Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) Department has an immediate opening for an experienced professional to lead Microsoft’s government affairs and public policy work in Morocco, with a minor focus on French speaking Africa, as part of the CELA Customer and Partner Solutions team in Africa. The successful candidate will be based in Casablanca/Rabat and report to the CELA Lead for the Africa Regional Cluster. The position offers a unique opportunity to work with regulators, government stakeholders, industry peers and thought leaders on emerging complex technology policies, particularly relating to public cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The role will also involve close collaboration with colleagues in the CELA team, as well as with other departments such as sales, marketing and customer success, in a work environment that is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance Microsoft's public policy and government affairs objectives focused on Morocco and to a lesser extent in French speaking Africa. **Responsibilities** Responsibilities + Develop and execute government affairs strategies to support Microsoft's business objectives in Morocco and French speaking Africa. + Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. + Monitor, analyze and influence legislative and regulatory developments that could impact Microsoft's operations. + Advocate for policies that promote innovation, digital transformation, and a favorable business environment. + Collaborate with internal teams to align government affairs strategies with business goals. + Represent Microsoft in industry associations, coalitions, and public forums. + Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for senior management. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities + Business Acumen - The ability to understand the parts of the business and their interrelationships. This includes skill in understanding the industry, competition, and expected future developments and challenges, the business's competitive strengths and weaknesses, opportunities to grow the business and reduce operating costs; and awareness of the environment for opportunities. + Formal Presentations - The ability to create and deliver formal presentations to others. This includes sharing information on a range of topics in a clear, concise, engaging and convincing manner; commanding the audience’s attention; developing effective presentation materials (e.g., handouts, visual aids); and handling questions or argumentative positions from the audience. + Documentation – The ability to draft or review policy documents, whitepapers and other external or internal facing documents. This includes the willingness to proactively share documentation with other members of the Government Affairs community and participate in the drafting and reviewing of documentation that applies beyond your geographical scope. + Corporate Partnerships - The ability to develop and leverage strategic internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals. This includes the ability to engage key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of the Government Affairs agenda and initiatives; and support associate efforts in these areas. + Corporate Communications - Knowledge of corporate communications best practices and techniques. This includes knowledge of existing and emerging media and/or communication tools (e.g., print, intranet, internet, electronic, broadcast communications). This also includes the ability to apply knowledge of various media to produce communications material and set and execute public relations strategy. + Cross Cultural Skills - The ability to conduct business in multiple cultures. This includes the ability to recognize and adapt to cultural differences in work and communication styles across regions or countries. + Legal And Regulatory Requirements - Knowledge of the rules, regulations, sanctions and other statutory requirements, guidelines, and instructions relating to governing bodies and organizations, both internally and externally. + Legislative Processes - Knowledge of legislative process and political framework. This includes the ability to track all stages of a bill's progression from introduction to final passage, theories, principles and practices. + Campaign and Lobbying Regulatory Compliance - Knowledge of local laws related to government affairs including campaign finance laws, election laws and regulations, parliamentary rules, ethics rules, lobbying disclosure laws, and contracting requirements. This includes the ability to ensure compliance of internal and external stakeholders. + Government Operations - Knowledge of government operations, practices, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to utilize this information in the planning and execution of company activities and events. + Political Advocacy, Lobbying and Engagement - Knowledge of public opinion and organized engagement to influence the political process. This includes skill in writing political communication materials, and lobbying to compel or persuade key constituencies and elected officials to take action on behalf of the company. This may include regionally specific political knowledge and lobbying skill. + Technology Policy - The ability to understand, anticipate, and forecast the impact of technology on policy. This includes knowledge and awareness of technology concepts, evolution, innovation, and internal and external technological advancements and trends; and of policy related to technology, including Cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, devices, accessibility, privacy, telecommunications, and internet topics. + Product Policy - Knowledge of Microsoft products and how they are impacted by public policy. This includes the ability to participate in technical conversations related to products. **Qualifications** Required/Minimum Qualifications + Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Technology, Law, Liberal Arts, Engineering, or related field AND demonstrable work experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, government, or related area + OR equivalent experience. + This role requires proficiency in written, reading, and conversational English & French as all business operations as well as customer communications are conducted in English & French. Preferred Qualifications + Ability to navigate large, evolving, matrixed organization with confidence to influence without authority and operate without established processes for each matter. + Experience working in a multinational corporation or a global organization. + Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. \#CELA 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 (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .