Senior Manager, International Government Affairs for Middle East

Alibaba Group, Senior Manager, International Government Affairs for Middle East

The Senior Manager, International Government Affairs for the Middle East will report to the Head of International Government Affairs for Alibaba. This role will manage proactive engagement with and monitoring of relevant government officials and legislative and regulatory matters related to Alibaba and its ecosystem across the Gulf states. S/He will strategically manage Alibaba's government affairs advocacy initiatives across a range of risk environments in the region, with a specific focus on regulation in the areas of ecommerce, digital services, product safety, intellectual property, consumer protection, logistics, export controls, tax, de minimis and competition issues. The Senior Manager, International Government Affairs will be charged with understanding and working effectively within the political dynamics presented by advocating for a global business headquartered in China. This role will also include day-to-day engagement with external resources, such as consultancies and trade associations, as well as any relevant third-party relationships. It is important that s/he be able to anticipate risks and opportunities, advise on engagement strategies and advocate on behalf of Alibaba.

The responsibilities for this position will include building and sustaining relationships with key:

• government officials, as well as relevant agency regulators;
• government export and trade promotion programs;
• business promotion associations and trade associations, both imports and exports;
• third-party stakeholders, such as associations and think tanks with a focus on e-commerce and cross-border trade, consumer protection, privacy, and digital services.

This work will be done to: first, build sustainable levels of credibility for Alibaba and its legislative and regulatory positions with governments, political leaders, business associations and other stakeholders; and second, to support key business development initiatives of the Alibaba ecosystem. It is important that the incumbent be able to anticipate risks and opportunities, advise on engagement strategies and vigorously advocate on behalf of Alibaba, always working in close collaboration with business unit leaders for the Americas market, other international governmental relations colleagues and in a manner consistent with the overarching Alibaba narrative about inclusive globalization.

In addition, the Senior Manager, International Government Affairs will:

• Work within the IGA team to develop and execute a government affairs program for Alibaba in the region, which advances the company's business growth, protects its brand and builds an enduring reputation centered on a customer first perspective, integrity, agility and adaptability – as well as thoughtful and well-grounded approaches to government and regulatory goals and political engagement.
• Obtain results that support the attainment of business goals through the provision of strategic insights regarding the relevant political atmosphere as well as the development and execution of effective lobbying strategies, political relationship development, and management of contract lobbyists in key jurisdictions. Engage industry and government forums in a thoughtful and strategic manner to cultivate like-minded stakeholders and develop centers of gravity consistent with Alibaba's regulatory proposals and perspectives.
• Manage a suite of issues and responsibilities focused on the legislative and regulatory aspects of key business pursuits, including the e-commerce, logistics and cloud.
• Establish solid working relationships with Alibaba colleagues around the world to develop and implement industry and government outreach. The outreach will be undertaken with regard to business development, reputation protection, as well as legislative and regulatory objectives.
• Coordinate across internal teams to ensure proper understanding of the factors of compliance with regulations and follow-through on government messaging.
• Provide senior executives and colleagues with information, strategic advice and insightful perspectives concerning government actions and politics regarding the industry and Alibaba in particular.
• Support Alibaba's ongoing political compliance program as it relates to internal executives and external lobbyists, including monitoring and promoting compliance with the range of applicable government ethics and lobbying regulations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of progressively more responsible professional experience. The preferred candidate will possess a background in government relations, and will have spent some time working in both the public and private sector. S/He will have a successful track record managing high-level relationships and executing innovative government affairs initiatives to achieve corporate business objectives on both the regulatory and client development fronts. S/He will have significant relevant business and government stakeholder relationship experience. A clear reputation for ethical conduct is required.

Qualification considerations include:

• Strong cultural adaptability and keen learning capacity.
• Strong decision-making and strategic thinking skills; ability to quickly grasp, address, prioritize and anticipate emerging issues – as well as recommend positions on issues and suggest changes in strategies as relevant legislative and regulatory processes unfold, with an ability to navigate complex and competitive policy issues.
• Solid relationships and a thorough understanding of key legislative and regulatory processes, including an understanding of the role and capacity of third-party stakeholder entities such as trade associations and other related organizations, to advance the business interests of Alibaba Group.
• Strong executive presence with excellent oral and written communication skills to represent the company effectively before relevant stakeholders and audiences. Any Mandarin language proficiency or willingness to learn the languages would be an additional plus.
• A collaborative style with an ability to work cross-functionally with subject matter experts, senior leaders and key stakeholders; interactive with the courage and conviction to challenge and defend ideas and strategies; clear reputation for ethical conduct and unquestionable integrity.
• A track record of strong, demonstrated results in both political and corporate environments.
• Ability to evaluate competing interests of industry players and develop successful strategies to steer around obstacles and obtain desirable outcomes.
• Possess a keen attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-moving and challenging political and policy environment, with international dimension.
• Must demonstrate a sense of urgency with the ability to maintain a clear head in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple ongoing projects at once while appropriately allocating time and resources.

Alibaba is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant due to race, ethnicity, gender, protected status or on the basis of disability or any other directive, national laws or local ordinances with respect to protected classes.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Public Relations

Industries

International Trade and Development and Internet Marketplace Platforms

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