Director of Government Relations & Policy, MENA

About the Company:

World is a network of real humans, built on privacy-preserving proof-of-human technology, and powered by a globally inclusive financial network that enables the free flow of digital assets for all. It is built to connect, empower, and be owned by everyone.

This opportunity will be with Tools for Humanity

About the role:

The Director of Government Relations & Policy, Middle East and North Africa will be an essential member of the Tools for Humanity team, ensuring our public policy strategies align with our mission. The ideal candidate will lead our public policy strategy across MENA, particularly the GCC, collaborating with regional leaders, stakeholders, and internal teams to drive growth and innovation.

• Report directly into the Chief Policy Officer 
• Ensure integrity and uphold Tools for Humanity's corporate values and adherence to laws, regulations, and compliance principles.
• Develop, lead and implement innovative and industry-leading governmental affairs policy, strategy and activities to support the objectives of Tools for Humanity across MENA. 
• Cultivate relationships with policymakers and government officials to advocate for the responsible use of digital identity solutions.
• Oversee government and consultancy relationships in key MENA markets, integrating seamlessly with Tools for Humanity's internal teams.
• Engage with digital trade associations, tech industry partners, non-profit groups, and other allies to champion Tools for Humanity's policy positions.
• Lead outreach to EU, national and regional digital governance organizations.
• Prioritize regional advocacy needs, coordinating closely with Legal, Communications, and other internal teams.
• Collaborate on developing relevant policy positions, stakeholder mapping, and advocacy action plans related to digital identity.
• Support country-level advocacy strategies, driving initiatives, and ensuring operations align efficiently with various functions.
• Keep senior executives informed about the regional political and digital landscape.

About You:

• Proven track record in MENA Public Affairs and the development of Public Policy positions.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in policy setting environments in government, corporations, consultancies, or digital trade associations.
• Possess experience in stakeholder identification, outreach, and engagement with regional institutions, particularly GCC member states. 
• Strong commercial awareness, resilience, cultural understanding and diplomacy. 
• Great relationship building skills, with an ability to confidently interact with senior leaders across regions.
• Ability to advocate externally and articulate impacts of digital policies internally; strong skills in translating complex digital concepts into tangible policy recommendations.
• Pragmatic decision maker who confidently responds in times of ambiguity, urgency, and high-stakes.
• Confident in fast-paced digital environments, with ability to manage and execute multiple policy initiatives, fostering collaboration across diverse teams.
• Strong ability to manage very diverse stakeholders, strategies and projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Stellar judgment

Nice to have (or excited to learn):

• Deep understanding of digital identity, data privacy, and associated policies.
• Track record of driving compliant projects in complex regulatory environments.
• Established relationships with government officials and digital policy stakeholders.
• Knowledge of public affairs, media landscapes, and digital/social media strategies across various geographies.