Communications & Public Affairs Partner, Africa at Roche Kenya

The Position

Communications & Public Affairs Partner, Africa

 The Communications and Public Affairs Partner for Africa will be responsible for leading and overseeing communications and public affairs for key initiatives for the region. Working closely in a network with others, this person will develop, enhanance and communicate about the Roche brand by leading external communications and public relations, internal communications, employee engagement and potentially other domains, such as philanthropic programs and activities. 

Because of the networked, no-borders approach Roche takes to ensure we are doing now what patients need next, the Communications and Public Affairs Partner will regularly work with colleagues from other countries, regions, and areas of the business. 

In this position, s/he will be primarily accountable for:

1. Leading and managing complex regional communications projects and the implementation of multi-stakeholder engagement strategies. S/he will be responsible for using their insights to develop effective internal and external positioning and enhancing the overall reputation of the Roche affiliate/region, Roche products and services and the value these bring to patients, providers and other external parties  
2. Representing the Africa communications community on key Roche initiatives and leading communications efforts on key programmes such as employee engagement strategies, regional digital strategies, and public health awareness campaigns. 
3. Acts as media spokespersons for the Roche affiliate with national and local media as well as supporting and coaching other media spokespeople in preparation for interviews
4. Managing the execution of high-profile events and initiatives in collaboration with partners (includes supervising logistics and leading event programming)
5. Working closely with internal colleagues, partner agencies and vendors to ensure timely and effective project implementation

 The main key success factors for the Communications and Reputation Manager will be:

1. Stakeholder management- Positively and proactively engage with stakeholders to co-create solutions with them and build relationships based on trust and respect.
2. Project planning and management: define project scope and schedule while focusing on regular and timely delivery of strategic value; organize and lead project status and working meetings; prepare and distribute progress reports; manage risks and issues; correct deviations from plans; and perform delivery planning for assigned projects
3. Team management: work closely with teams, holding them accountable for their commitments, removing roadblocks, and leveraging organizational resources to improve capacity for project work and deliver impact
4. Leaning in: Become an active part of the Roche network, using an enterprise approach and optimising network capacity, intentionally sharing knowledge and re-purposing with pride.

Key Functional Skills/Competencies Used in this Position

1. Expert leadership- Has a deep understanding of the overall business and our markets, a deep understanding of the public affairs ecosystem and the ability to influence, mobilise people behind a shared vision and shape conversations. Is a trusted partner to leaders.
2. Experience of +7 years in leading external communications in similar African role strongly preferred.  
3. Strategic thinking- Designs insight driven communications and public affairs strategies that articulates our vision and business priorities with the interests of our audiences; identifies trends, actionable insights and opportunities that can help shape the environment and foster positive stakeholder relationships. Visionary, and outcome focused. 
4. Agile mindset- Is open minded and curious with a learners mindset; anticipates and leads responses to changes in the external environment that impacts our stakeholders and finds new ways to approach opportunities. 
5. Team collaboration- Collaborates and builds networks across stakeholders (internal and external), countries, functions and divisions. Co-creates and ensures continued, active cross functional planning and implementation. Experience working in a matrix-style operating model as well as in a multicultural environment, with multi-function teams working across countries an advantage. 
6. Insights driven- considers audience insights in the development of plans, initiatives and experience design Delivers differentiative value-adding experiences across a range of channels to reach, influence and engage audience, all aligned with business priorities. Has experience in the healthcare industry, with knowledge of topics and trends affecting the business, such as IP, legal, trade, and health policy. Knowledge and experience in Africa strongly preferred.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification

Skills/Abilities

1. Deep understanding of communications and public affairs landscape in Africa 
2. Strong business acumen with a learning mindset 
3. Captures insights and behaviours to inform strategy 
4. Fosters cross-functional collaboration, to co-create solutions aligned with stakeholder needs and business priorities
5. Excellent interpersonal skills and intercultural understanding
6. Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple projects and competing demands
7. In-depth knowledge and understanding of business needs with the ability to establish/maintain high level of customer trust and confidence
8. Excellent oral and written communications skills and demonstrated excellence in relationship building and partnering at all levels within an organisation
9. Creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while maintaining the “big picture” view
10. Ability to enable engagement, helping others to connect with vision and strategy 
11. Flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm
12. Excellent command of English