Senior Manager - Public Policy and Research.Group Legal and Regulatory

Job Description

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years working experience to include
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a regulatory affairs function/activity preferably in a Telecoms / Digital environment
• 3 years management track record
• 3 years relevant sector / industry/ area of specialisation - Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs etc.
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous
• Experience working in a medium to large organization

Responsibilities

• The Senior Manager: Public Policy & Research will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:
• Drive the development and Implement Public Policy plans and strategies to strengthen the corporate image and reputation of MTN Group as a thought leader, breakthrough innovator, and a trusted partner
• Assisting in the formulation and implementation of MTN Group’s public policy and regulatory affairs strategy.
• Providing a political perspective to help develop thought leadership, engagement on public policy issues and to inform policy & regulatory briefings
• Developing new ideas for the policy & regulatory engagement strategy
• Maintain deep understanding of current issues in the environment affecting MTN Group and its brand;
• Implement public affairs strategies that inform and shape belief, action, behaviour and advocacy to shape the external environment;
• Position MTN on the relevant specific policy issues; build public policy capabilities within the OpCos and PlatformCos;
• Proactively engage, inform and influence key external stakeholders: issues important to MTN Group and its operations;
• Develop relationships with key external stakeholders, including major trade associations;
• Assess opportunities and organize proactive participation of company leadership in key events and forums
• Provide operational support on regulatory matters to the different Opco’s
• Proactive management of public policy issues affective the company;
• Support Opcos and PlatformCos in the fulfilment of their public policy and regulatory responsibilities;
• Building relationships with policy makers and other relevant key stakeholders (e.g. government departments, regulatory bodies and agencies) in support of the group’s public policy and regulatory agenda (Stakeholder & Reputation Management);
• Managing Group membership of Industry associations dealing with Public Policy and Research;
• Developing and maintaining a structured research and analysis capability on pertinent regulatory issues affecting the business
• Provide strategic input on legal regulatory and external affairs issues at group leadership level
• Provide strategic support as requested or required on public policy and regulatory matters to the Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer.
• Provide relevant public policy and regulatory input to Strategy and Business Development function on mergers, acquisitions and new business prospects.
• Prepare board papers, strategies, plans and proposals for board / executive committee review.
• Lead policy frameworks for platform-based business models and ecosystem partnerships
• Shape regulatory positions on digital market competition, platform neutrality, and interoperability
• Provide thought leadership on financial inclusion and digital financial services policy
• Lead MTN positioning on data governance, localisation, and cross-border data policies
• Develop policy viewpoints on AI regulation, responsible AI, and algorithmic governance
• Support compliance and advocacy on data monetisation and digital identity frameworks
• Shape policy positions on ESG, sustainability, and digital inclusion
• Engage regulators on green telecoms, energy resilience, and climate frameworks
• Support MTN’s positioning as a responsible digital operator
• Partner with Fintech, Digital, and Network teams to embed policy into product design
• Shape MTN’s regulatory position on cybersecurity, resilience, and digital trust
• Engage on national security, lawful interception, and data access laws
• Build future-fit regulatory capability (AI, fintech, digital ecosystems) across OpCos
• Supporting the thought leadership agenda of MTN regarding regulatory matters which will include:
• Responsibility for presenting feasible strategic options and recommendations to be adopted for requisite strategy and public policy positions at Group and Opco levels
• Using research and various perspectives on regulatory issues to provide international, domestic and cross-industry regulatory benchmarking
• Accountable for driving external regulatory benchmarking research and exercises for MTN Group and Opcos to ensure that regulatory perspectives are aligned to global industry standards and best practices
• Using insight and analysis to provide recommendations for best practices to support regulatory strategy, positions and plans
• Providing strategic guidance for Group Legal & Regulatory function by:
• Preparing MTN’s position papers and guidance documents on key industry issues
• Researching and preparing insights, reviews and materials relating to policy, regulatory and legislative developments at Opco levels including the requisite analyses
• Being accountable for identifying policy, regulatory and legislative risks that could impact regulatory strategy and issues from across the MTN ecosystem and making recommendations for the mitigation of such risks
• Supporting the development and strengthening of strategic relationships with government officials and third-party organizations, and educating and helping to shape strategic policy outcomes of importance to MTN’s customers
• Monitoring policy and regulation developments issues related to key topics to advise on actions or necessary reactionary preparations
• Operationalising the strategies across the Group
• Supporting the requisite capacity building across the Group