External Affairs Lead

Unilever is currently hiring for External Affairs Lead - Punjab

Function: Corporate Affairs & Communications

Reports to: C&CA Head

Location: Lahore

Terms & Conditions: Contract

JOB PURPOSE:

The incumbent will be responsible for championing Unilever Pakistan by fostering strong processes and strategic partnerships with government entities, external stakeholders, and civil society, while driving the company's reputation and business continuity.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure proper processes are in place to protect Unilever Pakistan's license to operate, managing partnerships with government, external stakeholders, and civil society.
• Report directly to the Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs, working closely with colleagues in other functions, regional and global teams to align and ensure a coordinated strategy.
• Support development and execution of government affairs strategy, stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, issue & crisis management to ensure no disruption to business.
• Coordinate the mapping and management of key issues in partnership with Supply Chain, Marketing/Brands, Sustainability, and Regulatory Affairs, and help implement mitigation strategies.
• Monitor policy and political environment for emerging issues (climate, plastic waste, renewable energy, food regulations, tax, etc.) and inform leadership timely and regularly.
• Identify opportunities and threats in the business environment to support or defend Unilever Pakistan's operations.
• Manage governmental affairs at Provincial and National levels, including preparing high-level bilateral meetings for Unilever leadership.
• Support the business savings & cost avoidance agenda, especially related to government incentives.
• Assist local site (factory & offices) teams in managing local business continuity issues and community relations.
• Represent Unilever with external stakeholders and regulators, including engagement in trade associations to foster a better business environment.
• Enhance visibility and reputation of Unilever with relevant stakeholders and position Unilever as a leader in future-fit and sustainable business.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years' experience in multinational organizations, FMCG or food industry, with preference for experience in Industrial Relations and factory Employee Relations.
• Previous experience working with government agencies & regulators.
• Knowledge of consumer industry, health, or environment policy issues.
• Existing network of government/regulators/academic stakeholders.
• Advanced degree in Communications, Political Science, International Relations, Law, or Public Policy.

SKILLS:

• Ability to understand external economic, social, and political environments and their impact on the company.
• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders, negotiate, and promote company objectives.
• Influence, negotiation, and persuasion skills, with flexibility and strong judgment/decision-making abilities.
• Ability to understand complex issues, summarize, and communicate effectively internally and externally.
• Ability to work within international teams across different geographies.
• Effective time management, multi-project management, and prioritization skills under time pressure.
• Excellent English writing skills, especially in policy analysis and briefs.

LEADERSHIP:

• You are a Leader of Change, providing safety and challenging for better results, role modeling resilience and authenticity.
• Deliver high standards, be resilient, lead others through uncertainty, and create opportunities.
• Critical Standards of Leadership: Care Deeply, Focus on What Counts, Stay Three Steps Ahead, Deliver with Excellence.

Unilever is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, fostering a better future for our diverse employees, consumers, partners, and communities. We encourage applicants to share any support or access needs during the recruitment process.