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

CohereDubaiGovernment & Public Policy
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Posted
14 Aug 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

The Government Affairs Lead role at Cohere is a full-time position based in Dubai, UAE, or Saudi Arabia, designed for seasoned policy professionals eager to shape artificial intelligence policy across the Gulf region. This position suits experienced government relations experts who want to establish Cohere as a trusted partner in digital transformation and public-sector innovation.

Role Overview

Cohere is expanding its Government Affairs and Public Policy team to influence the dynamic regulatory landscape surrounding enterprise artificial intelligence. In this position, the professional will establish and strengthen the company's regional footprint across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf Coast countries. Reporting directly to the Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy, the chosen candidate will collaborate closely with legal, communications, commercial, and responsible AI teams to advance corporate objectives in fast-growing markets.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the primary government affairs representative across the region, building trusted connections with ministries, regulators, sovereign entities, and public-sector organizations.
Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory trends impacting artificial intelligence, data governance, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
Draft consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing documents, and executive talking points for regional technology policy and public procurement.
Partner with public-sector sales teams to drive business opportunities in regulated industries including energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
Represent the organization at industry associations, public-private partnerships, and policy conferences throughout the Middle East.
Manage relationships with external advisors, trade associations, and external consultants while ensuring complete compliance with local laws.

Requirements

Bring a minimum of 7 years of professional background in government, ministerial offices, public-sector consulting, diplomacy, public policy, regulatory affairs, or industry associations.
Demonstrate a strong grasp of the policymaking and regulatory environment in either the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
Possess proven capability in building trusted partnerships with senior public-sector officials and stakeholders.
Show familiarity with innovation policy, AI regulation, cloud technology, or digital transformation.
Deliver excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English.
Hold an undergraduate degree in political science, law, public policy, international relations, economics, business, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Have

Professional proficiency in Arabic.
Existing professional connections with government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Background in engaging with GCC institutions or regional bodies.
Experience working in cloud computing, enterprise software, AI, or emerging technology sectors.
Prior involvement in supporting national AI initiatives or government procurement.

Skills and Tools

Government affairs and policy advocacy
Stakeholder management and relationship building
Regulatory monitoring and analysis
Public procurement and strategic communications
Cross-functional collaboration and project execution

Salary and Benefits

Weekly lunch stipend of $75 or local currency equivalent.
Comprehensive health and dental coverage, featuring a dedicated mental health budget.
Retirement plans including 401K, RRSP matching, and pension schemes.
Generous parental leave top-up reaching up to 6 months for either parent.
Annual enrichment credits covering fitness, wellness, arts, culture, and workspace improvements.
Education and learning budget designated for coaching, conferences, and courses.
Six weeks of paid time off.
Home office setup stipend and travel budget for visiting international company offices and annual offsites.

About the Company

Cohere operates as a security-first enterprise artificial intelligence company building cutting-edge foundation models and end-to-end business solutions. Headquartered in Toronto with international offices spanning London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul, the organization brings together passionate researchers, engineers, and designers dedicated to driving customer value.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application directly through the official company careers page.

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the Government Affairs Lead role?

The position is based in Dubai, UAE, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with remote-friendly work arrangements available.

How many years of experience are required?

Candidates must have 7+ years of experience in government, public policy, diplomacy, public-sector consulting, regulatory affairs, or corporate government affairs.

What languages are required for this position?

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required, while professional proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.

What benefits does Cohere offer to full-time employees?

Perks include health and dental benefits, retirement matching, a weekly lunch stipend, 6 weeks of paid vacation, parental leave top-up, learning stipends, and wellness allowances.

How should I apply for this job?

Applicants should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Cohere careers page.

Apply on company site