Government Relations Associate (Emiratisation)

NSPIRE | EXHILARATE | DELIGHT

At Chalhoub Group, Government Relations plays a vital role in enabling our business to operate seamlessly across the UAE. From supporting new store openings and promotional campaigns to managing trade licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals, the team works behind the scenes to ensure our brands remain compliant and operational.

We are looking for a Government Relations Associate to join our Administration team. This is an exciting opportunity for an Emirati professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced, people-focused environment where every day is different. You'll work closely with government authorities, internal stakeholders, and legal teams to facilitate approvals, maintain compliance, and support business continuity across more than 300 stores throughout the UAE.

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.

Why Join Chalhoub Group?

Government Relations is one of the most business-critical functions within Chalhoub Group. Every permit, approval, trade license, and authority interaction contributes to keeping our stores operating, supporting new business opportunities, and ensuring compliance across the Group.

As a Government Relations Associate, you will:

• Gain unique exposure to government authorities and regulatory processes across the UAE.

• Work alongside experienced Government Relations and Legal professionals.

• Develop expertise in licensing, compliance, stakeholder management, and operational governance.

• Build relationships with key external stakeholders while supporting one of the region's leading luxury retailers.

• Develop a strong foundation for a long-term career in Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, Administration, or Legal Operations.

What Success Looks Like

• Confidently manage trade license, permit, and authority-related processes.

• Build trusted relationships with government authorities and key internal stakeholders.

• Deliver accurate documentation and timely follow-up on operational requests.

• Demonstrate professionalism, ownership, and reliability when handling sensitive matters.

• Support business continuity across Chalhoub Group's network of brands and stores.

• Represent Chalhoub Group with integrity, discretion, and excellence in every interaction.