Head, Communications and Corporate Affairs – West Africa at Unilever

MAIN JOB PURPOSE:

• Managing C&CA for the Unilever West Africa region, Head of C&CA for Unilever Nigeria, business partner / trusted advisor to the Managing Director, West Africa and the Executive Leadership team.
• Work with the West Africa and Nigeria Leadership Teams to align work plans, communications and objectives that promote corporate image and avoid it being brought into disrepute
• Ensure deep, strategic relationships with Governments, Communities, and key Stakeholders to drive Unilever’s image positively, guarantee our licence to operate and manage short term issues
• Develop strategies with relevant stakeholders for partnerships and programs to support Unilever’s sustainability agenda in West Africa.

JOB SUMMARY

The role has the following main accountabilities:

• Developing and implementing a strategy of engagement and strategic relationships with Government, industry, and others to support the business and secure our licence to operate.
• Implementing issues and crisis management processes and proactively / reactively managing reputational threats.
• Motivating and enthuse employees behind Unilever’s leadership, vision, sustainable living and growth ambition.
• Providing top quality strategic political and communications guidance to the West Africa Leadership team, Africa and Global Communications and Corporate Affairs teams.
• Driving an integrated programme of communication aligning West Africa within the Africa business and with Unilever’s global objectives, ensuring seamless roll out of global policy.
• Sharing resources in Africa and the region, use budgets effectively, collaborate and innovate to ensure communications plays a full role in delivering cost and margin targets.
• Supporting financial and sustainability reporting and investor communications with shareholders and regulators for our listed business in the region.

KEY EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

• At least 10 – 15 years relevant experience, ideally with a multinational or cross border company
• Ability to bring in good networks and experience with industry, media and government
• Familiar with the FMCG business, brands, and marketing
• West Africa regional experience, ideally including the Francophone region
• High impact communication skills including message design & delivery expertise
• Public policy and external environment analytical prowess
• High editorial skills with super attention to detail
• 3P Communications Agency management experience
• Traditional and new media channel management experience
• End to End project management skill
• Strategic thinker, proactive self-driven champion,
• Prolific influencer with high executional prowess
• Accessible, resourceful, and prolific
• Team player with both inter and intra-functional capability
• High business acumen

KEY INTERFACES

Internal

• West Africa and Nigeria Leadership team
• Africa C&CA team
• Unilever global functions