Government Affairs Lead, Middle East Cluster

Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on
the planet to achieve more. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth
mindset, a theme of inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to
bring their best each day. In doing so, we create life-changing innovations
that impact billions of lives around the world. You can help us achieve our
mission.

Microsoft has an immediate opportunity for an experienced professional to
manage government affairs work in Kuwait, Oman, and other countries in the
Middle East Cluster ("MEC") as part of the Corporate, External and Legal
Affairs (CELA) team in MEC. The successful candidate will report to the CELA
Lead in MEC and will also have "dotted line" reporting responsibilities to the
Government Affairs Lead for Middle East & Africa.

Responsibilities

• Strategy/Program Management - You develop strategic goals and execute corporate public policy agenda and/or programs, creating and managing matrixed, highly complex project timelines, budgets, and plans; 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.


• Program Development - You shape Microsoft's policy agenda 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 processes to facilitate program outreach and execution, assessing the feasibility of extending the program 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 influence partnerships with coalitions, the Public Sector, and relevant interests groups 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.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Business Acumen - The ability to understand the parts of the business and their interrelationships. This includes skill in understanding the industry, competition, and expected future developments and challenges, the business's competitive strengths and weaknesses, opportunities to grow the business and reduce operating costs; and awareness of the environment for opportunities.
* Formal Presentations - The ability to create and deliver formal presentations to others. This includes sharing information on a range of topics in a clear, concise, engaging and convincing manner; commanding the audience 's attention; developing effective presentation materials (e.g., handouts, visual aids); and handling questions or argumentative positions from the audience.
* Corporate Partnerships - The ability to develop and leverage strategic internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals. This includes the ability to lead key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engage key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of business plans and initiatives; and support associate efforts in these areas.
* Networking - The ability to build and maintain a professional network internally and with individuals outside the organization to share information, promote collaboration, and optimize individual and organizational effectiveness.
* Relationship Management - The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with supervisors, staff, managers, customers, and vendors. This includes expressing empathy and compassion when dealing with the needs and problems of others, being approachable, taking time to address the concerns of coworkers, and treating others with respect and dignity.
* Government Operations - Knowledge of government operations, practices, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to utilize this information in the planning and execution of company activities and events.
* Technology Policy - The ability to understand, anticipate, and forecast the impact of technology on policy. This includes knowledge and awareness of technology concepts, evolution, innovation, and internal and external technological advancements and trends; and of policy related to technology, including Cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, devices, accessibility, privacy, telecommunications, and internet topics.
* Familiarity with policy and regulatory challenges facing the technology industry in MEC countries and the GCC.
Required/Minimum Qualifications
* ‎6+ years experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government OR Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field with ‎4+ years experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
* ‎5+ years experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities
* Arabic language preferred

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color,
family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic
information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or
mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race,
religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other
characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If
you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability
during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via
the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your
employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.