The Microsoft Corporate, External and Legal Affairs team for Asia has an immediate opening for an experienced professional to lead the team’s engagement on government and public policy issues related to defense & national security. Governments across the region are investing deeply in technological capabilities for national security and defense, including leveraging commercial cloud and AI solutions. National security considerations are also accelerating efforts to upgrade legacy technology infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity in the defense industrial base. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to these efforts.

The Asia Defense & National Security Government Affairs Lead will lead Microsoft’s engagement with policy decision makers and on public policy issues relating to defense, in partnership with other teams including those responsible for sales, engineering and security compliance. The person in this role will partner closely with the US Government Affairs team in Washington DC, focusing on US Indo-Pacific defense policy issues and Ally & partner relationships. The role would suit candidates with deep expertise working with government and other stakeholders on technology and national security issues, with enthusiasm for working across functions to achieve impact in a large, matrixed organization.

There is some flexibility in location for the role, with a preference for Singapore, Tokyo, or Sydney. The role will involve travel across Asia and occasional travel beyond the region.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the execution of government affairs and public policy strategy on issues at the intersection of national security, defense and technology.

Work closely with policymakers and defense and national security stakeholders to ensure that public policy supports the adoption of cloud, AI and other technologies for defense in a secure, trusted manner.

Ensure that policy and investment from governments support greater interoperability between defense industrial base companies in the region, underpinned by secure cloud services.

Provide insight to internal teams on policy trends shaping technology adoption for defense and national security, including cybersecurity, interoperability, fiscal policy, and overall defense and national security modernisation.

Strengthen mutual understanding between policymakers, defense and national security stakeholders, and Microsoft teams on the importance of leveraging secure technologies in defense and national security contexts.

Strengthen engagement with think tanks, researchers, and industry thought leaders on policy issues related to technology adoption in defense and national security.

Work in close partnership with a range of Microsoft teams and external stakeholders to shape this agenda in the region.

Serve as an expert resource for Microsoft’s teams in Asia on public policy issues relating to technology adoption in national security and defense, including security requirements, procurement, fiscal &budget policy, and other rules.

Engage as needed on issues related to civilian government cloud, AI and cyber adoption.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field AND 6+ years of work experience in Government Affairs, Corporate Affairs, or Public Policy.
- OR equivalent experience.
Excellent oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills with fluency in English (additional Asia language fluency is a plus).
Deep understanding in national security / defense domain, policies and trends.

Preferred Qualifications

Adept diplomatic skills with demonstrated capability to manage geopolitical challenges for Asia region, and to engage with high-ranking governmental authorities, research/academic institutions, community, or relevant industry associations.
The ideal candidate will have both public and private sector experience, tech industry exposure is a plus.
Ability to counsel senior business leadership in the company with demonstrated capability to build and execute public policy programs that support business growth and policy objectives.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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