Role overview

Cohere is a leading enterprise AI company developing foundation models and end-to-end products for real-world business applications. As Government Affairs Lead for the Middle East, you will establish and strengthen Cohere’s presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries, positioning the company as a trusted partner in shaping the region’s AI policy and digital innovation landscape.

Key responsibilities

Report to Cohere’s Head of EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy while coordinating with senior leadership, legal, public policy, and commercial teams to develop and execute government affairs strategy across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Serve as Cohere’s primary government affairs representative, building trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, government authorities, public-sector organizations, and innovation agencies throughout the region.
Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data governance, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure across the Middle East.
Support policy advocacy by developing consultation responses, policy submissions, briefing materials, and stakeholder engagement strategies related to AI regulation and technology policy.
Partner with commercial and public sector sales teams to support business development opportunities in government, financial services, telecommunications, energy, and other regulated industries.
Represent Cohere in industry associations, public-private partnerships, conferences, and policy forums across the Middle East.
Ensure all government engagement and political activities comply with applicable local laws, regulations, and company policies.

Requirements

At least seven years of professional experience in government, ministerial offices, public policy, diplomacy, public-sector consulting, regulatory affairs, corporate government affairs, or industry associations.
Strong understanding of the policymaking, regulatory, and public-sector landscape in either the UAE or Saudi Arabia, with ability to develop expertise across both markets.
Proven track record building trusted relationships with senior government officials and public-sector stakeholders.
Familiarity with AI policy, digital transformation, innovation policy, cloud technologies, public procurement, or technology regulation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; professional proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
Strong analytical skills to translate complex policy developments into business implications and actionable recommendations.
Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, business, economics, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

What makes this role worth considering

You will work directly with experienced policy leaders and senior executives across an international organization spanning multiple continents. This position offers the opportunity to influence AI policy development in two of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets while contributing to Cohere’s strategic growth during a critical period for technology adoption in the region.