Government Affairs Manager

Meet the Team

Cisco seeks a Government Affairs and Public Policy professional to join its global Government Affairs team as the Spain and Portugal Government Affairs Manager. Based in Madrid and reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs for Europe, the role will lead Cisco’s government engagements and public policy efforts throughout Spain and Portugal.

Cisco’s Government Affairs team represents the company with governments around the world to build relationships with key leaders, advance Cisco’s public policy goals, and educate governments about our industry. The team has extensive experience both in and out of government and is recognized as an industry leader.

As Spain and Portugal Government Affairs Manager, you will represent Cisco with leaders at all levels of government to facilitate engagement across both countries. You will play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing innovative policy solutions that advance Cisco’s business and help power an inclusive future for all.

• Cultivate strong relationships with government leaders, elected officials, and policymakers to convey Cisco’s perspective and strategic priorities.
• Proactively engage Cisco in local policy making and regulatory processes, including industry coalitions, government hearings, and other relevant meetings.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance Cisco’s core public policy initiatives.
• Support Cisco’s public sector sales and business development teams with political, policy, and purpose‑driven initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze political and policy trends across Spain and Portugal to advise on potential business implications.
• Prepare and present position papers, regulatory filings, testimony, and briefings.
• Work closely with Cisco’s leadership in Spain and Portugal and other senior executives globally, providing concise explanations of complex regulatory and policy matters.
• Foster cross‑border collaboration and knowledge sharing with Government Affairs colleagues in Europe and globally.

• 5+ years of political and public policy experience from roles within government, corporate government affairs, trade associations, law firms, and/or public policy institutions.
• Comprehensive understanding of the political and regulatory landscape in Spain and Portugal, including legislative and administrative processes involved in technology policy.
• Familiarity with public policy issues impacting the technology industry locally and globally.
• Near‑native fluency in Spanish and English.

• Telecommunications and technology‑related experience in the private and public sectors.
• Exceedingly strong political judgment and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and advocacy skills.
• Degree in political science, business, law, economics, or a similar field.
• Proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.

Required ability to travel throughout Spain and Portugal and, on occasion, more widely.