Senior Manager Government Affairs

at  Microsoft

Are you interested in working for a company that is empowering every person and organisation in New Zealand to achieve more? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of technology, policy, and regulation? Does the thought of helping shape New Zealand’s economic and societal potential through the adoption of cloud and AI technologies excite you? If so, Microsoft’s Corporate External and Legal Affairs Department (CELA) is looking for an experienced professional to join our team.
CELA is an organization that helps Microsoft deal with complex global regulatory and geopolitical challenges, and we are seeking a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge and wide networks with key ministries, agencies and civil society organizations that shape or influence the country’s technology policy and regulatory agenda. The successful candidate will work on all aspects of government, regulatory, and public policy issues that impact innovation and growth in the information technology sector from government technology procurement, AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, workforce development and societal inclusion. They will work closely with the senior leaders of important business groups in the subsidiaries of New Zealand and Australia, as well as with the CELA teams across Australia, Asia, and Redmond headquarters. And while a preference for being based in Wellington, candidates from Auckland could also be considered.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking someone with at least 10 years of work experience as a government affairs, public affairs, or public policy specialist in government, multilateral organization, consultancy, industry association, policy-focused research institution, or a law firm.
The ideal candidate will have both public and private sector experience in institutions that deal with issues relevant to Microsoft’s business and show a history of building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, research/academic institutions, community, or industry leaders and other third parties who may play a key role in shaping public policies.
They should have a proven ability and skills to design, analyze, develop, and implement medium-to-long term strategies and campaigns to deal with complex issues of technology, policy and law, involving multiple issues and players. They will be great communicators with strong organisation and leadership credentials, and able to work efficiently and at a self-directed pace.
A bachelor’s and preferably advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or another relevant field.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations

This position aims to contribute to New Zealand’s policy-making processes on technology-related matters and to strengthen Microsoft’s relationships with government, intergovernmental organizations, academia, industry, and civil society/non-profits on areas of shared interests. The successful candidate will offer strategic guidance, advice, planning, management, and delivery for Microsoft’s government and industry affairs programs. They will also collaborate with customers, our sales teams, and legal, regulatory, and compliance support specialists to assist the country’s digital transformation.

The position will focus on:

• Public policy advocacy: Drive outreach and engagement on a wide range of technology-related public policy issues, including AI, cloud, privacy, cybersecurity, cross-border data flow, Internet safety, procurement, trade and telecommunications. This will require working directly with government as well as industry, academia, media, and civil society constituencies. This work will mainly focus on New Zealand decision makers, but also engage with regional and global organisation in which New Zealand participates actively.

• Working with the Public Sector business: Collaborate with Microsoft’s Public Sector business in New Zealand, by listening to the needs of our government customers and creating a policy environment that enables their aspirations and our business objectives. This role will offer essential support on digital transformation projects in the public sector, helping the team to secure the right support and partnerships that may be required, and establish and enhance relationships across the government.

• 
  Corporate and community affairs: As Microsoft grows its presence in the country with a datacenter investment, this role will anticipate and manage, in partnership with other relevant corporate functions, any emerging issues related to Microsoft’s corporate operations in the country. This role will advise the relevant regional and global teams on any specific/new compliance needs and assist Microsoft with understanding and addressing them.

Specific responsibilities relating to these three broad areas may include:

• Engage in strategic outreach and campaign execution with the aim of shaping policy and enhancing Microsoft’s role in technology and economic development in the country. This includes working across the company and the local industry and collaborating with other CELA teams across the region to align resources.
• Working with the Public Sector team to learn about the government technology goals and challenges and develop effective and lasting solutions to overcome barriers and deliver for our government customers. This involves building solid relationships between Microsoft and the government, and making sure that our programs are customized to suit government needs and priorities.
• Collaborating closely with Microsoft’s public relations team to create successful internal and external communications plans. This involves producing content – such as collateral, on-line resources, and events – that can be quickly used by internal stakeholders and/or shared directly with external audiences.
• Taking part in public policy discussions in different contexts to advocate for Microsoft’s and the industry’s views on relevant issues. This includes being a prominent spokesperson for Microsoft in developing and enhancing the company’s ties with industry partners, trade groups, advocacy groups, international organizations, and industry alliances.
• Working with experts from inside and outside the company, as needed, to help understand and resolve legal and regulatory issues that affect Microsoft’s business strategy. Building stronger connections with top scholars who study public policy, law, and regulations.
• Working with others to help the company’s social impact projects, such as promoting diversity efforts for Māori and Pasifika and demonstrating how technology can enhance inclusion and opportunities for underserved communities.