Head of Middle Eastern Government Relations

About us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What you'll do

The Head of Middle Eastern Government Affairs will lead engagement with government stakeholders, sovereign entities, defense organizations, and regulatory bodies across the Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this leader will help identify, shape, and advance opportunities for Viasat's commercial, sovereign, and national security solutions throughout the region.

The role serves as a key bridge between regional governments, defense establishments, regulatory authorities, and internal business leaders. Working closely with Government Affairs, Business Development, Regulatory Affairs, and regional leadership, the Head of Government Relations will help position Viasat as a trusted strategic partner while advancing long-term growth opportunities.

This person will serve as a senior representative of Viasat with policymakers, government officials, defence leaders, and industry stakeholders across the Middle East and Africa. The role requires deep understanding of defence, security, space, telecommunications, and technology policy, as well as the political, regulatory, and procurement environments shaping government investment and capability development across the region.

The day-to-day

Government & Sovereign Engagement
• Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with government officials, ministries, regulators, sovereign entities, and defense organizations across the Middle East and Africa.
• Represent Viasat in strategic discussions involving communications infrastructure, national security, satellite communications, unmanned systems, and emerging technology applications.
• Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, and policy developments that could impact Viasat's business interests and growth opportunities.

Strategic Opportunity Development
• Identify and help shape commercial, sovereign, and defense-related opportunities across the region.
• Partner closely with Business Development and sales leadership to advance strategic pursuits and market expansion efforts.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders regarding regional political, regulatory, and business dynamics.
• Facilitate executive engagements with government and industry leaders.

Defense & National Security Collaboration
• Engage with regional and Western defense establishments, military leaders, and security officials.
• Support efforts related to national security, defense communications, and emerging defense technology applications.
• Help navigate complex stakeholder environments associated with government procurement and strategic partnerships.

External Communications & Thought Leadership
• Develop high-quality briefing materials, executive communications, position papers, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Support regional communications efforts and executive visibility opportunities.
• Represent Viasat at industry events, conferences, and government forums.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration
• Partner closely with Business Development, Strategy, Corporate Development, Regulatory, Legal, Communications, Product, and operational teams to ensure government affairs activities support enterprise priorities.
• Coordinate with Viasat's global government affairs, regulatory, and communications functions to ensure a consistent and aligned approach to key issues affecting the company.
• Support development of thought leadership, policy submissions, external communications, white papers, executive presentations, and stakeholder outreach initiatives.
• Ensure disciplined internal alignment around policy positions, stakeholder engagement activities, market priorities, and strategic objectives.

What you'll need

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public affairs, defense engagement, strategic partnerships, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
• Fluent Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
• Deep understanding of Middle Eastern governmental structures and stakeholder environments.
• Experience engaging senior government officials and decision-makers.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Currently based in, or willing to relocate to, Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the region.
• Authorized to work in the UAE or capable of obtaining appropriate work authorization.

What will help you on the job

• Military, defense, diplomatic, intelligence, or national security background.
• Experience with a defense contractor, aerospace company, communications provider, or technology organization.
• Existing relationships across Gulf-region governments and defense establishments.
• Experience supporting sovereign technology initiatives.
• Familiarity with satellite communications, defense technology, unmanned systems, or adjacent sectors.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.