Government Relations Officer

About the Role

Smart Integrated Solutions (SIS), a company operating in the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) sector, is seeking a Government Relations Officer based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This position is pivotal in securing and maintaining all necessary licenses, permits, registrations, government approvals, and regulatory compliances that allow SIS to operate effectively within Saudi Arabia. The role involves managing interactions with multiple government bodies including ministries, Royal Commissions, and semi-government entities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure acquisition and upkeep of all licenses, registrations, and permits required for SIS's operations in KSA, such as Commercial Registration, Municipality licenses, MOMRA registrations, and specific sector accreditations.
• Continually track regulatory changes impacting the IFM industry and counsel senior management on compliance matters and required amendments.
• Maintain a comprehensive compliance calendar that monitors critical deadlines for all licenses, renewals, and filings.
• Act as the liaison with government agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, MOMRA, HRSD, ZATCA, among others.
• Develop and sustain effective relationships with government ministries, Royal Commissions, and semi-government organizations that align with SIS's market interests.
• Assist the Business Development team with public sector procurement procedures, including participation in pre-qualification and tenders via portals like Etimad and Baladi.
• Represent SIS professionally during government meetings and industry forums to positively showcase the company's interests.
• Manage all employee-related governmental interactions such as IQAMA processing, exit/re-entry visa applications, work permit transfers, and Labour Office dealings, coordinating closely with the HR department.
• Oversee SIS's data management across Muqeem, Qiwa, and HRSD portals ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and support compliance with Saudisation and Nitaqat targets, collaborating with HR for government reporting.
• Organize and maintain detailed and current records of all government-related correspondence, permits, and submissions.
• Translate official government documents and communications between Arabic and English as needed.
• Ensure timely and precise preparation and submission of government documentation and reports.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, or a relevant area.
• At least 4 years of experience in a government relations, Public Relations Officer (PRO), or regulatory compliance capacity within Saudi Arabia.
• In-depth understanding of Saudi Arabian government portals, licensing processes, and regulations applicable to the facilities management or service sectors.
• Established contacts and working relationships with government ministries and authorities.
• Proficiency in both English and Arabic, including oral and written communication skills.
• Experience supporting a newly established company's government relations within Saudi Arabia is preferred.
• Knowledge of government procurement systems such as Etimad and Baladi, including compliance requisites.
• Familiarity with Vision 2030 regulatory initiatives and their relevance to built environments and service industries.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Expertise in regulatory compliance.
• Strong skills in relationship management with government entities.
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proactive approach toward challenges and problem-solving.