Overview:Our client, a highly influential industry association is seeking a dynamic and competent Communications and Public Affairs Lead who wants to be part of a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end communications strategy and execution for the organisation as well as executive communications on behalf of the industry ensuring that appropriate processes, systems and structures are in place to manage the communication of complex compliance with the legal and regulatory landscape.Reporting to the Executive: Legal, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement, this role will lead, develop, and execute traditional and digital communications strategies for all the organisation's programmes, and initiatives, including developing relationship with key stakeholders. The C&PA Lead will leverage and improve the organisation's publications, reports, events, and digital media content to elevate and maintain the organisation's position as the leading industry association in the industry. The C&PA Lead will serve the critical role of translating policy, legislation and research, into formats that help the organisation, members, policymakers and the public understand the complexities of the industry, as well as identify opportunities to influence the public dialogue & perceptions, share their expertise and policy analysis, and foster stronger, evidence-based conversations on critical industry issues.The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for the executives and board members' thought leadership and external initiatives relating to the programmes of the organisation. This includes facilitating and managing messaging, speechwriting, media relations, social media, op-eds and blogs/website, and identifying public appearances at international and domestic conferences and other events. The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for managing and identifying flagship events and monetise such events. Responsibilities:Develop and execute integrated strategic communications plans to promote the organisation's strategic and engagement objectives, including communication and content creation, message development, regulatory and external affairs, media relations, and event supportWrite and lead the development of public facing materials, including webpages, print materials, newsletters, op-eds, social media platforms and other communications and marketing collateralPlan and coordinate policy and research announcements on behalf of the organisation and work with outside organizations/entities, such as government officials, NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions and private sector partners, using multifaceted communications plans, including launch events, media outreach, social and digital media content, outreach to policymakersIncorporate strategic communications as a core function across all aspects of organisation, including associate brands ensuring consistency across all materials and communicationsMonitor and analyze the impact of the organisation's research and communications strategiesExplore and develop new ways to strengthen the organisation's brand identity and engagement with key stakeholder audiencesDemonstrate political savvy and judgment, and a sense of which opportunities are appropriate for organisation's brandBuild relationships and work collaboratively with communications peers at member organisations and establish a formal platform for regular engagement with membersIdentify and facilitate engagements for growth and new member opportunitiesPerform other duties as assigned and assist in special projectsSkills and Experience:Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, government, public policy, foreign policy or related fieldsExperience in political or policy communications with direct experience in engaging with various policy makers and Government departmentsDemonstrated success leading and developing policy communications in the government, public or private sector leveraging traditional, digital and social media strategiesExperience in policy and research writing for an executive and managing executive and/or policy communications programmeExperience serving as an on the record spokesperson with relationships to top-tier national and international media covering the consumer goods, manufacturing and services sectorsDemonstrated principal management experience, exceptional research and writing skills, an excellent eye for detail, and strong management and organisational skillsProven ability to meet expectations for written style and content for a variety of audiences and platforms, to accept and apply edits and constructive criticism, tailor to the wording and tone of principal or productExtensive experience researching, writing, and editing communications content for executives or public policy thought leaders, or highly visible private sector executives under tight time constraints in a variety of stylesAbility to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertaintiesA deep commitment to promoting and enhancing diversitySuperior communication skills to facilitate requests with internal constituents and extensive experience working with scheduling teamsExceptional writing and storytelling skills, understanding how to create content that draws an audienceKeen attention to detail with strong organisation and time management skills. Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities and deliver on a tight deadlineAbility to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organisationAble and willing to work across global time zones, early morning or evening hours and some weekendsProficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)Education and Professional Requirements:Master's degree in public policy, foreign policy, communications, journalism or related fieldsExperience translating complex policy issues into plain languageIn-depth understanding of the FMCG sector and related industriesExperience speechwritingExperience handling crisis communicationsDemonstrated interest in the role that the private sector plays in influencing public policyProficiency in digital communications tools, graphic design, recording and editing short videos for social media, podcast production and editing, and search engine optimisation (SEO)Competencies: A positive attitude and willingness to work in a teamAttention to detail and high degree of accuracyResponsible, reliable, work systematically and have a high degree of personal integrityProfessional verbal and written communications skillsFollow procedures with a structured approach to problem-solvingBe neat, orderly, organised and self-motivatedAbility to manage your own time effectively and respond positively to different situationsExperience in the FMCG and/or pharmaceutical industries will be an advantage
