Burundi Government Relations Lead

The role

The Government Relations Lead serves as the senior interface with the Government of Burundi and advises leadership on policy, stakeholder dynamics, and external risks. This person will set the vision for the Government Relations function and build strategic relationships with senior government officials and public institutions.

What you will do

• Set the vision and strategy for the Government Relations function.
• Support the leadership team in navigating a complex operating environment.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior Government officials and public institutions.
• Represent the Country Director and Tubura in high-level Government meetings and policy discussions.
• Monitor and interpret Government policies, regulations and priorities.
• Develop proactive advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Develop and oversee strategies for strategic partnerships with private-sector, development and institutional partners.
• Identify and address Government-related opportunities and constraints affecting program delivery.
• Anticipate and manage Government, regulatory and reputational risks.
• Lead, coach and develop the Government Relations team.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in international relations, public policy, political science, communications, development studies or another relevant field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• 3+ years in a senior leadership or management role involving significant Government engagement, stakeholder management and strategic decision-making.
• Significant experience working with Government institutions, public agencies, development partners or other senior external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing Government Relations, public policy, advocacy or stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong understanding of public-sector institutions and the ability to navigate complex institutional and stakeholder environments.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship-management skills.
• Strong people-management skills, with experience developing and coaching high-performing teams.

Nice to have

• Experience in Burundi or elsewhere in Africa

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Housing
• Comprehensive benefits

Before you apply

• One Acre Fund can support a work permit for this role.
• Nationals of (or those with an extensive professional background and work history in) our countries of operation are preferred.
• Applications are reviewed and processed on a continuous basis until a hire is made.

About the company

One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. The Burundi program operates under the local brand Tubura.