Are you passionate about influencing public policy and regulatory frameworks to shape a favorable business environment? Do you have a strong grasp of regional and international governance structures, and the expertise to translate complex regulatory issues into strategic business solutions? If so, East African Breweries PLC (EABL) welcomes your application for the role of Head of Public Policy.
Diageo, the parent company of EABL, is the world’s leading premium drinks company with a rich portfolio of globally recognized brands including Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Tanqueray, Smirnoff, Guinness, and Captain Morgan. Our purpose — Celebrating life, every day, everywhere — underscores the value we place on our people, our brands, and the communities we serve.
EABL, as part of the Diageo family, is looking for a dynamic, strategic, and experienced public policy professional to lead its regulatory affairs and public policy strategy across the East African Community (EAC). The position will be based in Nairobi, with regional responsibilities, and reports directly to the Corporate Relations Director.
Position Overview: Head of Public Policy
As the Head of Public Policy, you will play a critical role in building and safeguarding EABL’s reputation and long-term regulatory success across Kenya and the wider EAC region. This position is vital in ensuring the company operates within a favorable fiscal and regulatory environment while advocating for policies that support EABL’s growth and sustainability agenda.
You will be expected to work across multiple markets—leading engagement efforts with regional and multilateral agencies, participating in high-level trade and tax policy discussions, and shaping the regulatory frameworks that impact the alcoholic beverages industry. The role also involves leading regional policy advocacy efforts and coordinating internal teams to ensure consistent, strategic, and impactful public affairs messaging.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations
- Implement public affairs and government relations strategies that align with EABL’s corporate vision and commercial goals.
- Represent EABL at high-level forums, regional summits, and multilateral policy discussions to shape favorable regulatory outcomes.
- Identify and build strategic alliances with local, regional, and international stakeholders including governments, trade blocs, NGOs, and industry associations.
2. Regional Trade and Tax Policy Advocacy
- Lead evidence-based advocacy efforts aimed at influencing trade and tax policy within the EAC.
- Engage with policy makers and trade organizations to promote fair and enabling fiscal frameworks that benefit EABL and its stakeholders.
- Leverage regional and international policy tools to drive advocacy efforts on issues such as excise taxation, illicit trade, regulatory impact assessments, and compliance standards.
3. Policy Monitoring and Risk Analysis
- Monitor and analyze emerging trends in policy, legislation, and regulation across EABL’s markets.
- Regularly evaluate national and regional policies and provide expert guidance to the Executive and senior leadership teams on implications and opportunities.
- Identify emerging risks and opportunities in the regulatory landscape and integrate findings into strategic business planning.
4. Cross-functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Corporate Relations Director and other senior leaders to develop and implement the broader Corporate Relations (CR) strategy.
- Work closely with EABL’s legal, regulatory, communications, and commercial teams to ensure an integrated approach to public policy and compliance.
- Build internal capacity for Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs across EABL functions to ensure seamless communication and collaboration on shared priorities.
5. ESG Alignment and Advocacy
- Align public policy initiatives with EABL’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments and growth ambitions.
- Promote responsible drinking, environmental sustainability, and social impact as part of the company’s broader regulatory engagement.
- Work with policy influencers and industry stakeholders to champion sustainable business practices and inclusive policy development.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Event Management
- Lead planning and execution of high-impact external events, forums, and roundtables designed to increase visibility and advocacy for EABL and its brands.
- Develop thought leadership content, white papers, and position statements to influence public discourse and elevate EABL’s reputation.
- Coordinate with communications teams to manage messaging and outreach across all Corporate Relations initiatives.
7. Compliance and Regulatory Alignment
- Ensure compliance with EAC-wide and international regulatory requirements impacting EABL operations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of regulatory filings, submissions, and official correspondence.
- Provide training and support to ensure business units understand and adhere to relevant regulatory frameworks and standards.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Business, International Relations, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, government relations, or a similar field, preferably with regional or international exposure.
- Deep understanding of governance structures in the EAC and familiarity with global regulatory and fiscal trends.
- Proven track record of engaging with policymakers, navigating complex legislative environments, and driving policy outcomes.
- Exceptional analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to synthesize policy issues and recommend actionable strategies.
- Willingness to travel frequently across the EAC region as required by the role.
Flexible Working
Flexibility is embedded in EABL’s workplace culture. From the first day of employment, the organization supports flexible working arrangements that promote employee wellbeing and help balance work and personal priorities. Whether you need location flexibility or tailored work hours, EABL is committed to helping you thrive.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
At EABL and across the Diageo family, diversity and inclusion are central to how we work, innovate, and grow. We are proud of the inclusive culture we foster—one where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves.
Our teams reflect a broad spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, educational levels, and social classes. When you join EABL, you’re not only part of a company—you’re part of a vibrant, global community that celebrates difference and promotes equity.
We are driven by the belief that a diverse workforce makes for a stronger, more resilient business. Our goal is to build the most trusted, most respected, and best-performing consumer products company in the world—and we invite you to be part of that journey.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to accommodate your needs—whether physical, cognitive, or emotional—please ensure that this information is communicated during your application process. We will do our utmost to ensure you are supported every step of the way.
Why Join EABL?
- Be part of a globally respected, purpose-led organization that celebrates life every day and everywhere.
- Work in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly influence national and regional policy.
- Take on a leadership role that offers both strategic impact and on-the-ground execution.
- Engage with diverse, high-level stakeholders and shape policy discourse across East Africa.
- Access continuous learning and development opportunities to grow your leadership and policy expertise.
Ready to shape the future of public policy with one of the region’s most iconic companies?
Apply Now – Applications must be submitted by July 30, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to a company that values innovation, impact, and inclusion.
