Head of Government Relations at VFD Group

Job Summary

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with relevant government departments, agencies, and regulators to ensure an enabling environment for VFD Group and its subsidiaries

Strategic Tasks:

• Represent the Company at government functions as approved by Management to achieve corporate presence and promote the VFD Group and or its subsidiaries brand.
• Continuously assist in reviewing the company’s government/agencies/regulators’ activities, make recommendations for improvement, guidelines and implement approved initiatives to ensure enhanced performance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including ministries, government agencies and associated regulators.

Operational Responsibilities

• Government and Regulatory Relations
• Identify key government stakeholders, agencies/regulators and initiate regular meetings with them as required.
• Provide relevant guidance and recommendations to the management of VFD Group and its subsidiaries on issues relating to government regulations and requirements.
• Establish, develop, and maintain effective corporate relationship with identified government stakeholders. Ensure that the Company’s management has adequate access to such key stakeholders as required.
• Develop and maintain an accurate database of all regulations/regulatory requirements that affect VFD Group and its subsidiaries’ operations
• Follow up with relevant government agencies, ministries, and regulators on approvals, permits etc.
• Plan and manage the material resources of the unit to optimize performance and enhance productivity.
• Monitor and control the budgetary needs as it relates to Government Relations and regulators’ management.
• Liaise with statutory bodies and external solicitors on related securities.
• Support with related protocol services and other security affairs management.
• Community Relations
• Conduct regular governmental and industry audits and provide periodic intelligence reports on emerging issues, developments/trends as required.
• Manage all communal relationship and communication as directed by management from time to time
• Others
• Provide advisory support on key government and regulators matters especially as it relates to all the company’s business lines.
• Prepare/compile agreed periodic activity and performance reports for the attention of the Group CEO and related Excos
• Develop and implement the unit’s work programs and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Group CEO and Excos
• Manage inter-functional relations (Legal, Compliance, Recovery and Risk) to ensure synergy across the various departmental functions.
• Perform other tasks as assigned from time to time.

Specification/ Qualifications

• First Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate/ professional qualification in a related field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of five (5) years work experience.

Competence Requirements:

• Core Skills
• Excellent people management
• Good understanding of the industry
• Goal getter and tactical.
• In-depth understanding of the organization’s business.
• Good communication skills.
• Attention to details.
• Good Management abilities.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles
• Excellent communication & presentation skills
• Negotiation
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant accounting tools