Government Relations Officer📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Abunayyan Holding is seeking a dedicated Government Relations Officer to manage essential regulatory and governmental affairs for its Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is crucial for ensuring operational compliance, facilitating necessary approvals, and fostering strong relationships with government entities. The successful candidate will represent the company professionally in all government interactions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all submissions and compliance activities.

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

This role involves comprehensive management of all necessary operational permits and adherence to the regulatory landscape within Saudi Arabia, specifically:

• Obtain and maintain all required licences, registrations, and permits for IFM operations in KSA, including Commercial Registration, Municipality licences, and sector-specific accreditations.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting the IFM sector and advise leadership on compliance implications and required actions.
• Maintain a regulatory compliance calendar, ensuring that all licences, renewals, and filings are completed ahead of deadline.
• Liaise with the Ministry of Commerce, MOMRA, HRSD, ZATCA, and other relevant government bodies on behalf of the company.

Government Relationship Management

A core aspect of this position is building and sustaining effective relationships with key governmental and semi-governmental entities, including:

• Build and maintain productive relationships with relevant government ministries, Royal Commissions, and semi-government entities pertinent to the company’s target markets.
• Support the Business Development Manager in navigating public sector procurement requirements, pre-qualification processes, and government tender portals such as Etimad and Baladi.
• Represent the company in government meetings and regulatory forums, ensuring its interests and capabilities are positively presented.

Workforce and Administrative Compliance

The officer will also manage critical workforce-related government processes in coordination with the HR team, ensuring full compliance with Saudi regulations, alongside general documentation and administration:

• Coordinate all employee government relations activities, including IQAMA applications and renewals, exit/re-entry visas, work permit transfers, and Labour Office matters.
• Manage the Muqeem, Qiwa, and HRSD portals, ensuring all employee records are accurate and compliant.
• Monitor Saudisation / Nitaqat compliance and coordinate with HR on government reporting obligations.
• Maintain organised, up-to-date records of all government correspondence, licences, permits, and regulatory submissions.
• Translate relevant government communications and documentation between Arabic and English as required.
• Prepare and submit government forms, applications, and reports accurately and within required timeframes.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this role should possess a strong background in government relations within Saudi Arabia, demonstrated by:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a Government Relations, PRO, or regulatory compliance role in Saudi Arabia.
• Thorough knowledge of KSA government portals, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the facilities management or services sector.
• Established working relationships with relevant government ministries and regulatory bodies.
• Essential English and Arabic language skills, both spoken and written.

Preferred Qualifications and Key Attributes

Ideal candidates will also bring additional experience and possess specific personal attributes critical for success:

• Experience supporting government relations for a newly established company in Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement portals, including Etimad and Baladi, and their requirements.
• Familiarity with Vision 2030 regulatory programmes and their implications for the built environment and services sector.
• Key Attributes: Regulatory Knowledge, Relationship Management, Discretion, Organisation, Communication, Proactivity.