Head of Stakeholder Engagement (GMCA)

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

The Head Stakeholder Engagement will lead the strategic direction and execution of stakeholder engagement initiatives within the Government Relations, Public Policy, and Sustainability division. This senior leadership position requires an innovative, proactive approach to building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, guiding the Foundation’s strategic public policy and sustainability agenda, and driving forward-thinking solutions in alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. The role will involve collaborating closely with the executive team, senior leaders, and external partners to shape and communicate corporate strategy while managing high-impact initiatives that advance the social impact development agenda.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:

• Lead and build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across government, private sector, non-profits, and global development organizations to drive shared goals in social impact and sustainability.
• Foster relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to influence policy decisions that align with the Foundation’s objectives.
• Design and implement global and regional strategies for stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the organization’s perspective is represented at the highest levels.
• Oversee and direct the Foundation’s participation in key international forums, coalitions, and conferences, ensuring high-level representation and alignment with strategic goals.

Research, Insight & Strategic Thought Leadership:

• Provide strategic insights and horizon scanning for emerging issues in government relations, sustainability, and social justice, ensuring the organization is proactive in anticipating and responding to shifts in the external environment.
• Lead the creation of a dynamic knowledge repository of best practices and cutting-edge research to inform and support the Foundation’s objectives.
• Direct the analysis of policy trends and social development issues, crafting scenarios to anticipate potential impacts on the organization’s strategies and outcomes.
• Ensure the Foundation’s thought leadership is positioned in relevant forums, elevating its role in public policy and social responsibility discussions.

Development of Stakeholder Engagement Frameworks:

• Establish a robust and scalable framework for engaging with strategic stakeholders, ensuring consistency and impact in all external engagements.
• Create clear, actionable strategies for influencing public policy and achieving desired social outcomes in alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
• Lead the development of key advocacy messages, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and ensuring the organization’s voice is heard in the shaping of social impact and sustainability policies.

Funding & Strategic Partnership Development:

• Identify and lead initiatives to secure funding and strategic partnerships that support the Foundation’s mission and sustainability objectives.
• Build and maintain a network of potential partners, including corporations, foundations, and multilateral organizations, to generate funding and in-kind support for key initiatives.
• Develop and manage high-level relationships with funding bodies, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s goals and long-term sustainability objectives.

Stakeholder & Reputation Management:

• Oversee and drive stakeholder relations, managing reputational risk and enhancing the organization’s profile among key influencers and decision-makers.
• Ensure early engagement with stakeholders to address potential issues before they become reputational risks, collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide timely solutions.
• Represent the organization in leadership forums, ensuring that key insights and updates are communicated effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead crisis and issue management efforts, ensuring that the organization is well-positioned to handle sensitive matters with the appropriate communication strategies.

Strategic Process & Planning Delivery:

• Direct the development and execution of annual and ad-hoc strategic plans, ensuring that key stakeholder engagement objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the implementation of strategic initiatives, managing resources effectively to deliver high-impact projects.
• Continuously refine and improve processes to ensure high-quality delivery, operational efficiency, and organizational alignment.

Budget and Financial Oversight:

• Oversee the planning and management of the annual budget, ensuring that resource allocation aligns with strategic priorities.
• Ensure that budget forecasting, reporting, and financial decisions support the overall sustainability and impact objectives of the Foundation.
• Manage expenses related to stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring timely and accurate submission and adherence to financial protocols.

Governance, Risk & Compliance Management:

• Ensure adherence to governance frameworks, managing risk and ensuring that all activities align with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Lead the development of governance processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission and corporate objectives.
• Monitor the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement strategies and adjust as needed to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at the executive and governmental level.
• Strong strategic thinking and conceptualization, with the ability to drive innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience in leading teams and large, complex initiatives.
• In-depth understanding of government relations, public policy, sustainability, and social responsibility.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate complex issues into actionable strategies.
• Advanced relationship-building skills with a track record of engaging with high-level stakeholders.
• Strong crisis and reputation management capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
• 8-12 years of experience in senior stakeholder engagement, government relations, or public policy roles, with a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and initiatives.
• Experience working with government, global organizations, multilateral agencies, and NGOs, as well as corporate sector partners.
• Deep understanding of sustainability, shared value, and corporate citizenship frameworks.
• Proven experience in fundraising, partnership development, and securing funding to support strategic objectives.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and communicate strategically at all levels.
• Excellent networking skills, with a keen understanding of political, social, and economic trends influencing public policy.
• Strong leadership and personnel development skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and motivate others to achieve organizational goals.
• Highly adaptable and results-focused, with the ability to lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in digital tools and platforms for stakeholder management, research, and communications.

Mental & Environmental Demands:

• High pressure and deadline-driven environment requiring strategic prioritization and decision-making.
• Effective management of both internal and external relationships, including complex stakeholder dynamics.
• Occasional non-regular working hours and travel required to meet the demands of key events, conferences, and global initiatives.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised