The Head of Corporate Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight to the Corporate Affairs and Legal teams. This position is pivotal in managing the organization’s reputation, stakeholder relations, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across its operations in Africa. The role involves high-level advocacy, public policy engagement, corporate communications, and the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the business strategy.
Key Performance Areas
Leadership & People Management
- Provide leadership and direction to Corporate Affairs and Legal teams, ensuring effective performance and accountability.
- Foster an inclusive and respectful working environment across the business.
- Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into stakeholder engagement, advocacy, communications, and legal practices.
- Support talent development, succession planning, and capacity building within the function.
- Liaise with the HR department in concluding departmental performance appraisals and ensure competency and training gaps are addressed.
External Affairs & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement strategy aligned with business priorities and societal expectations.
- Identify, build, and maintain constructive relationships with government bodies, regulators, industry associations, community leaders, and civil society.
- Represent the organization in external forums, committees, and public platforms.
- Build coalitions with credible partners to advance industry development, sustainability, and fair market practices.
- Cultivate high-trust relationships with communities around manufacturing sites.
Advocacy & Public Policy
- Lead advocacy efforts for policies, regulations, and laws that support a fair, competitive, and sustainable business environment.
- Monitor political, legislative, and regulatory developments to support informed decision-making.
- Prepare evidence-based submissions, position papers, and policy briefs for authorities and industry bodies.
- Collaborate with industry associations and peer organizations to advance shared policy priorities.
Corporate Communications & Public Relations
- Shape and communicate the Company’s positions on key industry, operations, and market issues.
- Manage external communications and public relations strategies to strengthen reputation and trust.
- Lead media engagement, crisis communication, and reputation risk management.
- Grow earned media value and ensure consistent, accurate, and inclusive messaging across all channels.
- Deliver a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy aligned to Safal Group’s focus areas.
Legal, Governance & Compliance
- Provide legal and regulatory advice on operational, contractual, governance, and compliance matters.
- Oversee drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts and legal documentation.
- Manage litigation, disputes, and engagement with external legal counsel.
- Ensure compliance with Capital Markets Act, Companies Act, Occupational Health and Safety laws, Data Protection laws, and Competition laws.
- Proactively deal with risks and evaluate the efficiency of internal controls.
Risk Management & Intelligence
- Identify and assess external, regulatory, legal, and reputational risks.
- Lead the Company’s enterprise crisis response strategy and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks.
- Support Anti-Illicit Trade intelligence and enforcement procedures.
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) & ESG
- Lead the Company’s ESG strategy to integrate sustainability across operations and supply chain.
- Oversee ESG reporting (including annual Sustainability report) and compliance with global frameworks such as the UN SDGs.
- Champion initiatives on climate impact, energy efficiency, circularity, and community welfare.
Qualifications and Experience
- Academic Qualification: Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Law, Public Policy, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Added Advantage: Master's in Law, Public Policy, MBA, Corporate Communications, or Sustainability; relevant professional qualifications.
- General Experience: 15+ years of total experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within manufacturing, FMCG, or a similar environment.
- Specialized Experience: 7 - 10 years of hands-on experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or regulatory affairs roles.
- Sector Knowledge: Experience with Government Ministries, EAC Protocol, tariffs, trade blocs, and manufacturing/FMCG sectors (preferred).
Skills and Competencies
- Strategic thinking and executive influence.
- Strong legal and regulatory insight.
- High-level stakeholder management and diplomatic agility.
- ESG and sustainability integration.
- Media management excellence and ethical judgment.
- Low-ego, high-impact leadership style.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Safal Group recruitment portal at safal.mcidirecthire.com.
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