Job Description

Main PurposeThe Public Affairs Executive / GM will lead the company's public policy, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership functions. This role is critical for navigating complex policy and regulatory environments and managing relationships with government bodies at local, provincial and national level, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders. The Managing Executive will advance the companys policy agenda, proactively engage with policymakers and regulators, and position the company as a thought leader in the telecommunications and digital communications sectorsRESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES (KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS & TASKS)Public Policy Advocacy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive public policy strategy aligned with corporate objectives, considering the regulatory landscape in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and global developments.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments impacting the telecommunications and digital sectors, advising the C-suite on necessary actions.
• Advocate for favorable policy outcomes through direct proactive engagement with government, regulatory authorities, and relevant industry bodies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and regulatory bodies (e.g., ICASA, Competition Commission, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs etc.).
• Organize and lead engagement sessions with government, civil society, and industry partners to foster a collaborative regulatory environment.
• Act as the liaison with telecommunications associations and other industry groups to ensure alignment on policy issues affecting the sector.

Thought Leadership and Corporate Positioning

• Position the company as a thought leader in digital transformation, connectivity, and socio-economic development by leading research and generating insightful white papers, reports, and public commentary.
• Represent the company at public forums and industry conferences, articulating the companys stance on key issues.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to drive external thought leadership initiatives, promoting the companys contributions to digital transformation and innovation.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Corporate Affairs, Marketing, Branding, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams to align public affairs strategies with business objectives.
• Provide internal teams with expert guidance on policy-related issues
• affecting product launches, service changes, and strategic projects.

Policy Influence and Advocacy

• Demonstrable impact on policy and regulatory outcomes aligned with business objectives.
• Effectiveness of advocacy campaigns and public policy initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement Effectiveness

• Strength and depth of relationships with key stakeholders.
• Quality of feedback and support from government and regulatory bodies.
• Meaningful formal and informal insights on pertinent industry issues with impact to the business.

Thought Leadership Impact

• Quantity and quality of thought leadership content published.
• Recognition and reputation of the company in the telecommunications and digital economy sectors.

Internal Collaboration and Advisory

• Alignment of public affairs strategies with business and operational goals.
• Effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration on policy and regulatory matters.

Competencies and Minimum Requirements:Qualifications:

• Essential Qualification: Bachelors degree in engineering, Political Science, Law, or a related field.
• Preferred Qualification: Post Graduate Degree.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, or stakeholder engagement, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the telecommunications, technology, or digital economy sector.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the South African telecommunications and digital economy regulatory landscape.
• An intimate understanding of the policy development cycle of communications and digital communications sector in South Africa.

Working ConditionsOffice BasedTravel when requiredDisability StatusN/A

Dark Fibre Africa