New Career Opportunity at ACCA

Job Purpose:

The role of Head of Policy – Sub-Saharan Africa is to support the delivery of ACCA's market recognition and thought leadership agendas throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa region. This is a key role requiring the ability to anticipate developments and identify opportunities which may impact on ACCA's corporate strategy in the region and to build relationships, especially with influential regional and national organisations, politicians and related organisations, which will work towards shaping these developments in ACCA's favour.

The role will also require the ability to work with ACCA's national offices across the region and other key growth markets within the Sub-Saharan Africa region in support of ACCA's 2020 strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

support the delivery of ACCA's recognition agenda in the region, especially by enhancing influence with policy makers across the region

engage pro-actively and develop relationships with policy makers (politicians, public policy organisations and other appropriate business organisations),across the SSA region, working closely with national offices

Support the Market Director on the policy agenda matters across SSA e.g. African Development Bank, World Bank etc

support the delivery of ACCA's global thought leadership agenda within the region, working closely with the external affairs team. Obtain input from relevant experts from across the region and engage with influential groups and individuals to enhance ACCA's reputation and influence agenda in the interest of the accountancy profession

monitor key political and business developments across the region affecting accounting and finance professionals and identify when ACCA needs to organise a public response

to develop localised policy and thought leadership materials (consistent with global policy) which draw on regional and local expertise in appropriate areas

develop a coherent set of policy positions to the issues identified as being of particular importance to accounting and finance professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa

co-ordinate the drafting of papers and articles for media and public relations purposes

provide oversight of projects within SSA, providing consistent and shared practices

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

· educated to at least degree but preferably to post graduate or professional qualification level

· a thorough understanding of business and relevant policy issues in the Sub-Saharan Africa region

· an understanding of accountancy or of issues impacting on the financial services sector, as well as an interest in or experience of issues such as sustainability, small business, corporate governance and access to finance

· proven research, drafting and writing experience at a high level

· demonstrated strategic thinking and planning skills

· strong communication, presentation and influencing skills with the ability to engage and energise people at all levels

· a strong track record of delivery in a corporate communications or public affairs function within a high-profile organisation

· Willingness to travel extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa

· an awareness and experience of the variety and diversity of the business environments, practices and cultures within Sub-Saharan Africa