This list contains only the countries for which job offers have been published in the selected language (e.g., in the French version, only job offers written in French are displayed, and in the English version, only those in English).
Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) / Government Affairs team for Japan has an immediate opening for an experienced public policy professional to lead the team’s engagement on policy issues related to technology adoption for cybersecurity, defense and national security in Japan. This is an unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to major initiatives underway to modernize Japan’s digital infrastructure for national security and defense, including efforts to leverage commercial cloud and AI solutions to accelerate upgrades to legacy technology infrastructure, as well as to strengthen cybersecurity in critical infrastructure and the defense industrial base. The Japan Director of Defense and National Security Policy will lead Microsoft’s engagement with government officials, policy stakeholders and industry thought leaders overseeing Japan’s defense modernization and related cloud/AI adoption policies, as well as efforts to improve Japan’s cybersecurity posture and enhance interoperability with international partners and allies. The role will partner closely with related business segments and act as a trusted advisor for Microsoft teams in Japan, in addition to collaborating with other teams working on defense policy issues in Japan and with US Allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
Job Responsibility:
Strategic planning and execution: Develop and lead Microsoft’s public policy strategy in Japan on issues at the intersection of national security/defense and related IT infrastructure
Strategize and develop an effective outreach plan as well as help oversee related advocacy campaigns to shape policy agendas and strengthen mutual understanding between policymakers, defense/national security stakeholders, and Microsoft teams on the importance of leveraging the security and advanced capabilities of cloud-enabled AI/cybersecurity in defense and national security contexts in Japan
Proactively monitor and mitigate related policy/regulatory risks as they arise
Stakeholder management: Identify, develop, and nurture relationships with key government stakeholders, to protect Microsoft’s interests and position Microsoft as a responsible partner in Japan’s domestic IT ecosystem supporting national security/defense
Develop and advance appropriate relationships with industry bodies, policy think-tanks, civil society groups, academia and media, and orchestrating related engagement across Microsoft internal stakeholders on policy issues related to technology adoption in defense and national security
Advocacy: Be the lead spokesperson and contributor to Microsoft’s external thought leadership on creating enabling public policies to support the adoption of cloud computing, AI and related technologies for cyber/national security and defense in Japan, as well as ensuring that related Government of Japan policies and investments support greater interoperability between regional allies and defense industrial base partners, underpinned by secure cloud services
Speak at public fora and/or with media/analysts, as well as working with regional Microsoft legal, industry and government affairs teams on related publications/blogs/whitepapers, and being available to speak with customers and other stakeholders at company events
Trusted advisor: Serve as a trusted advisor and expert resource for Microsoft’s teams in Japan on public policy issues relating to technology adoption in national security and defense, including security and interoperability requirements, procurement, fiscal and budgetary policy, and other rules
Provide insights and align with business segment leads to help identify and advance business opportunities related to AI/cybersecurity adoption and overall defense and national security modernisation in Japan, as well as keeping business leadership appraised of regulatory/legislative/political trends and risks relevant to both defense and civilian government cloud computing infrastructure in Japan
Engage and support the communications and marketing teams to align on key messages and talking points related to these topics
Compliance: Be an advocate and leader for the ethics and compliance standards of the company, both with respect to ensuring compliance in the conduct of all external and engagement activities, and as importantly, in supporting the advocacy positions of the company in areas such as the responsible use of AI, the protections of the use of personal data and human rights.
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Law, or related field AND 6+ years work experience in the government, public policy, government affairs or related area
OR equivalent experience
An experienced external spokesperson with business-level fluency in both Japanese AND English languages, alongside excellent oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills
Deep understanding in cybersecurity / defense / national security domains, policies and trends.
Nice to have:
Preferably 10+ years of relevant work experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities
Tech industry exposure is a plus, and in both public and private sector
Adept diplomatic skills with demonstrated capability to manage geopolitical challenges, and to engage with high-ranking government officials, research/academic institutions, the media, or relevant industry associations
Self-directed and strong analytical skills with the ability to develop creative/simplified solutions to complex problems
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.