Sr. Government Relations Officer

Overview

Job Description

Government Liaison and Relationship Management

• Serve as talabat's primary point of contact with UAE government authorities including DED, Municipality, Ministry of Commerce, MOH, Ministry of Interior, and Consumer Protection Authority
• Build and maintain direct relationships with key officials across these bodies
• Represent talabat at government meetings and hearings, including Ministry of Interior matters related to driver operations

Licensing, Compliance and Regulatory

• Own the end-to-end licensing process for new branches and activities — from commercial registry updates through municipal and civil defense clearances
• Manage the renewal cycle for all trade licences, chamber of commerce registrations, health certificates, and other official documents
• Track and resolve violations from traffic, municipality, and food safety authorities before they escalate
• Keep the legal team informed of procedural and regulatory changes that affect operations

Cross-functional Support

• Coordinate with marketing on campaign licensing requirements and with procurement on customs clearance
• Process contract attestations with the Ministry of Justice and embassies
• Handle CSR initiative approvals and trademark registration/renewal
• Manage correspondence with authorities regarding driver and customer information inquiries

What Success Looks Like

Qualifications

• Deep UAE government relations experience — you know how DED, Municipality, MOH, and Ministry of Commerce work from the inside. You have existing relationships with government officials and understand how to navigate bureaucratic processes efficiently
• Fluent Arabic and English — spoken and written. You'll be drafting correspondence, attending hearings, and building relationships in both languages
• 5+ years in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory compliance in the UAE — this is not a role for someone learning the landscape
• Track record of managing multi-authority compliance — you've juggled licensing, renewals, and regulatory matters across several government bodies simultaneously
• Experience resolving government violations or disputes — you've handled escalations and know how to get outcomes
• Bonus if you have
• Experience in government relations for a technology, logistics, or delivery company
• Familiarity with UAE e-government platforms and digital services
• Experience setting up new branch licences in multiple Emirates
• Bachelor's degree in law, public administration, political science, or related field
• Knowledge of trademark registration processes in the UAE
• You'll thrive here if you...
• Enjoy building long-term relationships and navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Are energised by working in a fast-paced company where things move quickly and priorities shift
• Take ownership — you don't wait to be told when a licence is expiring
• Are comfortable operating independently while keeping the right people informed
• This might not be for you if...
• You prefer a slow, predictable work environment with one task at a time
• You need detailed instructions for every situation — this role requires judgment and initiative
• You're uncomfortable representing a company in formal government settings

Additional Information

• As part of the talabat team:
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Sponsored healthcare and gym membership
• Monthly talabat app credits
• Parental leave
• The opportunity to shape government relations at one of the region's most recognised tech brands
• A diverse, cross-cultural team environment
• Clear path to grow into a Head of Government Relations or regional GR role