Microsofts European Union Government Affairs group has created a new team dedicated to the companys industry leading cloud computing platform, Microsoft Azure.  We are looking for a Director of Azure Government  Affairs - an articulate, outgoing, competitive individual who will engage business decision makers, business influencers, and policy makers to broaden awareness of Microsofts cloud offerings and their competitive advantages; ensure a fair, open and competitive market exists for it; and identify and create competitive opportunities for its adoption to solve governmental problems, create governmental efficiencies and fulfill governmental missions. 

The Microsoft Government Affairs Director will collaborate with the companys Brussels and EU member state government affairs teams, and work in close coordination with the Microsoft Engineering Teams and EU and National Public Sector Sales Teams.

The Director of Azure Government Affairs will spend time with business decision makers; at industry, customer and policy events; and will represent Microsoft in discussions with officials and staff of EU and some national agencies, and other government stakeholders.

The Director of Azure Government Affairs will be responsible for developing and implementing a range of strategies across EU institutions and some EU member states, in particular France and Germany. These strategies include but are not limited to:

• Identifying and creating opportunities for Microsoft cloud computing services to address government challenges within the political landscape
• Clearly explaining complex technical concepts and Microsoft services to policymakers, business decisionmakers, and decision influencers.
• Steer project-related government affairs work including stakeholder management, outreach strategy, narrative development and related political communications.
• Advise senior executive leadership teams with respect to project-related political landscape and measures.
• Partnering with the Microsoft engineering teams, and EU Public Sector Sales Team(s) to develop strategies that support their priority objectives through engagement with officials from the EU Commission, the EP and member states, where useful or necessary.
• Drive strategic partnership engagement in external events as well as relationship and alliance building with any other relevant stakeholders
• Developing and maintaining an understanding of Microsoft cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and their suitability for various government functions at EU and member state level, as well as an understanding of providers that compete with Microsoft and their competitive advantages and disadvantages relative to Microsofts offerings.
• Keeping abreast of technology policy trends and developments and understanding how they intersect with Microsoft generally and Microsofts cloud especially.
• Coordinating closely with Microsofts government affairs community and external consultants, in Brussels and key member states.
• Maintaining a broad network of relationships with decision-makers in the EU Commission and relevant departments in key member states.
• Maintaining contacts with relevant EU standardisation bodies; Promoting best practices and standard procurement specifications that are helpful in creating procurement opportunities for Microsoft Azure.
• Support preparation of project-related executive visits in close collaboration with the entire CELA Team

1. Professional experience in public sector at a senior policy level
2. Excellent understanding of public procurement processes, customs, and ethics at EU level in either France or Germany
3. High affinity to IT and business topics; ability to understand and explain complex technical and/or legal issues to policymaker stakeholders
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
5. Fluency in English and either German or French 
6. Track record of delivering results in developing and implementing advocacy programs in legislative bodies and executive agencies
7. Strong project management, organizational, and coalition-building skills, including demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
8. Experience managing various resources, including consultants, partners and allies, on legislative- and business-related initiatives.

1. Self-starter with an ability to lead and motivate others, embrace big challenges, learn new topics, and collaborate and coordinate effectively across organizations
2. Strategic, creative, adaptive and flexible mindset
3. Travel required including weekends.

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. 

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