Title:  Head of Government Affairs for East and Southern Africa

Job Summary

The Head of Corporate Affairs for East & Southern Africa Markets (SSA) leads the implementation of Tetra Pak’s public affairs and government relations strategy to secure a supportive policy environment, protect business objectives, and identify opportunities through informed regulatory and stakeholder engagement.

Based on market and policy analysis, this role aligns strategic and tactical policy priorities with global and market teams and develops a focused strategy and action plan for government relations and public policy engagement across East & Southern Africa, with priority on Kenya and South Africa. The plan defines the internal and external operating model, leveraging partners, agencies, associations, and networks.

The role monitors, engages, and advocates on key policy areas including packaging and circular economy, climate, nature, and food systems, identifying collaborative and innovative advocacy approaches to strengthen Tetra Pak’s influence.

It also builds and manages relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, policymakers, and influencers at all relevant levels.
Close collaboration with Sustainability and Communications is essential to drive the annual advocacy plan, build alliances with industry and NGOs, represent Tetra Pak in associations and platforms, and mobilize resources as needed.

This role serves as a strategic advisor to the East & Southern Africa leadership team on government relations and public policy. The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

What you will do

As the Head of Corporate Affairs, you will: 

• Develop and lead the public affairs and government relations strategy and annual work plans for East & Southern Africa to influence the policy environment and position Tetra Pak as a partner and solution provider on issues critical to business continuity and growth. Key areas include environmental sustainability, circular economy (e.g., waste management, EPR, single‑use plastics), food (e.g., food loss and waste, sugar tax, school feeding programs), fiscal policies (tariffs, duties, forex restrictions), climate, and nature. Preventing punitive regulation is a core priority.
• Proactively monitor policy and regulatory developments at regional, national, and state levels; identify emerging trends and issues; assess risks and opportunities; and propose response strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key policy stakeholders, industry peers, NGOs, and influencers. Ensure active representation in relevant industry associations and networks, and organize strategic engagements for the Managing Director and senior leadership.
• Lead advocacy campaigns and external positioning with government bodies and policy stakeholders; identify platforms and opportunities for thought leadership.
• Operate with clear, measurable objectives aligned with Corporate Affairs and country leadership.
• Strengthen internal capabilities related to regulatory affairs and public policy advocacy; secure appropriate external support and manage external partners and consultancy firms.
• Monitor the policy landscape across uncovered countries in the region and initiate escalation or engagement plans when required.

We believe you have

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, international affairs, political science, law, or related fields preferred.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in East & Southern Africa in public or corporate affairs roles within multinational companies, public affairs firms, international organizations, or industry associations—ideally in the food, beverage, or packaging sectors.
• Strong experience in public affairs, government affairs, sustainability, environment, food, and consumer health policy, with a proven ability to lead advocacy campaigns and work cross‑functionally with business leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective and practical public affairs strategies and plans that deliver results.
• Strong capability to anticipate and manage emerging policy issues and risks affecting the business.
• Solid understanding of policymaking processes at regional, national, state, and local levels, with the ability to translate insights into actionable advocacy plans.
• Proven ability to build influential relationships and coalitions in complex environments.
• Recognized as a creative, independent thinker able to articulate policy positions and develop workable regulatory solutions.
• Experience navigating matrix organizations and leading through influence.
• A self‑starter with demonstrated success driving advocacy campaigns with measurable outcomes.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and collaboration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to convey key messages clearly and succinctly.
• Highly organized, motivated, and analytical, with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable managing change and ambiguity while driving decisions and progress.
• Focused on priorities, outcomes, and timely decision‑making, with initiative, urgency, and responsiveness.