Lafarge is a world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in its Cement, Aggregates & Concrete businesses. Located in 64 countries with 65,000 employees, the vision of Lafarge in Nigeria is to be the most trusted and preferred partner of Nigerian construction professionals and home builders by delivering cement and concrete solutions that are best in quality, environmentally sustainable and nationwide available at affordable cost.
To manage the Lafarge Africa Plc’s Corporate Affairs in AshakaCem and the North-east: To ensure the Company’s corporate image and interests are safeguarded at all times. Manage projects such as AshakaCem Agricultural project and Project Alhairi on affordable housing in the North-eastern states of Nigeria.
What you'll be doing
The job holder is responsible for the development, influence, management and implementation strategies and tactics to lobby the State Governments in North-east to achieve suitable changes in Industrial & other policies, procedures, taxes and duties
Strive to remove regulatory & political obstacles to business development
Influence regulations that would stimulate demand growth through macro initiatives like construction of concrete roads, development of world-class infrastructure, ports & airports, low cost housing
Have good understanding of issues and policies that could affect LafargeHolcim operations in AshakaCem and the North-east
Develop, maintain and drive strategies to ensure beneficial relationships with key officials of government with a view to deriving business benefits for the company.
Provide advice and make recommendations to the Company on internal processes and policies that will ensure consistent compliance to government policies and regulations.
Coordinate the Company’s inputs to bills and proposed Policies by the Legislative and Executive at the states or otherwise secure beneficial sectorial and overall public policy, regulations and other outcomes from the three tiers of Government:
Institute processes to ensure continuous monitoring, identification and coordination of inputs to Bills and policies proposed by government at all three tiers with a view to harnessing opportunities and mitigating risks to company therein.
Proactively develop engagement strategies that will enable the company access benefits in government policies and laws.
Identify and develop beneficial relationships with relevant public offices whose activities impact on the company’s Nigeria business.
Engage relevant Ministries, departmental and Agencies (MDAs) whose activities impact on the Company’s operations to secure favorable policies, regulations and other outcomes
Develop and maintain relationships with strategic external stakeholders, especially government functionaries to the benefit of the company.
Monitor and contribute to strategic initiatives of pan regional bodies such as ECOWAS.
Coordinate the activities of Regional Regulatory personnel
Ensure compliance to applicable government policy and monitor availability of all relevant documentations to meet compliance requirements.
Institute, coordinate and drive organizational processes that will ensure the company’s compliance to environmental prescriptions.
Public Policy Advocacy & Development:
Building & Maintaining Lafarge Image o Improve Lafarge Nigeria Corporate Relations with the North-eastern States and Local Governments in order to apply & receive approvals & licenses on a continued basis for smooth operations in all existing operations including factory and market place o Support to maintain close relationship with the Governors, Ministries and other Government
Community Relations:
Ensure and co-ordinate peaceful Community relations Organise and Support AshakaCem operations and North-east
Coordinate with corporate & public affairs functions in various operations
Key contact to resolve issues with stakeholders, etc
What we are looking for
University Degree in any discipline
Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead, motivate and manage staff.
Strong strategic and business planning skills.
Ability to plan and execute PR/Public affairs strategies.
Ability to think strategically and creatively regarding the long-term development of an
Organisation’s PR and public affairs work.
Ability to produce high quality written reports on information and publishing for internal management purposes and for trustees.
Good IT skills and computer literacy.
Flexible approach to work and highly organised working practices.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to understand complex health-related and medical issues quickly.
Ability to plan, execute and evaluate social media campaigns.
An understanding of the value of good information and support services.
A commitment to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices
Leadership and managerial abilities:
Works effectively in teams, builds team spirit and shows care and consideration for individuals.
Adhering to principles and values
Upholds ethics and values, acts with integrity and promotes equal opportunities in a confident and relaxed manner.
Relating and networking Establishes effective relationships with customers and staff, networks
Effectively within and without the organisation and relates well to individuals at all levels.
Persuading and influencing
Makes a strong impression on others, gains agreement and commitment through persuasion and negotiation.