Government Affairs Manager / Director – Syria

About the role

The Company is seeking an experienced Government Affairs Manager/Director to lead its government relations, regulatory compliance and partner obligations for operations in Syria. You will act as the primary liaison with government entities, ensuring smooth approvals, adherence to local laws and effective stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Syrian government authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Obtain and manage approvals, permits and official submissions required for project execution.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation and contractual agreements such as PSAs and shareholder agreements.
• Support senior leadership in negotiations and discussions with government officials.
• Monitor regulatory developments, assess associated risks and advise internal teams.
• Coordinate cross‑functional compliance and governance activities.
• Prepare and present reports on government affairs, compliance status and risk exposure.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in government affairs, legal or compliance functions.
• Proven experience in the energy, oil & gas or infrastructure sectors.
• In‑depth knowledge of the Syrian regulatory environment.
• High integrity, ethical standards and ability to operate in complex, sensitive settings.

Required skills

• Strong government and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Solid understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with contract management, especially PSAs and similar agreements.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
• Risk assessment and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills in Arabic and English.