Public Affairs Manager

ProVeg e.V.; Malaysia; Remote; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A global food sustainability organization is seeking a highly motivated Public Affairs Manager to lead strategic engagement in Spain. This role involves building relationships with key stakeholders in corporate, government, and NGOs to advance sustainable food systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in public affairs and possess exceptional communication skills in both Spanish and English.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Mental health support

Work laptop and essential tools

Qualifications

• At least seven years of experience in public affairs or advocacy in Spain.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Spanish policy-making structures.
• Proven track record in relationship building with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a 3-year strategy for corporate and policy engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in government and NGOs.
• Monitor legislative developments and draft policy briefs.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication skills

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy and corporate engagement efforts in Spain. This critical role will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key corporate, government, and NGO stakeholders to advance our mission of fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system, with a specific focus on accelerating the protein transition and advocating for more ambitious action from supermarkets and government.

You will be responsible for cultivating relationships with food companies (particularly retailers) and policymakers, positioning ProVeg as a trusted partner on healthy, sustainable diets and protein diversification. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the Spanish political landscape, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of influencing decision-makers.

Job Details

Reports to: Senior Communications Manager - ProVeg Spain
Location: Remote, based in Spain, within travelling distance of Madrid
Hours: Full-time (40h/week)
Key relationships:

• Corporate Engagement Managers, PV Countries
• Senior Policy Manager, EU Policy
• Other relevant internal departments and external stakeholders

Tasks

• Working closely with ProVeg International, develop and implement a 3-year strategy for corporate and policy engagement in Spain, with clear annual objectives and key results.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government institutions, policymakers, supermarket federations, major food retailers, foodservice companies, and NGOs.
• Monitor national legislative developments related to sustainability and food systems; draft policy briefs and advocacy materials to influence decisions on the protein transition.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase Spanish supermarkets' ambition regarding the protein transition, encouraging target-setting and promoting best practices for increasing the share of plant-based sales.
• Conduct ongoing research and analysis of public opinion, consumer trends, and scientific developments related to plant-based diets to shape evidence-led strategy.
• Work closely with the Senior Communications Manager to develop impactful strategic communication plans to drive public and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent ProVeg at national B2B conferences, food systems roundtables, and other strategic events.
• Organise and facilitate stakeholder engagement initiatives, including roundtables and webinars.
• Identify relevant Spanish funding opportunities and support the development of funding proposals led by ProVeg International.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, International Relations, or a related field; further studies e.g. MBA an asset.
• At least seven years of experience in public affairs, policy, or advocacy in Spain, ideally in the fields of food systems, public health, or sustainability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Spanish policy-making structures, key stakeholders, and legislative processes.
• A proven track record of building relationships with government agencies, supermarket executives, NGOs, and thought leaders.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in both Spanish (native or near-native level) and English.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with an eye for detail.
• Ability to synthesise complex data and policy insights into compelling strategies and messaging.
• Self-motivated, proactive and collaborative team player.
• Willingness to travel for stakeholder meetings and events.

Preferred:

• Existing network within the Spanish food retail or policy landscape.
• Experience in supermarket engagement or corporate sustainability advocacy

Benefits

• Make a real difference: Help transform the food system as part of a global movement for healthier, more sustainable food.
• Career development: Access a dedicated training budget and development opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office flexibility.
• Wellbeing: Mental health support through Headspace and a strong team culture.
• Equipment: We provide a work laptop and all essential tools.
• Purpose-driven community: Be part of a passionate team working towards impactful change.

When?

Application deadline: 31 August 2025

Start date: As soon as possible

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter addressing your motivation and how you meet the person specification criteria and a CV. Please submit your application in English using our online form on our website.

Unfortunately, applications submitted via JOIN only won't be considered.
Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.

The upcoming steps include:

1. Online Cognitive Aptitude Test and a Personality Test.
2. A first online interview with the People & Culture team.
3. Online trial task.
4. Final interview with the hiring manager.