Overview

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 with government officials, policy stakeholders and industry thought leaders overseeing policy issues related to technology adoption for cybersecurity, including advancing cyber regulatory frameworks, strengthening protection of critical infrastructure, and investing in secure digital services for essential functions and the broader economy.

This role presents a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to major initiatives underway to modernize Japan’s cybersecurity infrastructure, including efforts to leverage commercial cloud and AI solutions to accelerate transitions from insecure legacy IT systems, as well as to improve Japan’s cybersecurity posture, strengthen the security and resiliency of Japan’s supply chains, critical infrastructure, and defense industrial base, and enhance interoperability with international partners and allies.

The person in this role will partner closely with related business segments (including engineering, security, sales, and regulatory compliance) and act as a trusted advisor for Microsoft teams in Japan, in addition to collaborating with other teams working on cybersecurity policy issues in Japan and with Allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cybersecurity engagement with government stakeholders, as well as in crafting complex government affairs campaigns. The candidate will be expected to thrive in a large, matrixed organisation working across functions to deliver impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic planning and execution: A key function of the role will be to develop and lead the execution of Microsoft’s government affairs and public policy strategy on cybersecurity in Japan, including public sector cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure.

The ability to strategize and develop an effective outreach plan will be crucial, as will be the ability to help oversee related advocacy campaigns to shape policy agendas and strengthen mutual understanding between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and Microsoft teams on laws, regulations, and frameworks that enable secure adoption of cloud, AI, and digital services, and the transition away from insecure, legacy IT systems. The role also requires the ability to proactively monitor and mitigate related policy/regulatory risks as they arise.

Stakeholder management: The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying, developing, and nurturing relationships with key government stakeholders, to protect Microsoft’s interests and position Microsoft as a responsible partner in Japan’s domestic IT ecosystem supporting cybersecurity. Responsibilities in this area will also include developing and advancing appropriate partnerships with industry bodies, policy think-tanks, civil society groups, academia and media, and orchestrating related engagement across cybersecurity teams in CELA (Corporate, External & Legal Affairs) and the rest of Microsoft to bring the best of the company’s cybersecurity expertise and resources to engagements with government stakeholders—ensuring that policy advocacy and technical solutions are fully aligned and mutually reinforcing.

Advocacy: Another key function is to be 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 cybersecurity in Japan, as well as strengthening mutual understanding between policymakers, national cyber authorities, and Microsoft teams on the importance of robust cybersecurity protection, especially in the government and critical infrastructure sectors. This may involve time speaking 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: The successful applicant will also play a key role as trusted advisor and expert resource for Microsoft’s teams in Japan on policy trends affecting cybersecurity and their implications for Microsoft, including security and interoperability requirements, procurement, fiscal and budgetary policy, and other rules. Responsibilities include providing insights and aligning with business segment leads to help identify and advance business opportunities related to AI/cybersecurity adoption in Japan, as well as keeping business leadership appraised of regulatory/legislative/political trends and risks relevant to both public and private sector cloud computing infrastructure in Japan. The role will also be required to engage and support the communications and marketing teams to align on key messages and talking points related to these topics.

Compliance: In all of the efforts above, the successful applicant will also be expected to cllaborate closely with Microsoft’s engineering, security, and compliance teams so advocacy is grounded in technical and operational realities, as well as 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

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 and national security domains, policies and trends.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferably 10+ years of relevant work experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities.

The ideal candidate will have both public and private sector experience, tech industry exposure is a plus.

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.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Cybersecurity Government Affairs Lead