Government Relations Manager

Roles and responsibilities

Responsibilities

General Support:

• Assist the Government Relations and Compliance Manager in managing government relations and compliance matters with the relevant authorities.
• Help update policies and procedures in line with the latest government regulations.
• Maintain and update records on the school's online platform.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, preparing documents, and managing correspondence.
  

Compliance and Communication:

• Assist in ensuring compliance with UAE laws and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization regulations.
• Help address queries and complaints in a timely manner, acting as a point of contact for escalated cases.
• Support in reviewing systems, procedures, and practices to identify improvements and recommend best practices.
• Ensure compliance with Al-Futtaim Group policies where applicable.
• Support the Government Relations and Compliance Manager as a point of contact for communications between Al-Futtaim Education Foundation schools and Al-Futtaim Group.
  

Essential Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in literacy and numeracy.
• ICT capability.
  

Desirable

• Experience in a similar role, preferably in an educational institution is desirable although not essential.
• Strong knowledge of UAE government regulations and procedures is desirable although not essential.

Desired candidate profile

1. Policy Advocacy and Lobbying

• Advocacy: Representing the organization’s interests to government officials, legislators, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Lobbying: Developing lobbying strategies to influence policy decisions, advocating for favorable regulations, and ensuring the organization’s concerns are heard during legislative or regulatory processes.
• Legislative Tracking: Monitoring proposed bills, regulations, and policies that could affect the organization. Tracking and analyzing how these might impact the organization’s operations.

2. Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Networking: Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, legislators, and key policy influencers. This could involve meeting with government representatives, attending industry events, and participating in policy forums.
• Collaboration: Working with external stakeholders, including trade associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups, to align efforts and further the organization’s objectives.
• Public Affairs Strategy: Engaging with public relations teams to manage the organization’s image and build a positive relationship with government bodies and the public.

3. Regulatory and Legislative Compliance

• Understanding Regulations: Ensuring the organization is compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental laws, labor regulations, tax policies, etc.
• Regulatory Reporting: Preparing and submitting reports, documents, or data to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Guidance on Compliance: Offering strategic advice on regulatory changes or new laws to ensure the company remains compliant.

4. Strategic Policy Planning

• Policy Analysis: Conducting detailed research on public policies, laws, and regulations affecting the organization. Analyzing policy proposals to determine their impact on the business or industry.
• Strategic Positioning: Helping shape the organization’s position on key policy issues and developing strategies to achieve desired legislative or regulatory outcomes.
• Issue Management: Identifying potential public policy issues that could affect the organization and developing proactive strategies to address them.

5. Government and Public Affairs Reporting

• Internal Reporting: Providing regular updates to senior leadership on the political, legislative, or regulatory landscape and how it may impact the organization’s strategy and operations.
• Stakeholder Communication: Crafting communications to stakeholders (e.g., shareholders, employees, clients) on government affairs and public policy issues.
• Policy Briefs and Position Papers: Preparing policy briefs, position papers, or testimony on behalf of the organization for legislative hearings, public meetings, or government discussions.

6. Crisis Management and Advocacy

• Public Policy Crisis Management: Responding to public policy crises or changes in the government landscape that could negatively affect the organization.
• Crisis Communication: Working with the communication team to address government-related crises, whether it’s a regulatory investigation, proposed legislation, or a PR issue involving the government.