ob Description

Roles & Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

As a Government Relations Associate, you'll support the day-to-day government relations activities that enable Chalhoub Group's operations across retail, commercial, and corporate functions.

Government Relations & Licensing

• Support trade license applications, renewals, amendments, and related government formalities.
• Coordinate lease registration requirements following leasing agreements.
• Assist with obtaining authority approvals required for new store openings and business operations.
• Monitor compliance requirements and follow up with relevant government entities.

Permits & Regulatory Approvals

• Prepare and process permits for promotions, sales campaigns, seasonal activations, and commercial initiatives.
• Coordinate police permits, mall permits, maintenance approvals, and operational clearances.
• Support approvals for after-hours work, fit-outs, maintenance activities, and other authority requirements.
• Ensure all permits comply with government regulations and consumer protection requirements.

Authority & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with government authorities, municipalities, Civil Defence, police departments, malls, and regulatory entities.
• Process approvals through relevant government and mall platforms.
• Coordinate No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and required supporting documentation.
• Follow up on requests to ensure approvals are completed within required timelines.
• Support operational matters requiring coordination with external authorities.

Legal & Administrative Support

• Support the Legal team with documentation, contracts, and notary requirements.
• Prepare documentation for powers of attorney, trade licenses, and legal submissions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to permits, approvals, and compliance.
• Assist with administrative reporting, trackers, and operational documentation.

Who You'll Work With

Internal Stakeholders

• Government Relations Team
• Group Legal
• Leasing Team
• Brand Teams
• Store Operations
• Mall Operations
• Administration & Business Support Functions

External Stakeholders

• Government Authorities
• Police Departments
• Municipalities
• Civil Defence
• Consumer Protection Authorities
• Mall Management
• Notary Offices
• Trustees and Government Platforms

What You'll Need to Succeed

• UAE National (Family Book).
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Government Relations, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in the private sector is preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and professionalism.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple urgent requests in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence representing Chalhoub Group with government authorities and external stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset with strong follow-up and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain reports, trackers, and documentation accurately.
• Comfortable learning and using government portals and online approval platforms.

Working Style

This is a fully office and field-based role requiring regular travel and physical visits to government entities and external stakeholders. The successful candidate should be comfortable with:

• Frequent travel across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates based on business requirements.
• Early working hours aligned with government authority operating times.
• Managing urgent, time-sensitive requests with professionalism and accuracy.
• Working closely with both internal teams and external authorities throughout the day.