About the Role
In this role, you will oversee all communications and public and government affairs activities for a specific geography or business unit. You act as a business adviser managing internal and external advocacy and media relations, crisis and issues communications using integrated communications to promote and protect the organization’s reputation.
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How You Will Contribute
You will drive the communications and government affairs agenda for your operational area, managing all internal and external communications, including media relations and stakeholder and political engagement. You will partner with business unit leaders to support communications and corporate affairs, and may be responsible for public affairs advocacy, government relations, and issues management. Key responsibilities include:
- Promoting leadership categories through effective external media engagement (including social media management)
- Risk and issues management, using best practice engagement systems and empowering team members
- Developing and implementing communication plans that align with business objectives and foster a competitive industry environment
- Implementing a local community engagement strategy in line with global philanthropic efforts
- Ensuring activities are executed within budget
What You Will Bring
You should possess a strong desire to lead and advance your career with experience and knowledge in the following areas:
- Similar position in a fast-moving consumer goods environment in communications, government, or corporate affairs
- Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders within a company
- Proficiency in managing relationships with senior external media and stakeholders, including challenging situations
- Strong writing and communications skills
- Ability to take independent or controversial positions on key issues to facilitate effective decision-making
More About This Role
As the MENAP Lead for External Communications and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for building relationships with business associates and institutions such as industry associations, key customers, and media. Your focus will be on protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation and image. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and delivering external communications programs for corporate activities, including media relations and public relations
- Building, maintaining, and developing government relations
- Advocating for various stakeholders to influence public policies
- Developing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with key business areas
- Managing proactive and reactive media inquiries, releases, statements, and briefings while fostering relationships with journalists
- Overseeing procurement and managing relationships with PR, creative agencies, and suppliers
- Assisting in crisis and reputation management and ensuring business continuity
- Developing media relations strategies to enhance company visibility across key business areas, including mindful snacking and sustainability
- Directing external agency partners for media relations support, including all planning, media training, execution, and KPI reporting
- Creating short- and long-term external company messaging aligned with global communication strategies
- Evaluating media and publicity opportunities based on ROI
- Actively participating in cross-functional initiatives and fostering strong alliances with colleagues
- Maintaining a calendar of executives and media engagements
- Collaborating closely with the digital communications team to manage social media and website content
- Leading communications on external forums and platforms, including media, social media, and speaking opportunities
- Developing comprehensive communications and PR campaigns in collaboration with CGA and marketing teams
- Representing the company at external industry forums and contributing to MENAP-wide initiatives
- Managing market-wide media monitoring
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mass Communications, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field
- Five to seven years of relevant experience in a similar capacity
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in both Arabic and English
- Strong problem-solving abilities and confidence in public speaking
- A current understanding of industry trends
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
- Capacity for analytical and strategic thinking
- Established relationships with industry associations and media outlets
- Proficient knowledge of social media and crisis/issue communication
Contract and Travel
- No relocation support available
Job Type
Regular
Communications and Public & Government Affairs
Corporate & Government Affairs
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
