Head of Public Policy, Southern Africa Region at Meta

Meta is seeking a strategic thinker to join our Sub-Saharan Public Policy team as Head of Public Policy for Southern Africa. You will work on issues related to the Internet and Meta’s mission of giving people the power to build community and bringing the world closer together. In this role, you will be responsible for understanding Meta’s policies and business priorities, being able to communicate those to policymakers, civil society, academia and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will collaborate with colleagues across the business and the globe, engage with trade associations and third party groups. You will have keen interest in emerging technologies and policy work. You will have extensive experience working with high-level policymakers in the region. You will have superb writing and oral communications skills in English and at least one local language. You will become part of a team that deals with some of the most interesting public policy challenges of our times including privacy, safety, competition and e-commerce.

Head of Public Policy, Southern Africa Region Responsibilities

• Monitor countries across the Southern Africa region for policy issues at the intersection of technology, human rights, social media, and emerging market entry/growth
• Develop and execute excellent strategies that outline plans to mitigate policy risks and to ensure Meta apps are used to co-create opportunities for socio-economic development in Southern Africa
• Work with policymakers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics and private sector organizations, including local, regional and international organizations, on issues of safety, security, content policy and other technology-relevant public policy concerns
• Build coalitions to help advance and support key policy issues
• Represent Meta in meetings and public events with policymakers and stakeholders
• Engage in public speaking, Meta Live broadcasts, and other public moments to explain technical issues as well as represent the company
• Be the primary internal point of contact, and Southern Africa expert for internal cross-functional teams
• Work with our policy programs team to ideate, create and implement programs to address key policy issues across the region
• Assess and evaluate the impact of legislative, regulatory, and industry proposals
• Assist in the development and management of Meta’s policies on particular issues or product areas
• Interface with internal partners and clients regarding Meta products, policies, practices, and guidelines
• Collaborate with product, legal, business, content policy and other teams to evaluate new and existing products and features to ensure they reflect Meta’s policies, values and principles
• Respond to questions and consultations from external stakeholders on relevant policy issues
• Lead the Southern Africa team to achieve its goals and priorities

Minimum Qualifications

• Significant demonstrated experience managing public policy and/or government relations and advocacy work in Southern Africa
• Experience working and engaging with policymakers, academic, civil society and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in Southern Africa, with a focus on technology
• Keen understanding of the political system, political culture, environment and institutions – with a particular focus on South Africa and the wider Southern Africa region
• Significant demonstrated experience in legislation and/or government relations and advocacy – with a particular focus on South Africa and the wider Southern Africa region
• Ability to exercise judgment and persuasive skills, creativity, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment
• Fluency in both written and conversational English and proficiency in at least one other relevant language (specifically-Zulu, Xhosa, Shona, etc.)
• Ability to travel frequently (at least 50%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field
• Significant experience living and working in at least one Southern Africa country required
• Experience in policy work for a multinational corporation or government preferred