Associate Principal, Government Affairs at Standard Chartered Bank

Job Summary

• The role of Group Public & Regulatory Affairs (GPRA) is to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, driving the alignment of the Bank’s strategy and global public policy, regulatory and supervisory objectives.
• The remit of the Group is to deliver the Bank's strategy by understanding, influencing, and navigating the public and regulatory policy environment covering policy, regulatory and supervisory issues emanating in key markets and developing engagement strategies that position the Bank in a constructive manner.
• The Associate Principal of Government Affairs, AME (Africa) role sits within the Government Affairs team, under the direct supervision of the Head of Government Affairs, AME, and collaborates across Government Affairs, GPRA and business partners to support the design and delivery of government engagement with governments and institutions across our global network. 
• The Associate Principal of Government Affairs Africa is responsible for conducting research, analysing policy and political developments, coordinating outreach to key government and policy stakeholders, writing briefs, contributing to speeches, and supporting organisational initiatives and planning cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner across Group Public & Regulatory Affairs to align on policy, regulatory and thematic priorities.
• Have a track record of operating in a partnership style and in a complex, global and matrix organisation to support the design and implementation of engagement strategies towards an identified outcome. 
• Have experience with working with government officials, policymakers, trade associations, think tanks and other influencers, as well as international networks/foreign ministries.
• Monitor and track relevant policy and political developments. 
• Possess strong project management, communication (written and verbal) and analytical capabilities. 
• Partner with Group Public & Regulatory Affairs teams to prepare speeches, briefing notes, position papers and other written materials including timely and succinct political and policy analyses and insights.
• Collaborate with and support colleagues across multiple teams, functions and regions to ensure continuous improvement of content development and delivery. 

Strategy:

• Work in collaboration with Group Public & Regulatory Affairs partners, the Head of Government Affairs and the business to support the design and implementation of an engagement strategy that delivers outcomes for GPRA’s policy imperatives and thematic topics, including leveraging thought leadership platforms, nurturing relationships in bilateral engagement, and building the bank’s profile.
• Identify internal stakeholders and partners that are critical to the design and implementation of the region’s engagement strategy.
• Ensure Group Public & Regulatory Affairs strategies are in support of the Bank’s strategic direction and growth aspirations. 

Risk Management:

• Use engagement strategy to proactively identify, disseminate and provide advice on political and regulatory changes/practices and associated risks. 
• Collaborate with the other GPRA pillars and across the Bank to anticipate horizon risks that may have a significant impact on the Bank. 
• Set up a strong communication channel between the business and GPRA to ensure a mutual understanding of business priorities, risks and opportunities.
• Fluent and active on the political, regulatory and policy priorities in the region. 

Regulatory & Business Conduct:

• Display exemplary conduct and live by the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct. 
• Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across the Bank. This includes understanding and ensuring compliance with, in letter and spirit, all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and the Group Code of Conduct.
• Support the GPRA team to achieve the outcomes set out in the Bank’s Conduct Principles.
• Effectively and collaboratively identify, escalate, mitigate and resolve risk, conduct and compliance matters.
• Live the commitments of our Here for Good brand promise, acting as a role model for others.

Business:

• Provide robust challenge to all relevant stakeholders and escalate as necessary, until appropriate oversight and ownership is achieved including identifying action owners to initiate plans or a strategy which addresses any action needed.
• Build and maintain an effective and constructive relationship with all key business and functional stakeholders that is based on trust, capability and integrity, providing timely, responsive and quality support to enable the Bank to achieve its strategic objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

• This candidate will require experience and a strong track record in supporting the design and implementation of innovative, strategic and systematic engagement activities that are measurable and aligned with the vision of GPRA.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in delivering engagement programmes and possess a strong understanding of the political and policymaking systems.
• The preferred candidate is fluent on the key policy issues facing a global bank (e.g., trade, financial markets, sustainable finance, carbon markets, data, digital trade, and AI, etc). 
• Essential education: University degree, preferably in Law, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or International Relations. 
• Demonstrate the ability to influence and collaborate with internal stakeholders across multiple disciplines, levels, cultures and geographies; and with external stakeholders. 
• Ability to work under pressure, successfully planning and delivering multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic environment. 
• Proven strategic planning and stakeholder engagement experience. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information in a clear and compelling manner to a variety of audiences and cultures. 
• Ability to recognise and leverage opportunities to increase corporate reputation. 
• Strong judgement, excellent problem-solving, flexibility, organisation and diplomacy skills. A trusted team player with a "can-do" attitude, able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Essential work experience: at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Compliance Policies and Standards
• Manage Change
• Manage Projects
• Managing regulatory relationships.