Government Relations Officer

Role overview

Smart Integrated Solutions is seeking a Government Relations Officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for its Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) business. This position focuses on securing and keeping in place all licences, registrations, permits, approvals, and other regulatory clearances required for the company to operate in Saudi Arabia.

The role also covers day-to-day coordination with ministries, Royal Commissions, semi-government organisations, and regulators. In addition, it includes support for workforce-related compliance activities such as IQAMA processing, work permits, exit/re-entry visas, Labour Office matters, and portal administration across Muqeem, Qiwa, HRSD, and GOSI, along with Saudisation / Nitaqat requirements.

The selected candidate will act as a professional representative of the company in dealings with government authorities and will ensure that correspondence, filings, renewals, and employment compliance tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Licensing and regulatory compliance

• Secure and keep current all licences, registrations, permits, and sector approvals needed for the company to function as an IFM provider in Saudi Arabia, including Commercial Registration, Municipality licences, MOMRA registrations, and any industry-specific accreditations.
• Track legal and regulatory updates that affect the IFM sector and brief the President IFM and COO on any compliance impacts and follow-up actions.
• Manage a compliance schedule so renewals, filings, and other deadlines are met in advance.
• Handle official coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, MOMRA, HRSD, ZATCA, and other applicable authorities.

Government entity relationships

• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with ministries, Royal Commissions, and semi-government bodies relevant to the company’s target sectors.
• Assist the Business Development Manager with public-sector procurement requirements, pre-qualification steps, and government tender systems such as Etimad, Baladi, and similar platforms.
• Attend government meetings and regulatory discussions on behalf of the company, presenting its interests and capabilities in a strong professional manner.

Workforce and visa compliance

• Oversee employee-related government relations tasks, including IQAMA applications and renewals, exit/re-entry visas, work permit transfers, and Labour Office matters, in coordination with HR.
• Administer the Muqeem, Qiwa, and HRSD systems and ensure employee records remain accurate and compliant.
• Monitor Saudisation / Nitaqat obligations and coordinate government reporting activities with HR.

Documentation and administration

• Keep all government letters, approvals, permits, licences, and submissions well organised and up to date.
• Translate government documents and communications between Arabic and English where needed.
• Prepare and file applications, forms, and reports correctly and within the required timelines.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, or a similar field is required.
• At least 4 years of experience in Government Relations, PRO, or regulatory compliance work in Saudi Arabia is required.
• Strong understanding of Saudi government portals, licence requirements, and compliance frameworks relevant to facilities management or services businesses.
• Established working connections with government ministries and regulatory bodies are preferred for success in this role.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic, spoken and written, is essential.

Additional preferred experience

• Prior support for government relations in a newly established company in Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of procurement portals such as Etimad and Baladi, including their process requirements.
• Awareness of Vision 2030 regulatory programmes and how they affect the built environment and services sectors.

Competencies and personal attributes

• Regulatory awareness
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Discretion and confidentiality
• Strong organisation skills
• Clear communication
• Proactive working style