Government Relations Officer

Position Overview

Smart Integrated Solutions (SIS), a leading provider of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) services in Saudi Arabia, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Government Relations Officer to join our dynamic team in Riyadh. This pivotal role will serve as the primary interface between SIS and government authorities, ensuring seamless compliance with regulatory requirements while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders across ministries, commissions, and regulatory bodies. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in securing and maintaining all necessary licences, permits, and approvals required for SIS to operate as a licensed IFM provider in the Kingdom. Additionally, you will oversee workforce-related government processes, manage public sector procurement interactions, and ensure full adherence to national Saudisation and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

The Government Relations Officer will be responsible for a broad spectrum of duties, including:

• Licensing and Regulatory Compliance:
  • Procure and maintain all essential licences, registrations, and permits necessary for SIS to operate as an IFM company in Saudi Arabia, including Commercial Registration, Municipality licences, MOMRA registrations, and sector-specific accreditations.
  • Monitor evolving regulatory changes within the IFM sector and provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on compliance implications, ensuring proactive adjustments to operational practices.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory compliance calendar to track licence renewals, filings, and submissions, ensuring all deadlines are met with precision.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with government entities such as the Ministry of Commerce, MOMRA, HRSD, ZATCA, and other relevant authorities to facilitate smooth regulatory interactions.
• Government Entity Relationship Management:
  • Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government ministries, Royal Commissions, semi-government entities, and regulatory bodies critical to SIS’s business objectives.
  • Collaborate with the Business Development Manager to navigate public sector procurement requirements, pre-qualification processes, and government tender portals, including Etimad and Baladi.
  • Represent SIS in high-level government meetings, regulatory forums, and industry events, advocating for the company’s interests and showcasing its capabilities to key decision-makers.
• Workforce and Visa Compliance:
  • Oversee all employee-related government processes, including IQAMA applications and renewals, exit/re-entry visas, work permit transfers, and Labour Office matters in coordination with the HR department.
  • Manage the Muqeem, Qiwa, and HRSD portals to ensure accurate and compliant employee records, while monitoring adherence to Saudisation (Nitaqat) requirements.
  • Coordinate with HR on government reporting obligations and provide guidance on workforce compliance strategies to align with national regulations.
• Documentation and Administration:
  • Maintain meticulous records of all government correspondence, licences, permits, and regulatory submissions, ensuring accessibility and compliance with internal audit standards.
  • Translate critical government communications and documentation between Arabic and English to facilitate seamless internal and external communication.
  • Prepare and submit government forms, applications, and reports with accuracy and adherence to prescribed timelines.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• A minimum of four years of progressive experience in Government Relations, Public Relations Officer (PRO), or regulatory compliance roles within Saudi Arabia, with a strong preference for candidates with prior experience in the facilities management, services, or construction sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabian government portals, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks, particularly those relevant to the IFM sector.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain working relationships with key government ministries, commissions, and regulatory bodies.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic, both written and spoken, with exceptional communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience supporting government relations for newly established companies in Saudi Arabia, with a track record of navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement platforms such as Etimad and Baladi, along with an understanding of Vision 2030 regulatory programmes and their implications for the built environment and services sector.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies and personal qualities:

• Regulatory Knowledge: A deep understanding of Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks and the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
• Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with government officials and internal stakeholders.
• Discretion and Professionalism: The ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and maintain confidentiality in all government interactions.
• Organisational Excellence: Strong time management and prioritisation skills to manage multiple deadlines and complex compliance requirements.
• Communication Skills: Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication abilities to articulate SIS’s positions and requirements effectively.