Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe.
The Public Affairs Division has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a
Public & Government Affairs Manager, Southern Africa
This role provides integrated strategic Public Affairs (PA) leadership, counsel and support for the Southern Africa region and general functional responsibilities to support implementation of the Africa Public Affairs strategy.
The candidate will develop a country level Public Affairs strategy and lead its implementation, developing an annual calendar of activities including internal and external communications programs and tactics. This will also include coordinating Corporate Social Responsibility Programs, while working with the country leadership team.
The candidate will work closely with the Country Manager and other members of the country leadership team to position Dow among internal and key external stakeholders in support of the overall corporate strategy. A close working relationship with Dow’s businesses and functions is essential.
The role is responsible for strengthening the Dow Brand in South Africa through building, enhancing and maintaining a positive reputation in the country and broader Southern region, in line with business development priorities and activities. This includes counselling leaders and PA colleagues on implementation of the strategy as well as leveraging best practices, learnings and tactics when and where appropriate.
The candidate will be a member of the Middle East & Africa Public Affairs team and of the broader global Public Affairs organization. The Candidate needs to have a strategic mindset, methodical manner, capable of ensuring adequate processes are in place for rationalizing tactical activities and ensure Public Affairs in Africa continues to play a strategic role.
Qualifications
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or Mass Communications preferred. University degree or equivalent in a related field is desirable.
- Minimum 6-8 years experience as a Public/Media Relations Manager in a Corporation or Agency experience
- Fluency in English, Portuguese and French an added advantage, with excellent command of language skills - spoken and written.
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of all PA disciplines
- This role will require in country travel and occasional continental / international travel
Communications Expertise
PA / GA Responsibilities:
- Provide functional support as directed/needed
- Link with key external groups in order to provide counsel back into Dow on the political and socio-economic climate
- Proactively develop, execute and take ownership of creative and complex, multi-stakeholder public affairs/communications plans that change attitudes and behavior; recommend to management
- Develop tailored value propositions, key messages, and proof points to be used as country specific messages under the ME&A umbrella messages. Also advise others in Dow on message/tactic development and able to coach on writing and verbal communications
- Coordinate external communications and events in support of country-specific and business objectives
- Deliver timely counsel and communications support to the Country Manager and Site Leaders
- Design integrated programs that include "e" components; can use web-centric approaches
- Select, optimize and apply measurement tools for both research and evaluation
- Develop a branding and reputation material toolbox consisting of
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- localised presentation
- fact sheets, backgrounders
- visuals – photos & video
- speeches
- Manage Corporate Social Responsibility in Southern Africa and leverage those across the region to build/maintain/enhance local relationships and reputation
- Agency and supplier management
- Represent Southern Africa on the ME&A PA Team and provide a regional perspective on key issues, Corporate and regional programmes
- Member of the South Africa Crisis Management Team (accountability for country crisis communications program) and first line responder for media and other stakeholder groups
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- support country crisis communications plans for PA
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