Head of Public Policy for Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Head of Public Policy for Middle East and Africa (MEA)
Dubai
Full time

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

The Company operates Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human, in addition to Bitmoji, Saturn, and other digital services.

We're looking for a Head of Public Policy, MEA to join Snap Inc. As a member of the EMEA Public Policy team, the role reports to the Senior Director Public Policy EMEA. You will be responsible for the public policy and government relations work across the MEA region, with a particular focus on UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar and potentially further afield in Africa. Working from our office in Dubai, you will co-design, and execute the implementation of the public policy plan for relevant markets. The Middle East and Africa are key growth regions for Snap and our relationships with the governments and other key public stakeholders are of the utmost importance. Ensuring that Snap's distinctive voice is heard and accommodated in policy-making circles will be a key priority.

The Head of Public Policy is co-responsible for development of positions on key local and regional policy issues impacting Snap and for developing effective strategies to achieve policy outcomes and mitigate risk. This person will work closely with the rest of the Global Public Policy team, wider Legal team, regional Sales teams, the Communications team, Platform Integrity and Product teams and, on occasion, senior business executives to ensure the public policy program supports business growth and protects the company's interests.

What you'll do:
- Serve as the main day-to-day policy representative of Snap Inc in the Middle East and Africa.
- Further deepen relationships with relevant government officials, NGOs, trade associations, non-governmental organizations, and other influential stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Senior Director EMEA of Public Policy, the EMEA Public Policy team, the SVP Global Policy & Platform Operations and, on occasion, the senior executive organization.
- Being the Policy spokesperson of the company in the region in various fora, events etc.
- Be the first to act and respond to the appropriate public policy inquiries.
- Collaborate with Public Policy, Legal and Business teams to analyze legislative initiatives, advise on risks and opportunities and develop company policy positions and messaging
- Partner with the Communications team to help them appropriately respond to Policy-related media inquiries, by providing the correct policy narrative that best represents Snap Inc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- A proven ability for shaping, and working with, government officials, NGOs, coalitions and other stakeholder groups.
- Good tech policy understanding and existing relationships within government and the wider stakeholder community in the region.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills and sound political judgment.
- Forward thinking and proactive ability on legislative, regulatory and public policy issues.
- Ability to rapidly understand and master complex policy issues.
- Ability to work with Snap business to identify pertinent issues and orient the public policy team to meet priorities.
- Ability to work independently/ self-starter in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
- Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of external groups and individuals, including those who are opponents or critics.
- Teammate with a positive attitude, motivation and a sense of humor
- Articulate and thoughtful. Able to adapt communication on complex issues for different audiences.
- A passion for Snapchat and creativity.

Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree or advanced studies in law/economics/public affairs
- 10+ years relevant experience in MENA public policy and public affairs
- Strong experience (4+ years) on MENA tech policy, ideally working on platform regulations

Preferred Qualifications:
- Working experience in Dubai or Riyadh
- Previous experience working with the Government or regulators or other Public institutions is a plus
- Full Arabic and English proficiency necessary

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don't be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a "default together" approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we've got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap's long-term success!