Group Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Absa Bank Limited

The Group Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, leading and executing the government stakeholder engagement and public policy advocacy agenda across the Group.

The role exists to build institutional trust with governments and policymakers, proactively shape policy and regulatory environments, and ensure the Group’s strategic, commercial and societal interests are represented and protected. The incumbent will act as the Group’s principal interface with government, regulators, policymakers, multilateral institutions and key public-sector stakeholders, while working closely with the Exco, business segments and functions.

This role requires a strategic, anticipatory and influence led leader who can operate at the intersection of public policy, reputation, regulation, sustainability and long term value creation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Group Government Stakeholder Relations:

• Lead and implement a Group-wide government and public-sector stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring a consistent, proactive, coordinated and disciplined approach across the group.

• Build and sustain trusted, high-level relationships with national and continent-wide governments, regulators, policymakers, diplomatic missions, multilateral institutions and strategic public-sector partners.

• Act as the primary escalation and engagement point for senior government matters, supporting the Group Managing Executive for Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Relations and Exco in high-stakes engagements and negotiations.

• Position the Group as a credible, constructive and solutions-oriented partner to governments, enabling collaboration on national, regional and continental priorities.

• Oversee the Group’s participation in key public-sector platforms, forums and convenings, ensuring alignment to business strategy, reputation and growth objectives.

• Anticipate and manage stakeholder-related risks, ensuring early engagement on sensitive or emerging issues that may impact the Group’s licence to operate.

• Provide strategic guidance on reputation, issue and crisis management, working closely with Communications, Legal, Risk and Compliance teams.

Group Public Policy Advocacy:

• Define and lead the Group’s public policy and advocacy agenda, aligned to corporate strategy, regulatory priorities, sustainability commitments and broader societal objectives.

• Shape, influence and respond to policy and regulatory developments at national, regional and pan-African levels that impact the Group’s operating environment.

• Develop clear, evidence-based policy positions and advocacy strategies, engaging governments directly and through industry associations, coalitions and partnerships.

• Provide horizon scanning and strategic insight on political, policy and legislative trends, enabling proactive decision‑making by Exco and the businesses.

• Partner with Compliance, Sustainability, Risk and Business leaders to ensure policy advocacy supports long-term value creation, inclusive growth and shared value outcomes.

• Represent the Group in public policy dialogues, consultations and thought leadership platforms, strengthening its influence and credibility.

Governance, Planning & Execution:

• Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks for government engagement and public policy activities across the Group.

• Lead the development and delivery of annual and multi-year stakeholder and policy plans, with measurable outcomes and clear accountability.

• Oversee budgets and resources related to stakeholder engagement and advocacy, ensuring disciplined financial management and impact.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder and policy interventions, continuously refining strategy and approach.

Core Competencies:

• Executive presence with the ability to engage and influence at ministerial, parliamentary, regulator, Exco and board level.

• Strong strategic judgement, political astuteness and systems thinking.

• Proven capability in public policy advocacy, government relations and reputation management.

• Excellent communication, writing and briefing skills.

• Ability to operate across complexity, ambiguity and multiple jurisdictions.

• Strong leadership and stakeholder orchestration capability.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics or a related field (Preferred)

• 12–15 years’ senior experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory engagement or stakeholder relations, preferably in complex, regulated environment.

• Demonstrated experience engaging governments, regulators, multilateral institutions and industry bodies.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.