Director, Government Relations/ Directeur, Relations gouvernementales

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Director, Government Relations

Group: Government Relations

Reports to : Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Location: WADA Headquarters, Montreal, Canada

Posting deadline: 2 November 2026

WHO WE ARE

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. As the global regulatory body, WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. Our key activities include: scientific and social science research; education; intelligence & investigations; development of anti-doping capacity; and, monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as Director, Government Relations .

Governments are central to WADA’s mission and governance. As one of WADA’s two co-founders, Governments have equal representation with the Sport Movement on WADA’s two main governing bodies—the Foundation Board and Executive Committee—and collectively contribute half of WADA’s annual budget.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, the Director, Government Relations will lead the Agency’s relationships with Governments and intergovernmental organizations worldwide, strengthening collaboration and advancing our shared commitment to protecting clean sport.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

In this highly visible global role, you will:

Develop and implement WADA’s Government Relations strategy in alignment with the Agency’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy;

Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with Governments and key intergovernmental institutions, including UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the American Council for Sport (CADE), the African Union, and Asia/Oceania intergovernmental anti-doping forums;

Provide strategic and operational support to WADA’s President and Director General in their engagements with Governments and intergovernmental institutions;

Lead and coordinate WADA’s partnerships with governmental entities, ensuring objectives are achieved and identifying opportunities for new strategic partnerships;

Work closely with WADA’s regional offices to proactively identify governmental developments that could impact the protection of clean sport and recommend appropriate responses;

Identify and coordinate strategic initiatives, engagements and events with Governments and intergovernmental organizations;

Provide internal leadership and insight on matters relating to Governments and intergovernmental institutions;

Develop and maintain relationships with governmental authorities in WADA’s host countries, working closely with regional offices and the Office of the Director General;

Represent WADA at governmental and international forums, effectively communicating and advancing WADA’s vision and priorities;

Lead and develop the Government Relations team while ensuring strong institutional knowledge, accurate stakeholder data and effective follow-up on key engagements.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an accomplished professional with:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in international relations, law, politics, management, sports management, communications or another relevant field;

A minimum of 10 years of experience and knowledge in anti-doping , gained within a government, intergovernmental institution, National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) or other relevant organization;

A minimum of 10 years of experience working with governmental entities and/or international organizations .

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are an asset;

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and audiences at all levels;

A demonstrated ability to develop constructive, trusted and lasting stakeholder relationships;

Strong problem-solving, organizational and prioritization skills;

The ability to work autonomously and operate with speed, efficiency, flexibility and precision in an international environment;

Availability for periodic evening and weekend work and international business travel, averaging approximately one trip per month;

Fit with organizational culture: Teamwork, team spirit and love of sport;

Aligned with WADA core values: Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence.

WHAT WE OFFER

A Competitive Benefits Package.

Vision: WADA’s vision is a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.

Mission: WADA's mission is to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.

About us: WADA is headquartered in Montreal, Canada and has regional offices in Cape Town, South Africa; Lausanne, Switzerland; Montevideo, Uruguay; Tokyo, Japan and the office of the President in Warsaw, Poland. As of February 2026, the Agency employs approximately 177 employees and is represented by 55 nationalities. We value the diversity of our employees – current and future – that, as a global team, endeavor every day to protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide.

The masculine is used in our communications for the sole purpose of lightening the text and it designates all genders. WADA believes in the success of an inclusive organization that values diversity within its team. All qualified candidates will be considered for this position in a fair manner. WADA would like to thank all candidates who have shown an interest by applying for a position. However, after a thorough profile review, only the retained candidates will be contacted.