Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Manager at Nestle

In keeping with our current business needs, Nestle Kenya has a vacancy for the position of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Manager reporting to the Cluster Manager – East Africa.

Applications are hereby required from suitable and qualified candidates to fill the vacant position. The position will be based in Nestle Kenya Office in Industrial Area.

Purpose of the job:

The role is responsible for management of regulatory matters related to products sold by/within the East Africa cluster. This includes management of regulations, compliance of products, labels and all related consumer communications material with local regulations, support for innovation/renovation, participation in elaboration and revision of local regulations in the countries of responsibility, co-ordination of Shared Regulatory Services (where applicable).

Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for Corporate Communications & Public Affairs by building a climate of trust with relevant stakeholders both internally and externally. The incumbent will live and communicate the Nestlé purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future, engage into meaningful social investment activities for individuals and families, communities and the planet, enhance the corporate image and positioning of Nestlé through effective networking and public relations with our key stakeholders, and increase our visibility through mainstream, digital and social media. The role will also manage internal communication and support management by informing, engaging and motivating employees in pursuit of a shared strategic vision and goals.

Key Responsibilities:  

Regulatory Affairs

• Collects and maintains national regulations relevant to product categories sold and advertised by local markets;
• Ensures that relevant units within the cluster, including factories and application groups, are fully aware of regulations and are trained in their application;
• Acts as cluster contact for authorities;
• Develops and maintains documentation to substantiate decisions in labeling and advertising, including products that are imported to, or exported from, local market;
• Continually improves knowledge and awareness of local food regulations.
• Acts as local regulatory Contact Point, ensuring that emerging issues with potential for local/international regulatory impact are communicated;
• Acts as full partner in application of 60/40+ and the Nutritional Compass;
• Ensures legal compliance of product formulations with local regulations;
• Evaluate global Innovation & Renovation initiatives against local regulations, with comprehensive and timely feedback provided to Nestlé Head Office regarding potential regulatory hurdles and suggested solutions for managing the hurdles;
• Participates actively in the elaboration and revision of local regulations, either through trade associations or directly on behalf of the local market;
• Ensures that all relevant functions in local market are kept informed about emerging local regulatory issues and implementation schedules for new regulations.
• Participates in the elaboration of CODEX standards of interest at the national level .
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Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

• Manage Nestlé’s existing CSV (Creating Shared Value) projects and other sustainability projects
• Create a map of key stakeholders and design strategies and action plans for meaningful engagement
• Build Stakeholder Relations and project good corporate citizen image in management of all external relations.
• Monitor social, economic, and political trends that might influence the business.
• Advocate issues and subjects
• Act as an ambassador for the organization, and serves as the regular interface and communicator with stakeholders at various levels.
• Responsible for local adaptation and implementation of Nestlé overall corporate communications policies.
• Define and manage the media strategy as well as implement the annual media plan
• Develop and implement the internal communications plan;
• Manage social and digital media strategy;
• Organise media interviews, press releases and manage media requests and stories;
• Support spokespeople through preparation and documentation;
• Support and advise internal stakeholders in their media activities;
• Prepare press statements and identify change situations requiring special communication efforts;
• Proactively manage and mitigate issues through engagement with relevant stakeholders;
• Design and produce communication programmes tailored to the diverse employee groupings;
• Co-ordinate different communication channels (both internal and external) to ensure consistency of messages.

The ideal candidate should possess the following minimum skills and competencies;

• University degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or Pharmacy
• Minimum of 5 years in business operations, with experience in management of corporate media with a good understanding and awareness of direction of government policies, legislative and regulatory requirements
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with both external and internal stakeholders
• Experience in journalism or external communication agency is desirable
• Experience in applying metrics for evaluating communications effectiveness