Government Affairs Lead – Middle East (UAE / Saudi Arabia)

About the role

Cohere is building a Government Affairs and Public Policy team to shape AI and digital innovation policy in the Middle East. The Government Affairs Lead will establish Cohere’s presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, influencing AI regulation, digital transformation and public‑sector procurement.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a government affairs strategy for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reporting to the Head of EMEA Government Affairs.
• Build trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, sovereign entities and innovation agencies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting AI, cloud computing, data governance and cybersecurity.
• Prepare policy submissions, briefing materials, executive talking points and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Support business development with commercial and public‑sector sales teams across regulated industries.
• Represent Cohere at industry associations, conferences and public‑private partnerships.

Required profile

• 7+ years experience in government, public policy, diplomacy, regulatory affairs or a leading industry association.
• Strong understanding of policy and regulatory landscape in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, with ability to quickly gain expertise in both.
• Proven ability to build relationships with senior government officials and public‑sector stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; professional proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
• Analytical skills to translate complex policy developments into business implications.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset with strong stakeholder‑management and project‑execution abilities.

What we offer

• Weekly lunch stipend, full health and dental benefits, mental‑health budget.
• Retirement savings matching, parental‑leave top‑up, 6 weeks paid vacation.
• Education and learning stipend, travel budget for office visits and annual company offsite.
• Remote‑friendly work model with co‑working benefit and home‑office stipend.