Government Relations Officer

Position Summary

The Government Relations Officer serves as the AUIB's primary liaison with government agencies and private sector institutions across Iraq. This role is essential for fostering collaborative partnerships, securing support, and advocating for the university’s interests in alignment with national education policies and private sector initiatives. The officer will work across both public and private sectors to advance the university’s strategic objectives and societal impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Establish and maintain effective relationships with government ministries, regulatory bodies, and private sector partners involved in higher education and scientific research. Follow up on the university’s engagements with ministries and relevant authorities, particularly regarding requests for new colleges, research centers, certification equivalencies for faculty and employees with teaching duties members, and student affairs.

2. Receive, process, and deliver official correspondence from ministries, institutions, agencies, and public and private universities.

3. Organize and maintain official correspondence, approvals, and legal/governmental documents, ensuring accurate entry into the university’s electronic archiving system.

4. Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all interactions.

5. Coordinate and facilitate communication between the university and government and private entities, including organizing meetings, visits, and joint initiatives. Occasionally, coordinate the transport of ministerial committee members between ministry headquarters and the university.

6.Ensure compliance with national laws, regulations, and contractual obligations related to government-private sector partnerships.

7. Coordinate logistics for visits, audits, and inspections conducted by government representatives.

8. Perform additional duties as assigned by the line manager and special projects as needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

1. Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong ties with government and private partners.
2. Communication: Coordinate and handle official correspondence and meetings.
3. Documentation: Organize and archive official records accurately.
4. Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with professionalism.
5. Compliance: Ensure activities follow laws and regulations.

Education and Experience

• Education (Minimum / Preferred):
  bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Administration, International Relations, Law, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience (Minimum / Preferred):
  Two years of Experience working within education institutions, NGOs, or alongside universities or higher education institutions in Iraq.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Proven experience in government relations, public affairs, or foreign relations, preferably within Iraq or the Middle East.
2. Strong understanding of the Iraqi government structure, regulatory environment, and private sector landscape.
3. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
4. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
5. Well-versed in government protocols and greeting guests for special events and assist with the admissions process or other campus projects where VIP assistance may be required.

• Required Languages
  Professional fluency in both Arabic and English is needed.
• Certifications / Technical Skills (if applicable):
  (Microsoft Office proficiency required; Oracle HCM experience preferred, and anything related to the field)
• Personal Attributes: (Professional, trustworthy, and diplomatic; strong sense of integrity and confidentiality; excellent communicator and team player; adaptable and detail-oriented; committed to AUIB’s values of transparency, collaboration, and service excellence).

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