Job Overview
As a key member of the Executive Management Team at Telecel Ghana, the External Affairs Director will provide strategic leadership and counsel to the CEO, Senior Management Team (SMT), and the Board on matters related to external affairs and communications. This role involves engaging with regulatory authorities, government officials, media, and other stakeholders to advance the company’s interests. The ideal candidate will develop and execute an external affairs strategy that aligns with business objectives while safeguarding Telecel Ghana’s reputation, revenue, staff, and assets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Regulatory Affairs
- Define the strategic direction for regulatory, policy, and political engagement to protect and promote Telecel’s interests.
- Lead the development of proactive and reactive engagement plans on key regulatory and policy matters.
- Advocate for favorable regulations through thought leadership and representation.
- Coordinate policy and political engagements for the CEO and SMT in line with business priorities.
Business Risk and Compliance
- Oversee the second line of assurance for high-risk policies.
- Manage the local Risk Management Framework and contribute to global risk assessments.
- Implement a comprehensive due diligence program for stakeholder partnerships.
- Develop business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions and associated risks.
- Ensure compliance with global anti-bribery, sanctions, and trade control programs.
- Promote a culture of ethical conduct through training on the Code of Conduct.
Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement
- Execute a Public Affairs strategy with targeted campaigns to enhance the company’s social contract.
- Influence policy and regulatory changes to improve sector sustainability.
- Lead local communications campaigns to engage policymakers, regulators, and cross-sector alliances.
- Represent the company in stakeholder dialogues and national sustainability initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities
Telecel Foundation Management
- Oversee all foundation activities, including governance, risk management, and reporting.
- Drive fundraising, storytelling, and engagement initiatives in collaboration with communications teams.
- Ensure strong audit performance through coordination with Finance.
Sustainable Business Practices
- Develop and implement ESG and sustainability strategies aligned with the SDGs.
- Advocate for human and digital rights while ensuring transparency in reporting.
External Communications
- Define the strategic direction for corporate communications in alignment with executive priorities.
- Manage media relations, digital storytelling, and crisis communications.
- Ensure consistent messaging across all channels to enhance stakeholder engagement.
- Facilitate media profiling for the CEO, Board, and Senior Management.
Team Leadership
- Mentor and develop the External Affairs team to support organizational growth.
- Ensure compliance with Telecel policies and best practices.
- Implement staff development and succession planning initiatives.
- Provide strategic oversight for all External Affairs activities.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with government officials, regulators, media, and community leaders.
- Collaborate with external customers, third parties, and business forums.
- Represent Telecel Ghana on government and industry committees.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical thinking with the ability to synthesize complex information.
- High integrity and resilience in high-pressure situations.
Technical Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Economics, or Law (Master’s preferred).
- 8-10 years of experience in External Affairs, Regulatory & Risk, or related fields (telecom, finance, or energy sectors preferred).
- 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or Certified Communications Professional (CCP) is a plus.
This role offers a dynamic opportunity to shape Telecel Ghana’s external relations and drive impactful policy changes. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to lead, we encourage you to apply.