Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Specialist

Overview:

Our client, a highly influential industry association is seeking a dynamic and competent Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Specialist, who wants to be part of a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging with external & internal stakeholders to change perceptions and influence positive outcomes on behalf of the organisation and member organisations. The post holder is expected to have inside-out knowledge of the FMCG sector with established links to seek out opportunities to maximize on the positive impact of the association’s work. Working with industry and management, the incumbent will help protect and enhance the organisation's reputation, ensuring stakeholders are engaged and understand our initiatives. The post holder will liaise with internal stakeholders and member organisations, to ensure that overall engagement is well planned, structured, and documented. Engagement should be focused and efficient to deliver a consistent and coherent message. Key to this role is the support of proactive engagement with key decision makers in government and regulatory bodies to enable the organisation’s member organisations to trade better.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive stakeholder mapping engagement programme to support the delivery of the organisation and the organisation’s foundation strategies
• Optimise relationships and communications with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Influence regulatory and public policy processes to the benefit of the association’s member organisations
• Track and maintain a detailed awareness of the key regulatory issues facing the industry and facilitate the development strategic responses as required
• Drive industry advocacy for long-term economic reforms, through up-to-date research and industry data. This includes, conducting research to support the development of submissions to relevant government and regulatory authorities
• Identify partnership and funding opportunities to drive the Foundation’s strategy and programmes
• Implement engagement initiatives to promote the organisation’s brand and secure partnerships and enhance growth opportunities
• Expand stakeholder relations in the region, continent and internationally
• Develop initiatives/events for multi-stakeholder forums – anchored on the principle of thought leadership
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop key messages for respective initiatives

Communications

• Work proactively across the business to identify opportunities for brand awareness and enhancement
• Develop and guide strategy for all communications mediums and materials to consistently articulate key messages, strategy and mission to staff and external stakeholders
• Implement the digital and social media strategy, ensuring communication mediums remain current and relevant to the audience
• Maintain the organisation’s communication platforms and ensure brand consistency and up-to-date information on all communication platforms and materials
• Manage a programme of internal stakeholder activities for staff and the Board to maintain a high level of engagement and awareness of business activities.
• Own and manage the organisation’s presence at events. Proactively identifying and secure speaking opportunities and work with speakers to prepare material

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree in political science/law/international relations/economy and a minimum of 5 years’ experience at senior management level
• Experience in highly regulated industries, stakeholder relations and track record of establishing strong governmental and regulatory authority relationships
• Experience working with public benefit organisations is essential
• Research capability will be an advantage
• Strong networking skills and the ability to seek out and build constructive working relationships
• Excellent project planning skills and track record of delivering effective stakeholder communications campaigns
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of