Title: Government Relations Specialist
OVERVIEW
| Business Unit: | President Complex |
| Division: | Government Relations |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| Location: | Jeddah, HQ |
| Job Grade: | E2 |
| Contract Type: | Fixed Term |
| Closing Date: | 3-Apr-2026 |
JOB PURPOSE
To execute and optimize government‑related transactions for IsDB staff and operations to ensure compliance, timely service, and strengthened institutional relations.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Operational Improvement & Insight:
• Identify and deliver IT-enabled/process improvements with IMDT; provide data-driven recommendations for plans and budgets.
Transaction Processing & Compliance:
• Process and validate government-related requests (visas, permits, residency) in line with host-country regulations and IsDB standards; escalate exceptions per defined thresholds.
External Stakeholder Engagement:
• Maintain working relationships with government entities/embassies; proactively resolve process delays and communicate regulatory changes.
• Liaise with MDBs and international financial institutions on government-related matters.
Coordinate Cross-Unit Support:
• Coordinate with internal units to ensure timely execution of interdependent tasks, resolve operational bottlenecks, and maintain service continuity across functions.
Financial Control:
• Administer petty cash for GR services with full reconciliation and documentation.
Performance Reporting & Advisory:
• Produce timely dashboards and analyses; brief management on risks and mitigation.
Implement Regulatory Updates:
• Track changes in government regulations and procedures, communicate implications to relevant stakeholders, and ensure timely integration into internal processes.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, or institutional liaison roles, including hands-on involvement in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience working with, or understanding of, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Development Banks, or international financial institutions is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with government protocols, policy updates, and transactional procedures (e.g., visas, permits, residency) in host and member countries is preferred.
• Experience in contributing to digital transformation or process-automation efforts is preferred.
• Languages: English: Mandatory l Arabic: Mandatory l French: Preferred
SKILLS & NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with government officials and internal stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of government protocols, regulatory environments, and institutional liaison practices.
• Familiarity with process improvement and digital enablement initiatives.
• Ability to manage and coordinate government-related transactions and ensure compliance with host country regulations.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on resolving operational bottlenecks and improving turnaround times.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, especially in managing multi-stakeholder engagements.
• Business writing and presentation skills tailored to senior management and external government entities.
ABOUT APPLICATION PROCESS
If you meet the criteria and you are enthusiastic about the role, we would welcome your application. To complete the application you would need the following document(s):
- Resume/CV
- Copy of passport
-
Academic certificate
If you are currently an IsDB Regular staff applying for this role and get selected through the competitive selection process; your current contract type and other terms and conditions will remain unchanged.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) does not ask for payments of any kind from applicants throughout the recruitment process (job application, CV review, interview meeting, and final processing of applications). In addition, the IsDB does not request information on applicants’ bank accounts. The IsDB declines all responsibility for the fraudulent publications of job posts or job offers in its name or, in general, for the fraudulent use of its name in any way whatsoever.