Government Affairs Lead - Middle East (UAE or Saudi Arabia based)

We are building a Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) team with the ambition and expertise to help shape one of the world's most dynamic environments for artificial intelligence and digital innovation. As our Government Affairs Lead for the Middle East, you will help establish and strengthen Cohere's presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the other Gulf Coast countries ensuring the company's voice contributes to the development of AI policy, digital transformation, public-sector innovation, procurement, and economic diversification initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced government affairs professional who thrives at the intersection of government, technology, and public policy, and who wants to help position Cohere as a trusted partner supporting the region's ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. You will work alongside experienced policy leaders, collaborate closely with senior executives, and contribute directly to Cohere's strategic growth across two of the world's fastest-growing AI markets.

Responsibilities

Report directly to Cohere's Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy, partnering closely with senior leadership, legal, public policy, responsible AI, communications, and commercial teams to develop and execute Cohere's government affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.; Serve as Cohere's primary government affairs representative across the region, building trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, government authorities, public-sector organizations, sovereign entities, and innovation agencies.; Monitor and assess 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 closely 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 and effective 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 across the region.; Ensure all government engagement, lobbying, and political activities are conducted in full compliance 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.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in government, a ministerial office, public policy, diplomacy, public-sector consulting, regulatory affairs, corporate government affairs, or a leading industry association.; Strong understanding of the policymaking, regulatory, and public-sector landscape in either the United Arab Emirates or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the ability to quickly develop expertise across both markets.; Experience building trusted relationships with senior government officials and public-sector stakeholders.; Familiarity with AI policy, digital transformation, innovation policy, cloud technologies, public procurement, or technology regulation.; Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.; Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex policy developments into clear business implications and actionable recommendations.; A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across international, cross-functional teams spanning multiple time zones.; An entrepreneurial, self-starter mentality with excellent stakeholder management and project execution skills.; Passion for artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and the opportunity to help shape the policy environment supporting responsible AI adoption.; An undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, business, economics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Nice to have

Professional proficiency in Arabic.; Existing relationships with government stakeholders in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.; Experience engaging with GCC institutions or regional organizations.; Experience in enterprise software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or another emerging technology sector.; Experience supporting government procurement, digital transformation, or national AI initiatives.

Benefits

Weekly lunch stipend of $75/£75 or equivalent in local currency.; Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget for mental health.; RRSP matching, 401K, Pension Scheme.; 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months, for either parent.; Annual enrichment benefits for arts & culture, fitness/wellness, quality time, and workspace improvement credit.; Education & learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching.; 6 weeks of paid vacation (30 working days); Budget for traveling to other offices if remote, plus an annual company offsite.; Daily lunch program, snacks, and regular community and social events for those in the office.; Co-working benefit for those not near an office.; $500 home office stipend.