, company laws, and other regulatory requirements.

2. Government Liaison:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key government bodies and officials, such as the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Commerce, GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance), and SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority).
• Acting as the primary point of contact between the company and governmental institutions to ensure smooth communication and cooperation.
• Attending meetings and participating in discussions with government officials to represent the company’s interests.

3. Permits, Licenses, and Approvals:

• Handling and managing the application, renewal, and cancellation of necessary licenses, permits, and visas for the organization and its employees.
• Ensuring timely processing of company registrations, visas, work permits, residence permits (Iqama), and other government-mandated documentation.
• Coordinating with government offices for approvals related to new business ventures, expansions, or other activities requiring government sanction.

4. Managing Employee Government Services:

• Facilitating processes related to employees, such as Iqama renewals, work permits, medical insurance, and visa issuance for expatriates.
• Managing GOSI registrations, end-of-service settlements, and other labor-related services in compliance with Saudi labor laws.
• Ensuring smooth interaction between employees and government bodies regarding issues such as fines, disputes, and other government-related concerns.

5. Handling Government Correspondence:

• Preparing and submitting official documents to government authorities as required.
• Managing official correspondence with government departments to ensure accurate and timely responses to queries or requests.
• Following up on submitted applications and ensuring a smooth and efficient approval process.

6. Government Policy Monitoring:

• Monitoring and analyzing changes in Saudi government policies, especially in areas related to business operations, employment, and taxation.
• Advising senior management on the potential impact of policy changes on the company’s operations and helping to develop strategies to address these changes.

7. Internal Advisory:

• Advising the management and other departments (e.g., legal, HR, finance) on government policies and regulations affecting the company’s operations.
• Providing guidance on matters such as employment regulations, Saudization requirements, and legal compliance.
• Offering support during audits, investigations, or other interactions with government bodies.

8. Crisis Management:

• Handling government-related issues or disputes in a timely and effective manner, ensuring minimal impact on the company’s operations.
• Managing crises such as regulatory non-compliance, fines, or penalties by liaising with the relevant government authorities and developing strategies to resolve such issues.

9. Saudization and Nitaqat Program:

• Ensuring the company’s compliance with the Nitaqat program by maintaining the required percentage of Saudi employees in accordance with government regulations.
• Coordinating with HR to implement Saudization strategies and working closely with governmental bodies to fulfill national employment quotas.

10. Event and Government Representation:

• Representing the company at government-related events, trade shows, conferences, and meetings.
• Arranging visits for government officials to the company when necessary, ensuring proper protocol and hospitality are observed.

11. Legal Support:

• Collaborating with the company’s legal department on government-related legal matters, ensuring proper documentation and legal standing.
• Assisting with contracts, agreements, and other legal documents that involve government approval or regulation.

Desired candidate profile

1. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
• Advanced studies or certifications in Government Relations, Legal Compliance, or Business Law are an advantage.

2. Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory compliance, ideally within a corporate or government environment in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven experience in dealing with governmental entities, including ministries like the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Commerce, and government agencies such as GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) and SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority).
• Experience in managing legal documentation, permits, licensing, and interacting with government bodies for business approvals and compliance matters.

3. Language Skills:

• Fluency in Arabic (both written and spoken) is essential.
• Proficiency in English to handle international communication, legal documentation, and correspondence with non-Arabic speaking stakeholders.

4. Key Skills and Competencies:

a. Regulatory Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of Saudi labor laws, business regulations, immigration laws, and other government policies that impact business operations.
• Familiarity with the Nitaqat system and Saudization policies, including knowledge of how to ensure company compliance with quotas and national programs.

b. Government Liaison and Networking:

• Strong networking skills to build and maintain relationships with key government bodies and officials.
• Ability to navigate government processes and obtain required permits, approvals, and licenses efficiently.

c. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Strong grasp of corporate compliance requirements and the ability to manage risks associated with regulatory changes or legal violations.
• Ability to implement company policies in accordance with Saudi laws and ensure compliance at all organizational levels.

d. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent communication skills to act as an effective liaison between the company and government officials, internal stakeholders, and other departments.
• Strong negotiation skills to facilitate discussions and resolve issues with government entities.

e. Problem Solving and Crisis Management:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to handle complex government-related issues or disputes.
• Experience in crisis management, ensuring that any government-related challenges are addressed swiftly and efficiently.