PRO - Government Affairs

Mott MacDonald is a £1.2 billion management, engineering and development consultancy with 16,000 staff and a global reach spanning six continents. Our network of 180 principal offices in 140 countries gives us local market insight backed by world class expertise to deliver excellence for every client.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate, and take positive steps to create an inclusive culture.

Job Description

You will ensure that all new employees joining Mott MacDonald comply with KSA government regulations and employment law and will work closely with the HR/Recruitment department with all visa and labour law related matters. Verifying that all relevant documentation is completed for new starters and has been received on time you will ensure that visas are approved in a timely manner to allow the new starter to commence work as soon as possible.

Interfacing with relevant government departments with regards to visa, licenses and sponsorship on behalf of Mott MacDonald, you will transition and take full advantage of online government services portals wherever possible.

Key responsibilities and duties are listed, but not limited to, the below:
• Proactively managing the effective and timely processing of all employment visas/work permits
• Arranging for new and existing staff to be sent a list of documentation required (Visa Checklist) for their visa application/renewal, updating the Visa Checklist when Government rules/regulations/processes change
• Arranging typing and submission of all types of applications and documentation for processing to local Government offices, including but not limited to visit visas, employment/residence visas, car registrations, Trade Licence, labour permits/cards, export license, economic license, foreign license, etc.
• Providing advice, guidance and assistance regarding government related matters to ensure new and existing employees understand the requirements
• Arranging follow-up for Labour Office approvals
• Assisting all new and existing sponsored staff and their dependents with the medical check process, scheduling medicals with relevant departments and individuals
• Accurately draft and secure appropriate approval of all local employment contracts and register them with the Labour department
• Responsible for documentation security and records management, maintaining a database of all passport numbers, residence visas and their expiry dates by scanning all documents and directly updating the database as and when details change
• Proactively managing the timely renewal of all employment visas, ensuring that all visa expiry dates are advised to the HR department
• Assisting employees in renewing visas for their immediate dependants
• Assisting in the annual renewal of, and undertaking all necessary actions to maintain, the Company’s KSA Commercial and Trade Licence Registration with the Municipality, collating and submitting documents as necessary
• Assisting project teams wherever necessary in discussions on permitting or other issues with statutory bodies like the Municipalities
• Liaising with all government-controlled areas that require permits to work/entry determining the appropriate method
• Acting as first point of contact for any advice and support on all immigration issues in Saudi Arabia
• Arranging payment of labour office fees/change of status fees/transfer visa fees/relative Labour Card fees/ Bank Guarantees etc.
• Assisting company and staff with visa arrangements in Embassies/Consulates
• Maintaining knowledge of all relevant Saudi laws, regulations and standards as they relate to MM’s office and business operations
• Monitoring for and reviewing health & safety, immigration legislation and process changes, which may impact on MM’s operations; analysing and identifying suitable alternative solutions to overcome any perceived difficulties whilst adhering to local relevant Labour and Immigration laws, undertaking relevant and appropriate actions as directed
• Attending Immigration and Labour Ministries as necessary to assist in the resolution of any immigration or labour related issues
• Providing continuous advice to management with regards to new rules, regulations and processes within governmental departments
• Responsible for representing the company and building effective working relationships with Government departments

Requirements

Candidate Specification
• Already based in Saudi Arabia and should have at least 3 to 4 experience with demonstrable knowledge of all PRO functions working as a PRO in Saudi
• Proven experience of interfacing and working with KSA government departments and application processes for new and renewed KSA visa processes, driver licences etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English language
• Fully conversant with Saudi Arabia labour laws
• Highly organised with strong, forward planning and time management skills to prioritise workload
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to new challenges and ideas
• Numerate with excellent level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive in dealing with issues/obstacles that may arise at any time applying a solution-focussed attitude
• Ability to multi-task, to work under pressure to demanding time pressures and to meet deadlines
• Knowledge and experience on the portal system usage
• Ability to understand and adapt to cultural sensitivities
• Valid KSA driving licence
• Being able to assess situations in the context of the full business ecosystem
• Continuously looking for innovations and improvements to manage workload and accomplish deliverables across individuals, teams and projects
• Using leadership skills to build and nurture relationships and also creating effective working environments
• Able to manage multiple teams with diverse backgrounds on geographically and culturally diverse teams

In Mott MacDonald, we have a strong policy ethical behaviour and expect the highest standards of ethical practice. These are at the core of our corporate values hence do not engage in any aspects of bribery or corrupt practice. As such, we expect staff must always act:
• Professionally
• With integrity
• With due skill, care and diligence
• In good faith, and
• In compliance with all applicable laws

• Adopting an adaptive mindset and using strategic and critical thinking to approach problems in a new way
• Ability to deal efficiently with priorities and manage time appropriately
• Advanced level proficiency with all MS Office products, including: Outlook; Word; Excel; and PowerPoint
• A dedicated team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels including external stakeholders
• Ensure MacDonald HSE policies are at the forefront of all activities
• Adopting a proactive approach towards complex tasks and overall delivery

About the Company

The Mott MacDonald Group is a diverse management, engineering and development consultancy delivering solutions for public and private clients world-wide.

Mott MacDonald's uniquely diverse 1 billion global consultancy works across 12 core business areas.

As one of the world's largest employee-owned companies with over 14,000 staff, we have principal offices in nearly 50 countries and projects in 140.