Government Relations Officer – GRO (Saudi National)

Company Description

About Faena

Faena creates cultural epicenters—living stages where art, design, and warm, attentive hospitality convene to craft a feast for the senses. We are a Cultural Embassy that invites guests to seek the extraordinary, shaping worlds that feel profoundly personal, welcoming, and alive.

“At Wadi Safar, we are shaping a new world where art, architecture, and nature live in harmony. Guided by a shared respect for culture and craft, this collaboration with Diriyah Company reflects our belief that beauty can elevate everyday life and inspire a new way of living.”

— Alan Faena

Job Description

The Role

As Government Relations Officer (GRO), you will serve as the vital link between Faena Wadi Safar and the Saudi governmental landscape—ensuring seamless compliance, protecting the hotel's legal standing, and enabling our people to focus on delivering world-class hospitality.

You will manage all government-facing processes with precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment.

As a Saudi National, you will bring invaluable local expertise and cultural fluency to navigate government entities with confidence—playing a key role in our Saudization journey and ensuring Faena Wadi Safar remains fully compliant as we move toward opening.

What You Will Create

Government Transactions & Licensing

• Manage all government-related transactions including commercial registration, municipality licenses, and hotel operating permits.
• Maintain and renew all company licenses, certificates, and official documents on time without exception.
• Liaise with relevant authorities including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, and local municipal bodies.

Workforce Compliance & Visas

• Process and renew work visas, Iqama, and exit/re-entry permits for all expatriate employees in a timely manner.
• Manage all Iqama-related transactions including transfers, upgrades, and cancellations.
• Ensure full compliance with Nitaqat (Saudization) requirements and monitor the hotel's Qiwa classification.

Platform Management

• Operate and maintain hotel accounts across all government platforms including Qiwa, Absher, Muqeem, GOSI, Mudad, and Aqar.
• Submit mandatory reports and filings across all relevant portals within required deadlines.
• Monitor updates to government regulations and proactively communicate changes to the People & Culture team.

Pre-Opening Government Readiness

• Support the pre-opening team in obtaining all required government approvals, clearances, and permits before opening day.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and government liaisons to ensure readiness across all regulatory fronts.
• Build relationships with key government contacts to facilitate smooth processing and issue resolution.

Colleague Support & Documentation

• Act as the primary point of contact for all colleague government-related inquiries with professionalism and care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all government documents, permits, and employee legal files.
• Support the onboarding and offboarding process for expatriate colleagues from a government compliance perspective.

Qualifications

Who You Are

• A Saudi National with hands-on experience in government relations, public relations, or a regulatory compliance role within hospitality or a similarly complex operational environment.
• Deeply knowledgeable of Saudi government platforms, processes, and entities — including Qiwa, Absher, Muqeem, GOSI, Mudad, and Ministry of Tourism requirements.
• Experienced in managing large volumes of government transactions with precision, urgency, and zero tolerance for error.
• A natural relationship-builder with established connections across key government bodies and a proven ability to navigate bureaucratic processes efficiently.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and highly organized — someone colleagues and leadership can rely on to protect the hotel's compliance standing at all times.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to anticipate regulatory changes and act before they become issues.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with the communication skills to bridge government requirements and internal stakeholders seamlessly.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you...

• Lots of opportunity to progress and switch it up as part of a global family of brands.
• Great healthcare, competitive salary, and some nice extra perks across the Ennismore family of brands!
• Learning opportunities to broaden your skillset and development that helps you think, make, and thrive at work
• The opportunity to be yourself and collaborate with other bright minds in a relaxed, innovative culture