Microsoft South Africa: Government Relations Manager

Posted on :

7 Aug, 2010

Category :

Communications Jobs in South Africa

Microsoft is recruiting a senior professional to manage its government relations work in South Africa. The Manager will be part of the Microsoft Legal and Corporate Affairs (LCA) team in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Area.

Specific responsibilities of the position include:

Assisting the efforts of subsidiary business leaders to advance Microsoft’s public policy objectives;
Coordinating and integrating policy and government relations work with the subsidiary Public Sector and other government projects teams, with the National Technology and Standards Officers, with the Public Relations lead, and with the Citizenship lead;
Coordinating with and supporting the subsidiary Public Sector team;
Mobilizing on-the-ground corporate affairs activity as needed;
Monitoring and reporting on policy developments; and
Serving as a public advocate for Microsoft policy positions.

The successful candidate will have at least seven years relevant experience in the areas of public policy, and government affairs. A combination of public and private sector work experience would be preferable. Experience and/or relationships with key government officials are a plus. Fluency (written and spoken) in English is required.

Position Profile

Position: Government Relations Manager, Microsoft South Africa

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Key Areas of Responsibility:

The Government Relations Manager acts as general adviser to the business leadership on corporate affairs issues affecting the South Africa subsidiary. Member of the General Manager’s Leadership Team. Provides strategic advice on opportunities and trends in public policy to subsidiary business leaders.

The Government Relations Manager creates ties with governments, industry and community organizations to support the company’s public policy objectives.

The Government Relations Manager assists the efforts of subsidiary business leaders to advance Microsoft’s public policy objectives.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

Plan and implement strategies on public policy issues to promote Microsoft’s business.

Lead efforts to build and sustain relationships with public officials and key influentials on public policy objectives, including on Citizenship and Commercial Software Initiative policy issues.

o Support subsidiary business leaders in Executive Outreach activities.

o Act as a representative of Microsoft in external forums on public policy issues.

Coordinate and integrate policy and government relations work with the subsidiary Public Sector and other government projects teams, with the National Technology and Standards Officers, with the Public Relations lead, and with the Citizenship lead.

Mobilize on-the-ground government affairs-related activity as needed.

Work with trade associations, other NGOs and other companies to advance the company’s public policy agenda and Citizenship objectives.

Play a leading role with respect to the subsidiary Citizenship Initiative, working with the Area Citizenship Lead, PR Lead and heads of other business units to plan and implement programs meant to advance Microsoft’s image and relations with government elites and their influencers.

Ensure that subsidiary needs are considered in the development of company-wide legislative and regulatory strategies.

Monitor and report on policy developments.

Serve as a public advocate for Microsoft policy initiatives.

Participate as a core member of the Area’s Citizenship team, and play a leading role in public policy initiatives; assist the area Citizenship Manager in orchestrating outreach to public officials on Citizenship-related issues.

Candidate Profile

Key Experience:

Seven years of relevant professional activity in South Africa.

Experience in building and managing relationships with key government officials.

A combination of private and public sector work experience.

A strong understanding of business issues and thinking, preferably in the IT sector.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 year studies at university.

Education in public administration (preferred).

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