Government Affairs Lead Middle East (UAE or based)📣 Job Ad

About Cohere and the Opportunity

Cohere is a security-first enterprise AI company focused on building foundation AI models and end-to-end products to address real-world business challenges. The company trains and deploys frontier models for enterprises developing AI systems, contributing to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Toronto, Cohere maintains key offices globally, including London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul. This full-time role is for a Government Affairs Lead for the Middle East, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE.

The Government Affairs Lead Role

As the Government Affairs Lead for the Middle East, you will be instrumental in establishing and strengthening Cohere's presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf Coast countries. This position involves ensuring Cohere's voice contributes to the development of AI policy, digital transformation, public-sector innovation, procurement, and economic diversification initiatives. The role requires an experienced government affairs professional to position Cohere as a trusted partner supporting the region's ambitions in artificial intelligence, working alongside policy leaders and senior executives to contribute to strategic growth in key AI markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to Cohere's Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy, collaborating with senior leadership, legal, public policy, responsible AI, communications, and commercial teams to develop and execute government affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Serve as Cohere's primary government affairs representative in the region, building relationships with ministries, regulators, government authorities, public-sector organizations, sovereign entities, and innovation agencies.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments affecting artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data governance, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies across the region.
• Support policy advocacy by developing consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing materials, executive talking points, and stakeholder engagement strategies related to AI regulation, digital economy initiatives, technology policy, and public procurement.
• Partner with commercial and public sector sales teams to support business development opportunities across government, financial services, telecommunications, energy, and other regulated industries.
• Collaborate with communications, marketing, and public relations teams to ensure consistent messaging regarding Cohere's approach to responsible AI, innovation, and technology policy.
• Represent Cohere in industry associations, public-private partnerships, conferences, and policy forums across the Middle East.
• Develop and manage relationships with external government affairs consultants, advisors, and trade associations in the region.
• Ensure all government engagement, lobbying, and political activities comply with applicable local laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Contribute to broader regional government affairs initiatives across the GCC and support cross-functional projects involving international stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this role should possess 5-10 years of experience in government affairs or public policy, ideally within the technology sector or a related field. The position requires a professional who understands the intersection of government, technology, and public policy, with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in the Middle East.

Work Environment

Cohere operates as a remote-friendly company, complemented by offices in various global locations. For employees working from an office, daily lunch programs, snacks, and regular community and social events are provided. Remote employees have access to a co-working benefit and receive a $500 home office stipend. Cohere is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The company may utilize AI-enabled tools for applicant screening and assessment.

Location

This role is focused on the Middle East region, specifically covering the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf Coast countries. The position can be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE.