External Affairs Senior Assistant Manager - Philippines

Job Title: External Affairs Senior Assistant Manager - Philippines
Location: BGC, Philippines.

Job Purpose

Unilever’s strategy begins with a purpose that places consumers at the heart of everything we do: brighten everyday life for all. We are one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, operating in four Business Groups – Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care and Foods. We are known for our great brands and our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.

In the Philippines, Unilever has been present for almost 100 years, touching the everyday life of 9 out of 10 Filipino households. We are a global company with a local heritage and a leading employer of choice. We make sustainable living commonplace for the 100 million Filipinos we serve. Our Malasakit culture and our “Sama-sama, tulong-tulong” mentality are in the heart of everything we do.

Championing the corporate Unilever brand is the Communications, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability (CCAS) function.

The Unilever Philippines’ External Affairs team, which sits within the CCAS function, is responsible for setting and operationalizing the corporate affairs strategy. Through fostering strong processes and strategic partnerships with the local government, non-government organizations, key opinion formers and communities, the External Affairs Senior Assistant Manager is expected to help ensure the company’s unhampered business operations, deliver growth and savings, and protect corporate reputation.

If you are passionate about Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Local Government Relations, this is an exciting career opportunity for you.

Main Responsibilities

The External Affairs Senior Assistant Manager for the Philippines will directly report to the Country External Affairs Lead. This role is an individual contributor but will help manage partner agencies and organizations. He/She is expected to support the External Affairs Lead in achieving the company’s corporate affairs agenda through:

• Managing the company's relationship with local government units – provincial, city and barangay level, helping ensure unhampered business operations, delivery of growth and savings, and positive corporate reputation

• Leading the Community Relations efforts by developing programs in collaboration with the communities in the areas where the company operates (Taguig, Pasig, General Trias and Cabuyao), and in the key cities in the country (e.g. Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao)

• Implementing the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, such as the Unilever GIVES Disaster Relief Program, in partnership with the government agencies namely the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the LGUs, the Philippine Red Cross, and other NGOs and foundations

• Facilitating the corporate sponsorships and donations initiatives, ensuring compliance to the company policies, while helping build the corporate brand and supporting key partners

• Organizing meetings and events with the company’s trade association partners, particularly during industry tentpole moments

• Collaborating with the different business units, brands and functions in landing their Sustainability initiatives and Purpose programs through partnerships with external stakeholders (e.g. Walastik Program with the LGUs, Makulay Ang Buhay Nutrition Program with DSWD and DepEd)

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of solid work experience in Corporate Affairs or in related functions such as External Affairs, Government/Public Affairs, Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility/Advocacy

• Willingness to work as an individual contributor

• Understanding of the Philippine government landscape and policies, particularly LGUs

• Knowledge of the consumer goods industry and related issues

• Experience working with the government, NGOs, industry and communities, preferably with an existing network of external stakeholders

• Experience in project management, preferably in running community campaigns

• Bachelor’s degree holder, preferably in the field of Social Sciences or Management

Skills

• Maintains highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality and integrity

• Ability to understand the external environment and how that impacts the company

• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders

• Ability to influence and demonstrate strong judgement/decision-making skills

• Ability to understand complex issues, summarize them and communicate them in simple, effective ways for internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to work within teams across different business units, functions and geographies

• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks

• Excellent English and Filipino communication skills

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.