Government Relations Operations Officer

Synopsis
The Government Relations Operations Officer plays a critical operational role within Etihad's Government Relations function, ensuring the smooth, compliant, and uninterrupted delivery of visa, security clearance, financial, and onboarding processes.

This role is responsible for managing end-to-end government relations operations, including prepaid government wallets, financial reconciliations, invoice processing, security clearances, and staff identification processes. Working closely with internal stakeholders and UAE government authorities, the role ensures operational continuity, financial accuracy, and full compliance with both UAE regulatory requirements and Etihad Airways policies.

The position requires a highly organised, detail-oriented professional who is comfortable managing recurring operational tasks, handling sensitive information, and communicating confidently in both Arabic and English.

Accountabilities
Financial & Account Management

• Manage and maintain government-related prepaid accounts and wallets (including visa and immigration services) to ensure uninterrupted operational activity.
• Monitor account balances, usage, and thresholds, initiating replenishment requests in a timely manner to prevent service disruption.
• Conduct regular reconciliations of visa and government-related transactions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain clear, auditable financial records and reconciliation reports for internal Finance and Audit stakeholders.

Invoice Management & Payment Processing

• Receive, verify, and process invoices from external service providers, including medical services, airport passes, security clearances, leases, and other government-related charges.
• Review invoices for accuracy, resolve discrepancies directly with vendors and internal stakeholders, and ensure correct sponsorship and cost allocation.
• Coordinate approvals and submit invoices to Finance and Accounts Payable within agreed timelines.
• Maintain organised, compliant invoice records and supporting documentation.

Procurement & Vendor Coordination (SAP Ariba / Fiori)

• Raise purchase requisitions, purchase orders, work orders, and service requests through SAP Ariba for departmental operational requirements.
• Prepare RFQs, obtain quotations from approved vendors, and support vendor selection in line with internal procurement policies.
• Track approvals, budgets, and procurement workflows, ensuring full transparency and auditability.
• Raise invoices to external entities where required and monitor payment status through SAP Fiori, following up on outstanding items.

Security Clearance & Access Management

• Manage end-to-end security clearance processes for contractors, vendors, and contingent workers requiring access to Etihad systems or premises.
• Ensure all security clearance activities comply with Etihad internal policies and UAE regulatory requirements.
• Process exception requests and support exempted contracts through relevant SAP systems.
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure timely approvals and minimise operational delays.

Staff ID & Onboarding Operations

• Process staff ID card requests for new joiners, contractors, and outstation personnel via relevant government and internal portals.
• Coordinate printing, dispatch, and collection of ID cards to ensure access is in place before joining dates.
• Manage renewals, replacements, and cancellations of IDs to avoid access or compliance issues.
• Maintain accurate tracking and records of all issued IDs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a government relations, government operations, or similar administrative role within the UAE.
• Demonstrated experience working with UAE government entities and portals.
• Strong operational understanding of financial transactions, reconciliations, and fund monitoring (accounting qualification not required).
• High level of computer literacy with the ability to work across multiple systems and platforms simultaneously.
• Professional fluency in both Arabic and English, with proven experience drafting formal Arabic correspondence.

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad's ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly

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