Government Relations and Public Policy Lead - Sub-Saharan Africa

TikTok; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social media platform is seeking a Government Relations and Public Policy Leader in Johannesburg to lead their efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This role involves strategic advocacy and relationship building with stakeholders, alongside managing a small team. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in public policy, strong leadership skills, and a Master's degree or equivalent. Knowledge of the technology landscape is preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading public policy or government relations.
• Deep understanding of public policy issues relevant to technology.
• Proven experience managing teams.
• Excellent judgment and persuasive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead TikTok's government relations strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders.
• Identify and assess emerging policy issues.
• Develop and execute advocacy campaigns.
• Serve as a senior external representative for TikTok.
• Guide local teams in mitigating risks.
• Manage and mentor a team of three.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Strong communication

Relationship building

Risk management

Leadership

Education

Master’s degree in law, public policy, international relations, or related field

Job description

The Global Public Policy & Government Affairs team's work spans across a broad and diverse range of functions and workstreams, including government affairs and government relations; policy and issue area expertise; risk and crisis management and mitigation; outreach, coalitions, and partnerships; and corporate social responsibility. The mission of the Global Public Policy team is to prevent, manage, and mitigate political, legislative, and regulatory threats to TikTok and to promote a political, legislative, and regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation for our business.

We are looking to hire a dynamic and agile Government Relations and Public Policy Leader to define and execute our GR efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The ideal candidate must be a strategic thinker and a strong team player with the ability to exercise good judgment in a rapidly changing environment. The candidate must have a good understanding of the region's public policy challenges, political systems, institutions, and cultural landscape; and, solid networks and relationships with Sub-Saharan policy-makers, multilateral agencies, academia, and civil society stakeholders. The SSA Government Relations and Public Policy Leader is part of the METAPSA GR team and is responsible for overseeing regional policy issues and crisis management across Sub-Saharan Africa. The role reports to the Deputy Director of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia. The candidate must bring experience in policy assessment, risk management, and proven leadership and organizational skills. Experience in a technology company is preferred. They should be a flexible problem-solver with strong communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders. The role also requires the ability to work independently and with agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead TikTok's government relations and public policy strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring alignment with regional regulations and policy frameworks on data protection, privacy, safety, IP, content policy, and other tech-relevant issues.
• Build and maintain strategic, long-term relationships with governments, regulators, NGOs, academia, think tanks, and other key stakeholders across the region.
• Actively identify and assess emerging policy issues and political / social trends, advising internal teams on risks and opportunities.
• Develop and execute advocacy and engagement campaigns to advance TikTok's policy positions and strengthen its reputation across SSA.
• Serve as a senior external representative of TikTok, clearly communicating policy positions and helping local communities better understand the platform.
• Guide and support local teams in mitigating operational and regulatory risks.
• Manage and mentor a team of three, setting strategic priorities and ensuring high-quality execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading public policy, government relations, or advocacy, with a proven ability to build and manage strategic relationships with governments, regulators, and key stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of public policy issues relevant to technology (., data protection, privacy, content, IP, safety) and the regulatory landscape across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working effectively with legal, policy, communications, and product teams in complex organizations.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.
• Excellent judgment, persuasive communication, and advocacy skills, with the ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Established networks and relationships with policymakers, civil society, academia, and the technology industry across SSA.
• Master’s degree in law, public policy, international relations, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the region's political systems, institutions, and cultural landscape.
• Ability to travel frequently and adapt to diverse cultural and professional environments.