Head of Public Affairs and Government Relations

Job Summary

The Head of Public Affairs and Government Relations Southeast Asia Markets will drive the implementation of the Tetra Pak Public Affairs and Government Relations strategy to secure a policy environment that supports, or does not harm, our business objectives and helps identify market opportunities through regulatory and stakeholder engagement.
 
She/he will

• Based on market and policy analysis, this public affairs leader will agree the market policy priorities (strategic and tactical) with the global and market teams and develop a strategy and implementation plan for government relations and public policy engagement in Southeast Asia Markets (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam). This plan will also define the internal and external operating model leveraging partners, agencies, associations and networks available.

• Monitor, engage and advocate on a portfolio of priority policies focused on packaging and circular economy, climate, nature and food and seek innovative and collaborative ways to advocate so the company can be influential in these areas.

• Build and manage relationships with regional (ASEAN), national and state government officials and agencies, policy makers and their key influencers.

• Work in close collaboration with the Sustainability and Communications functions, while creating and executing the annual advocacy plan, to secure stakeholder support and build alliances with industry partners and/or NGOs; represent Tetra Pak in trade associations and stakeholder platforms, leveraging existing opportunities or creating new ones, and mobilizing resources.

• Act as an advisor; support and closely collaborate with the Tetra Pak leadership team in Southeast Asia Markets on Government Relations and Public Affairs matters.

She/he will be part of the global Corporate Affairs team and reports to the Director for Public Affairs and Government Relations, Asia, Middle East and Africa Markets, works in close partnership with the colleagues in Business, Legal, Sustainability and Communication at market level.
 

What you will do

As the Head of Public Affair And Government Relations, you will:
 

• Develop and lead the implementation of a public affairs and government relations strategy and annual work plans for Southeast Asia Markets to shape the policy environment; position Tetra Pak as partner and solution provider in areas critical for securing business continuity and growth such as but not limited to environmental sustainability, circular economy (incl. waste management, EPR for packaging, single use plastics), food (halal certifications, sugar tax, school feeding programs…), fiscal policies (import tariffs and duties, forex restrictions), climate and nature policies; and prevent punitive regulation and government rulings (e.g. bans on packaging or packaging components, import bans or duties impacting our competitiveness).

• Proactively monitor regional, national and state policy and regulatory developments, emerging trends, and other political or public issues with potential business impacts; propose response strategies; ensure risks are managed and opportunities assessed.

• Ensure to build and manage relationships with key policy stakeholders as well as coalitions with competitors/industry, NGOs and other influencers; secure Tetra Pak representation in key industry associations and networks. Organize regular informal engagements for the MD/senior management of Southeast Asia market companies with relevant stakeholders.

• Lead advocacy campaigns and external positioning with government bodies and policy stakeholders; identify external opportunities and platforms to strategically deploy thought leadership activities.

• Ensure to operate with measurable deliverables and metrics that are aligned within the Corporate Affairs function and the country leadership.

• Build / enhance capabilities within local team engaged in regulation, public policy advocacy, ensure adequate external support and manage external firms/consultancy companies.

• Actively participate in Corporate Affairs group meetings and initiatives; ensure proper communication, alignment and coordination with Sustainability, Legal and Communications.

• Monitor the policy landscape in the uncovered countries in the region and drive an escalation or policy engagement plan if needed.

We believe you have

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced Degree in public policy, international affairs, political science, law or similar preferred.

• Min 8 years of related professional experience gained in Southeast Asia in a similar role in a multinational company, public affairs firm, international organization or industry association; preferably related to the food, beverage or packaging industry.

• Significant experience in public affairs, government affairs, environment, sustainability, food and consumer health policy issues; leading advocacy campaigns and working in cross-functional team and business leaders with an exceptional understanding of role of public affairs in driving business goals.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective, innovative and practical public affairs solutions and comprehensive plans that deliver results.

• Highly skilled at anticipating, identifying, and addressing emerging issues and related risks that could impact Tetra Pak’s business.

• Strong grasp of the policymaking process at regional, national, state and local levels, including the ability to identify emerging issues and opportunities, and to develop and implement measurable tactical plans.

• Strong ability to build relationships and use influence with key constituencies with an established track record of collaboration and coalition building in complex environments.

• Recognized as a creative and independent thinker who clearly articulates public policy ideas and is able to develop solutions that lead to workable regulatory and policy outcomes for Tetra Pak.

• Experience in working in a matrix organization and leadership without a direct mandate both as a team member and single contributor.

• A self-starter with proven experience in developing and driving advocacy campaigns with measurable results.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, strong team player, culturally sensitive, diplomacy and tact.

• Outstanding oral and written communications skills with ability to succinctly convey relevant information at the right time and with the proper context and seek input as needed.

• Disciplined worker, well organized, highly motivated, creative and analytical problem solver.

• Demonstrated the ability to manage change, operate with ease in a dynamic environment and in navigating ambiguity to drive decisions.

• Focuses on priorities, goals and outcomes. Makes timely decisions, takes initiative and operates with a sense of urgency and responsiveness.