Associate Director, External Relations, Public Policy & Network Permit at IHS Towers

The Opportunity

• IHS Towers is expanding our global footprint and we are seeking an individual to join our team in Nigeria as Associate Director, External Relations, Public Policy & Network Permit.
• The individual will ensure the company complies with all site-related permits and authorizations as prescribed by regulatory authorities for the telecoms industry, implement the strategic agenda to enhance the company’s reputation and visibility with national, state, regional and global agencies and bodies.
• Additionally, the individual will advice and guide on the public policy initiatives of the government, quasi-government and third-party institutions that may impact the company, its business plan and its operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage the external relations, public policy and network permits team to achieve a positive, innovative and high-performing work culture.
• Ensure strategic actions of the external relations, public policy and network permits team are aligned to the company’s approved business plan.
• Lead the cultivation and continuous improvement of effective working relationships with relevant site/ network permit regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
• Develop, cultivate and maintain relationships with local, state and national partners to advance the company’s thought leadership within association memberships and third-party customer/ consumer groups in the telecoms sector.
• Implement the thought-leadership and reputation-building program to increase visibility of the company across selected platforms and position the company’s leaders in front of key decision-makers in accordance with the approved stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Manage the company’s relationship, objectives and reputation with public policy bodies and multilateral agencies. Leverage membership of various platforms and associations to extract value for the business.
• Make presentations and/ or oversee the preparation of presentations to government agencies, community groups, and the general public as applicable. Support management in the preparation of presentations to the public to ensure consistency of messaging.
• Navigate complex issues and establish common ground with multiple constituencies among external partners who may have differing and often opposing perspectives.
• Support the leadership team to develop a consistent and compelling narrative of the company’s activities and impact. Carry out engagement activities/ initiatives to raise the company’s brand profile and increase reach among current and potential external stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of developments in the legislative/ public policy arena, including emerging and current public policy trends and new policies. Develop submissions and position papers for presentation to key external stakeholders.
• Prepare various periodic and ad hoc reports to update executive management on key policy developments.
• Drive company and industry initiatives through industry bodies and with industry stakeholders
• Prepare periodic papers and advise the team/ business of key public and regulatory developments pertaining to ICT/ telecoms, emerging technology, digital and financial inclusion, etc.
• Ensure optimization of company resources through the adoption of cost-effective strategies in negotiation/ engagement with various levels of government agencies/ bodies in relation to sundry site-based demands.
• Identify and proffer practical solutions to mitigate network/ site permit risks and develop risk management strategies. · Drive synergies by identifying and managing cross-functional dependencies pertaining to network/ site permits across the business. · Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director, Regulatory Affairs & Government Relations

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Law.
• +15 years’ relevant work experience, including 8 years in a regulatory affairs function involving hands-on regulatory compliance and stakeholder relationship management within the telecoms sector
• At least 4-5 years of people management experience at senior management level.
• Solid experience and understanding of the Nigerian telecommunications industry and regulatory framework.
• Demonstrable ability to plan and execute numerous complex projects under pressure.
• Proven business acumen and superior judgement.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Relationship Building
• Organizational Alignment
• Organizational Awareness
• Influencing Skills

Functional Competencies:

• Industry Knowledge
• Regulatory, Compliance & Governance
• Customer Ecosystem
• Public Policy
• Strategic Networking
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Negotiation Skills

Organizational Competencies:

• Customer Focus - People demonstrating this competency understand & exceed our customers’ needs. They develop trusted, reliable & collaborative relationships. They are consistently operating to the highest standards of service & delivery.
• Innovation - People demonstrating this competency constantly seek new & improved ways to deliver our products & services. They champion engineering & skills development, and work to create a collaborative and supportive operating environment.
• Integrity - People demonstrating this competency are open & honest in everything they do. They support financially & environmentally sustainable growth. They make socially responsible decisions and treat their stakeholders with respect.
• Be Bold - People demonstrating this competency are thorough in analyses & decision-making. They are courageous in expanding existing markets & developing new ones. They confidently pursue appropriate financial returns and are forward-thinking and ambitious.