Africa Public Policy Manager, Access and Connectivity

SUMMARY:
Client is looking for a public policy expert for a six-month cover (Feb 2025 - Jul 2025) who can combine a passion for technology's potential to create opportunity and to make Africa more open and connected, with deep knowledge of the political and regulatory dynamics across key SADC countries in Africa. 
As the Manager of Public Policy, Southern Africa Region, you will become part of a wider Africa, Middle East, and Turkiye (AMET) team that is addressing some of the most interesting public policy challenges of our times including enabling and regulating emerging technologies, privacy, safety and security, freedom of expression, Internet shutdowns, the impact of the Internet on economic growth, and new opportunities for democratic engagement.

POSITION INFO:
Role & Responsibilities:

• Monitor key countries across SADC, with focus on South Africa, for policy issues at the intersection of technology, social media, emerging market entry/growth
• Produce written briefing documents of pressing policy issues and in preparation for filings, meetings, and presentations
• Work with internal, cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to address concerns and issues related to content on Company's platforms
• Inform and support Company's investment agenda and programs across SADC
• Work with teams to promote the use of Company’s platforms for citizen engagement to policymakers and NGOs and other political influencers
• Work with teams and external policy and civil society partners to create and implement country and regional policy programs
• Represent the Company in meetings with government officials and policymakers
• Build coalitions to help advance and support key policy issues
• Communicate Company's positions on key policy issues in public presentations to a wide range of audiences
• Identify and advise the Company on emerging public policy issues
• Support the Sub-Saharan Africa Public Policy team on any other priority policy issues and programs

• At least 5-10 years significant demonstrated experience in legislation and/or government relations and advocacy
• A keen understanding of political systems and relevant policy and civil society institutions across SADC
• Significant experience living and working in South Africa
• Excellent judgment, excellent communication and persuasive skills, creativity, perspective, the ability to work with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment
• Experience in policy engagement or development with or for a multinational corporation or civil society institution
• A passion for connecting the unconnected, and extensive experience with relevant policy issues, including internet governance, content regulation, data privacy, human rights/free expression, taxation, net neutrality, child online protection, etc.
• Superb written and oral communications skills (writing samples required)
• Fluency in both written and conversational English required, and native fluency in at least one other South African language greatly preferred
• The interest and ability to travel frequently (at least 50%) throughout the region