Government Relations Lead - Kenya

About the Role:
BURN is looking for a Government Relations Lead who will be responsible for developing and executing effective government relations strategies that represent the organization's business plans and interests. This role supports the Director of Corporate Affairs to ensure that the organization effectively navigates the political landscape and advocates for its interests.

Candidates will show a good understanding of the policy environment and political processes in East Africa. Ideally, candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills as well as a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs, Head of Carbon Strategy and Head of Communications to drive BURN's mission and vision with governments, enhancing the company's brand while supporting the policy team initiatives managing crisis communication, and ensuring that all communication with public officials is aligned with the organization's goals and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Implement government relations strategies to engage with government officials and agencies that align with the organization’s goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Initiate and maintain relationships with government representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Monitoring Legislation: Track and analyse legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the organization, providing timely updates to leadership.
• Advocacy and Lobbying: Advocate for the organization’s interests, preparing position papers, briefs, and presentations to communicate key messages effectively.
• Policy Analysis: Evaluate existing and proposed policies, providing insights and recommendations to inform organizational responses.
• Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams, including Communications, Carbon, Commercial, and Legal departments to ensure a cohesive approach to government relations.
• Event Coordination: Attend, as might be required from time to time, meetings, briefings, and events with government officials to foster dialogue and promote the organization’s initiatives.
• Public Affairs: Lead projects on public affairs strategies to enhance the organization’s reputation and visibility within the government sector.
• Reporting: Prepare reports and analyses for on government relations activities, outcomes, and strategic recommendations.
• Develop messaging and content for external affairs, including white papers, position papers, press releases, speeches, presentations, and other materials that enhance the organization's brand and promote its values, ensuring all communications are consistent, accurate, and aligned with the company's tone of voice and messaging guidelines.
• Enhance the effectiveness of government relations efforts within an organization by curating communications that target the government as follows:
  •  Message Development: Craft clear, consistent messages that align with the organization's goals and resonate with government stakeholders.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Help identify and engage key government officials, agencies, and influencers, fostering relationships that can benefit the organization.
  • Information Dissemination: Manage communication channels to share information about the organization’s initiatives, policies, and impacts with government entities.
  • Advocacy and Lobbying Support: Assist in developing advocacy strategies and materials including press releases, ensuring that the organization’s positions are effectively communicated.
  • Monitoring and Analysis: Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, providing insights and updates to inform organizational strategies.
  • Crisis Communication: Help manage communication with government stakeholders to maintain trust and transparency in times of crisis.
  • Event Coordination: Organize events, meetings, and briefings with government representatives to promote dialogue and collaboration.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Communications, Public Relations, Law or a related field.
• A Master's degree or postgraduate certification in social sciences is desirable.
• 7 - 10 years of relevant experience in government relations, public relations, or related roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of best practices in corporate communication, crisis management, and media relations.
• Must possess exceptional writing skills and be able to compose engaging and accurate content that resonates with external audiences.
• Strong communicator who works well independently and with a team
• Must be resourceful and take initiative even when given minimal direction.