Government Affairs Director

Microsoft; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is looking for a highly skilled Government Affairs Director located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This role is crucial in managing policy issues, developing impactful solutions, and advocating for Microsoft's interests across Africa. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in public policy and extensive experience in government affairs, with strong advocacy skills in English and French. The position will involve extensive collaboration with public sector stakeholders to address complex policy challenges.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field with many years of experience in government affairs.
• Significant policy development or government affairs experience in international organizations.
• Experience in managing strategic relationships to influence public policy.

Responsibilities

• Manage policy issues and lead engagement on strategies with stakeholders.
• Shape Microsoft's policy agenda in Africa and develop impactful solutions.
• Develop intelligence networks to support Microsoft's business objectives.

Skills

Policy development

Government affairs experience

Advocacy skills in English and French

Education

Master's degree in public policy or related

Job description

Job title: Government Affairs Director

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: November 29, 2025

Overview

Microsoft has an immediate opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced government affairs professional to join Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) as the Government Affairs Policy Lead for Africa. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Government Affairs for Africa.

Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset, inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. In doing so, we create life-changing innovations that impact billions of lives around the world. You can help us achieve our mission.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

• Master's degree in public policy, Public Administration, or related field AND many years of experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government OR a Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Public Administration, Law, or related field AND several years of experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government; OR extensive years’ of experience in these areas.
• Significant policy development or government affairs experience in the legal department of an international company, business, trade association, consultancy, or multilateral organization (or similar experience in an international law firm).
• Experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public / technology policy priorities.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Familiarity with policy and regulatory challenges facing the technology industry, particularly across Africa.
• Proficiency in written and oral advocacy skills in English and French.
• Ability to understand and explain complex technical and / or legal issues to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills; proven project management, coalition-building, and resource management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and motivate and lead others, including in non-hierarchical contexts.
• Detail-oriented, with demonstrable business acumen and cross-cultural skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain lasting relationships and consensus with a variety of constituencies both inside and outside an organization.
• Willingness and ability to adapt quickly as the legal, policy, and business landscape evolves.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Program Management
• Advocate for and manage policy issues (social, political, legal, technical), leading the company’s engagement and campaigns with senior internal stakeholders on priority issues, strategies, and programs.
• Shape and contribute to Microsoft’s policy agenda in Africa, addressing complex governmental issues and business priorities, and develop highly impactful solutions for advancing the agenda while managing risks and consequences.
• Steer project-related government affairs work, including stakeholder management, outreach strategy, narrative development, and related political communications.
• Identify and create opportunities for Microsoft technology and cloud computing services to empower government leaders and address challenges within the African political landscape, including competitive analysis of Microsoft’s offerings.

Intelligence & Analysis

• Develop and maintain an intelligence network, systematically gather and analyze external and internal data, and share findings to support Microsoft’s and customers’ business objectives.
• Keep abreast of technology policy trends and developments, understanding their intersection with Microsoft’s business and the broader technology landscape.

External Relationships & Coalition-Building

• Develop and influence partnerships with coalitions, the public sector, relevant interest groups, and industry thought leaders to achieve desired regulatory and legislative outcomes.
• Lead the implementation of improvements to initiatives based on community and stakeholder feedback.
• Build and maintain a broad network of relationships with decision-makers in pan-African institutions, governments, regulatory agencies, and international organizations.
• Manage consultants, partners, and allies on legislative and business-related initiatives.

Internal Collaboration & Cross-Group Alignment

• Advocate for and manage policy issues, leading Microsoft’s engagement with internal stakeholders related to government affairs.
• Facilitate and coordinate internal business operations within the region to raise awareness, resolve complex cross-group priority conflicts, and enable alignment across teams.
• Advise senior executive leadership teams on the political landscape and measures related to project priorities.
• Support the preparation of project-related executive visits and events in close collaboration with the entire CELA team.

Communication & Representation

• Direct and align complex or conflicting policy with Microsoft’s goals and strategies; enhance company reputation by driving a communication framework and messaging for Government Affairs.
• Clearly communicate Microsoft’s commitments and explain complex technical and policy concepts to policymakers, business decision-makers, and influencers.
• Participate in and assist in developing internal / external events to drive Government Affairs objectives and social media engagement.
• Drive strategic partnership engagement in external events and represent Microsoft in key forums.

Change Management & Adaptability

• Demonstrate willingness to experiment, learn quickly from mistakes, and adapt to evolving legal, policy, and factual landscapes.
• Operate comfortably in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and in cutting-edge legal and policy matters where ambiguity is common.