Government Relations Officer (Saudi Arabia)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Amideast is an American non-profit organization established in 1951 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with country offices and programs in the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond. Amideast provides transformational education, training, testing, and exchanges that enable individuals, companies, and international partners to better address 21st-century challenges at home and abroad. For more information, visit www.amideast.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Government Relations Officer (GRO) is responsible for maintaining secure, efficient, and professional contractual relationships with the Saudi government while also managing basic operations of the office and providing input for other services where necessary. The GRO ensures compliance with all Saudi government regulations and procedures, maintains contracts, licenses and visas, ensuring security and confidentiality, and delivers high-quality customer service to internal and external clients.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, technical competence, and the ability to manage both governmental and operational functions in a structured environment. This position requires Saudi Arabian citizenship.

RESPONSIBILITIES

GRP/PRO Activities

• Process work visas, iqama issuance, renewals, and cancellations
• Handle employee onboarding and offboarding documentation
• Manage sponsorship transfers (Naqal Kafala)
• Coordinate medical tests, insurance, and biometric requirements
• Maintain employee records in:
• • Qiwa
  • Absher Business
  • Muqeem
• Ensure compliance with Saudi Labor Law and Jawazat regulations

Government and GRO Activities

• Manage Commercial Registration (CR) issuance, renewal, and amendments
• Handle company licensing and regulatory requirements with:
• • Ministry of Commerce Saudi Arabia
  • Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
  • General Organization for Social Insurance
• Maintain company accounts and compliance on:
• • GOSI Online
  • Balady Platform
• Ensure Saudization (Nitaqat) compliance
• Coordinate with municipalities, chambers, and regulatory authorities
• Handle inspections, approvals, and government certifications

Office Facilities and Building Management

• Supervise office building lease agreements and contract renewals
• Coordinate with landlords and property management for all building-related matters
• Oversee facility maintenance and service providers, including:
• • HVAC systems (air conditioning)
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Cleaning and security services
• Maintain records of maintenance schedules, contracts, and warranties
• Initiate procurement activities and basic office management

Compliance and Reporting

• Track expiry of iqamas, licenses, CR, leases, and maintenance contracts
• Ensure timely renewals to avoid penalties or service disruptions
• Prepare periodic reports on:
• • Employee legal status
  • Government compliance
  • Facility condition and maintenance status
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for government and internal reviews

Liaison and Coordination

• Act as the main point of contact for government authorities and external service providers
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and Administration teams
• Build strong relationships with government officials, landlords
• Ensure timely and secure delivery of official documents to banks, government departments, and postal services

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required

• Saudi Arabian National citizen required
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, IT, or related field
• Excellent Arabic and English communication skills
• Experience working with Saudi government as liaison or interlocutor
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• High level of attention to detail and ability to follow strict procedures
• Professional appearance and presence
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a structured environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.

The role involves the use of the following equipment:

• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer / Photocopier / Scanner
• Telephone
• CCTV monitoring systems
• Biometric devices

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.

Amideast is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Positions that involve interaction with children will be required to read, acknowledge, and comply with and attend special training in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding policy. All Amideast representatives must comply with the Code of Conduct and all applicable organizational policies which include but are not limited to, Anti-Human Trafficking and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.