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The number 1 Top Employer in Africa and South Africa. 
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Role Description:

 

The ideal candidate is a public policy and regulatory leader, passionate about Vodacom and our purpose to connect for a better future. A deeply strategic thinker with experience in navigating highly regulated industries across the African continent and the ability to grasp complex technical and policy issues.

 

This role will under the direction of the Chief External Affairs Officer partner closely with the global External Affairs leadership team that is dealing with several critical public policy and regulatory challenges, including digital and financial inclusion, spectrum licensing, proliferation of digital services and financial services, as well as economic growth and post-pandemic recovery. 

 

The ideal candidate has proven to be able to manage a team in a matrix organisation, devise a regional strategy, has deep knowledge of policy and regulatory dynamics across Vodacom’s footprint (DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia) and an appreciation of global debates on policy and regulations in the communications and/or financial services industry.Your responsibilities will include:

 

Identify, monitor and analyse policy and regulatory issues affecting Vodacom operating companies (DRC, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt). Devise proactive strategies to solve existing challenges and drive business growth.    

Identify, monitor and analyse policy and regulatory issues affecting Vodacom operating companiesDevelop a co-ordinated group / op.co strategy and plan for engagement with respective stakeholders on regulatory and public policy issues Leverage synergies available within Vodafone and Vodacom groupsProvide world class public policy and regulatory support to:All Vodacom Group companies (South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, D.R.C., Lesotho, Tanzania)Vodacom business entitiesSafaricom entities (Kenya, Ethiopia).

 

Manage a regional team of senior public policy and regulatory experts    

Develop and manage a high performing Vodacom Group public policy and regulatory team which contributes to group performance and to the Vodafone global external affairs community

Provide strategic input on regulatory and external affairs issues at group leadership level    

Provide strategic support as requested or required on public policy and regulatory matters to the Chief Officer: External AffairsProvide relevant public policy and regulatory input to Strategy and Business Development function on mergers, acquisitions and new business prospectsPrepare board papers, strategies, plans and proposals for board / executive committee review (Vodacom Group) and operating companies. 

Build coalitions and represent Vodacom in meetings with external stakeholders’ communications Vodacom’s policy positions at public events across Vodacom’s footprint.     

Network with relevant stakeholders’ such as regulators, government, industry-based committees or interest groups, etc.Build coalitions with critical stakeholders and represent Vodacom externally. 

 

The role requires an expert with broad and comprehensive understanding of international laws and regulations applicable in the financial and communications sector in different jurisdictions, the sensitivities involved in reconciling business needs and opportunities with risk minimisation.  The ideal candidate would be required to provide thought leadership and manage a team of senior public policy and regulatory professionals.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

 

Advanced Degree Public Affairs, Politics, Law and/or EconomicsInterest and willingness to travel10-15 years’ experience (including senior management experience) in telecoms, banking or related highly regulated industry i.e. similar socio-economic and security features dealing  with regulation, government / public sector relationship building, etc.Ability to provide leadership and guidance to a team of public policy / regulatory specialists.Ability to navigate a matrix organisation

Technical / Professional Expertise

Experience of senior leadership and management in a matrix organisation working with highly specialised experts.Significant experience and track record of managing strategic outreach with a diverse set of stakeholdersTrack record of identifying, monitoring and analysing policy and regulatory issues across African jurisdictions. Good understanding of policy and regulatory issues facing communication and financial service providers required. Excellent communication skills – written and verbalExperience executing cross-functional campaigns

 

Competency / Performance Drivers

Analysis and Synthesis: Ability to analyse a complex set of information requiring a mixture of technical / professional competencies to comprehend, the ability to synthesise the issue and propose a decisionDecision making: The ability to communicate, influence and negotiate successfully to conclude agreement on complex and important issuesRelationship management: Ability to liaise and communicate effectively externally and to project a positive image of the companyLeadership: Ability to manage, motivate and develop a team of high performance, high skill staff of diverse technical and professions backgrounds.  Ability to provide functional leadership across the businessIntegrity and resilience: Ability to operate / negotiate in high pressure situations, a strong sense of principle and the ability to represent and maintain a principled position in a negative or hostile situation..

 

Closing date for Applications: 20 February 2025. 

The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom Campus. 

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.