Overview
The Corporate Affairs Lead PO1 – West Africa is a pivotal leadership position tasked with safeguarding and advancing PepsiCo’s operational legitimacy in a dynamic, high-growth environment. As a key Strategic Business Partner and Guardian for both the Foods and Beverages divisions, this role collaborates with internal and external C-Suite stakeholders to ensure consistent and cohesive organizational messaging across varied commercial frameworks.
Strategic priorities encompass establishing clear objectives to guide organizational direction, fostering innovation to maintain competitive advantage, enhancing operational efficiency to optimize resource utilization, and cultivating strong stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with mission-critical goals.
One PepsiCo Stewardship encompasses guiding a multifaceted network of enduring partners, including Seven-Up Bottling Co. in Nigeria, alongside emerging beverage ventures under the Castle Group in Angola, while also advancing the growth of Foods operations.
Unlike conventional Chief of Staff roles, this position uniquely encompasses responsibilities spanning LPGA, Communications, Brand PR, and a broad Social Impact/ESG portfolio—such as engagements with Water Aid and Pepsi Stars.
Commercial Protection: Safeguarding financial performance by addressing non-consultative regulatory changes—such as the Sugar Tax and Plastic EPR—and obtaining essential permits.
Strategic Positioning: Transforming PepsiCo’s role from a traditional manufacturer to a “Partner for Growth” by championing the pep+ sustainability initiative and navigating high-stakes crisis communications. Within the Western region of Africa, these competencies are especially vital, as the area presents frequent and diverse challenges. Proficiency in local market dynamics, industry expertise, and multilingual capabilities are essential requirements for success.
We currently have limited Corporate Affairs support dedicated to West Africa, with only one Bottler in the Ivory Coast providing such services.
With a blend of established bottling collaborations, such as those with the Seven Up Bottling Company in Nigeria, and emerging partnerships like the one with the Castle Group in Angola within the beverage sector, alongside growth initiatives in the food division, this position plays a pivotal role in championing a unified “One PepsiCo” approach across both Foods and Beverages.
The CA PO1 Lead collaborates with government entities, policymakers, and external stakeholders to champion the organization’s perspectives on public policy and operational challenges. By providing guidance to policymakers and legislators, the role facilitates the refinement or establishment of more effective policies and regulations and, when required, secures necessary permits and exemptions.
The CA Lead PO1 will oversee every aspect of Corporate Affairs interactions across the organization, encompassing operational responsibilities, external stakeholder relations, strategic guidance, brand positioning, and the preservation of our Corporate Reputation within the marketplace.
The position encompasses a range of critical functions, including the development and execution of policies and regulations, as well as corporate reputation management and strategic positioning. Additionally, the role involves providing oversight and advisory services for agricultural program implementation, engaging with industry associations, and fostering high-level stakeholder relationships. It also includes brand activation initiatives, media engagement, and shaping policy and positioning strategies. Furthermore, the role is responsible for leading internal and external communications, Brand PR, and social impact initiatives.
Successfully managing the intricate dynamics of the Nigerian, Francophone, and Lusophone markets to safeguard our business interests presents significant challenges. This complexity must be carefully assessed when evaluating the role.
The role demands exceptional representation skills at the highest organizational and governmental levels, including direct engagement with the C-Suite internally and senior officials such as the Prime Minister, Presidency, and Cabinet Ministers.
Nigeria, Morocco, and Angola continue to be key markets for both the Africa Franchise (International Beverages) and Nigeria Foods (MENA PAK OU), necessitating focused support to drive business growth—not only from a Corporate Affairs perspective but also in terms of Social Impact and Corporate Reputation.
The Position Officer (PO1) role encompasses six FBO markets, one COST market, and one FASO market, with prospects for further expansion.
The region presents significant operational complexity, characterized by diverse linguistic, cultural, and ethnic landscapes that necessitate tailored approaches to communication and engagement. Additionally, the area experiences frequent political shifts, requiring vigilant on-the-ground awareness to stay aligned with evolving dynamics.
In anticipation of our strategic expansion within the Foods and Beverages sector, securing alignment and endorsement from pivotal stakeholders and influential opinion leaders will require the addition of a dedicated Corporate Affairs professional at a suitably senior level.
As the business broadens its portfolio to include new categories—including alcoholic beverages—the scope of this position will expand accordingly to encompass these areas.
The rapid and unilateral implementation of regulations introduces substantial risk to our business and daily operations. This necessitates a highly adept professional who possesses a keen awareness of global and local political and economic trends, enabling them to navigate sensitive, confidential, and high-stakes issues with assurance and discretion.
This position involves collaborating with a diverse array of internal stakeholders, including the General Manager of the Africa Franchise, the CEO of MENA PAK OU (responsible for Executive Positioning), the regional Commercial Senior Director, the Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs for International Business, the Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs, the General Managers and Senior Directors of Franchise for key African markets, the Marketing team, Sector and Global Corporate Affairs divisions, as well as the PepsiCo Foundation.
The position also requires extensive external collaboration, involving frequent and direct interactions—including advocacy, negotiation, and strategic advisory—with a diverse and evolving network of government stakeholders at both local and federal levels, as well as media outlets, NGOs, industry associations, agency partners, farmers, and industry peers. Additionally, alignment and engagement with Seven Up Bottling Company, our bottling partner, and DP World, our food co-manufacturing partner, are essential components of the role.
As we expand our footprint across the African continent—particularly through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area—this PO1 role will play a pivotal part in strengthening our external positioning and advancing our communications strategy. Responsibilities will include developing messaging tailored to print and social media platforms, managing media relations, overseeing brand public relations initiatives, and fostering internal employee engagement and activation efforts. The role will also require close collaboration and communication with our bottling partners to ensure cohesive and coordinated outreach initiatives.
The Corporate Affairs PO1 Lead will spearhead pivotal Foundation initiatives and sustainability programs, crafting engaging narratives to captivate the market.
This position demands close collaboration across multiple functions to craft cohesive messaging and execute a comprehensive Communications strategy, including cross-cutting campaigns and foundational groundwork for business transformation initiatives as we scale our current market presence.
The CA P01 Lead role will spearhead initiatives that foster meaningful progress and strengthen corporate reputation across key areas—including health, nutrition, and wellness; support for emerging farmers; facilitation of renewable energy access; and environmental protection—each of which directly influences organizational growth, brand perception, and financial performance.
The CA Lead PO1 position holds full accountability for the CSR agenda, prioritizing and directly overseeing community-focused initiatives in our operational regions while tracking broader objectives—such as agricultural impact—within the PepsiCo Positive framework.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties critical to the role, including managing day-to-day operations, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring adherence to established protocols. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall performance, while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align objectives, resolve challenges, and drive continuous improvement. Monitor progress through detailed reporting and data analysis, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed. Serve as a liaison between senior leadership and operational teams to facilitate transparent communication and streamline decision-making processes. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth within the team.
Provides high-level strategic direction and leadership to guide organizational vision, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and fostering sustainable growth through innovative decision-making and operational excellence. Requires a proven track record in executive leadership, exceptional analytical abilities, and the capacity to inspire cross-functional teams while navigating complex business challenges. Responsibilities include shaping corporate strategy, driving performance metrics, cultivating stakeholder relationships, and championing transformative initiatives that enhance competitive advantage and market positioning.
The executive will establish a long-term, multi-year strategic direction for the Corporate Affairs function across the region, focusing on public policy, regulatory frameworks, government relations, industry and trade partnerships, corporate communications, and corporate social responsibility, guiding critical decision-making and driving actionable outcomes.
Ensure Corporate Affairs achieves its strategic goals and targets while effectively mitigating risks and capitalizing on opportunities.
Collaborate closely with the General Manager of Nigerian Foods, the Senior Director of Beverages, and other essential cross-functional stakeholders—both local and global—to engage and align internal and external parties, ensuring informed decision-making, decisive action, and expert consultation.
Ensure PepsiCo’s thought leadership, positioning, and voice are consistently reflected in all government discussions and frameworks, driving business enablement while optimizing growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and enhancing commercial and related impacts.
Design the strategic framework for the License to Thrive (LTT) initiative, providing leadership to foster the creation of a robust government engagement and lobbying strategy. This plan must align with broader stakeholder relations, business objectives, and corporate affairs strategies, while addressing critical areas of focus at all governmental levels—from local communities to federal institutions.
We oversee all aspects of external positioning and communications strategy, encompassing print and social media initiatives, messaging development, media management, brand public relations, and internal employee engagement or activations. Additionally, we facilitate joint communication efforts and coordinate closely with our bottling partners.
Deliver on the PepsiCo Positive community initiatives by developing and implementing a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan with a primary emphasis on stakeholder engagement and community development, in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation. This role requires decisive action, proactive engagement, and collaborative consultation to drive meaningful impact.
We are seeking a highly organized professional capable of managing operational deliverables with precision and efficiency. The role requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure all assigned tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. Key responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, coordinating resources, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders to meet established objectives. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities are essential, as is a commitment to delivering high-quality results consistently. Experience in a fast-paced environment and proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies are highly desirable.
Develop and implement strategic policy direction to guide organizational decisions and ensure alignment with long-term objectives. Formulate comprehensive strategies that address key business priorities while fostering sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Evaluate emerging trends, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics to refine existing frameworks and introduce innovative solutions. Collaborate with senior leadership to align policy initiatives with broader business goals and drive cohesive, forward-thinking approaches.
Guide critical policy and regulatory matters within a rapidly evolving landscape to ensure the region’s growth objectives are safeguarded and advanced.
Monitor critical policy developments across civic/social, business, and government sectors to equip the Company with strategic foresight, enabling proactive identification of emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities before they materialize. By systematically analyzing trends and assessing potential impacts, this role ensures the organization remains well-positioned to mitigate risks while capitalizing on evolving policy landscapes.
Define the strategic roadmap and oversee PepsiCo’s regulatory risk radar in partnership with International Beverages, MENA PAK OU Foods, and Global Corporate Affairs. Construct comprehensive risk mitigation strategies while identifying opportunities to transform challenges into advantages, ensuring informed decision-making, decisive action, and expert consultation.
Offer expert guidance to business and leadership teams, facilitating the early detection of regulatory risks to ensure alignment among internal stakeholders and integrate pertinent regulatory considerations into strategic business planning.
Monitor and evaluate ongoing and pertinent emerging public policy matters to determine how PepsiCo should engage with allied organizations and industries.
Provide strategic external insight into the company with respect to key policy and regulatory matters that affect the implementation of the commercial and business operational strategy. Decode the external environment for the company. (ACTION)
Oversee diverse internal and external stakeholder engagement platforms to uphold PepsiCo’s strong presence across all essential forums.
Oversee the formulation and implementation of the Government Engagement strategy at local, regional, and federal levels, ensuring a proactive and collaborative approach with all key stakeholders.
Develop and sustain a stakeholder engagement monitoring framework, ensuring the organization’s objectives are effectively communicated and advanced among all pertinent stakeholders, while maintaining thorough documentation and follow-through on agreed actions.
Partner with cross-functional teams on high-impact strategic initiatives to advance the Corporate Affairs agenda—spanning LPGA, Communications, Brand PR, pep+, and Social Impact—by delivering critical insights and orchestrating stakeholder interactions.
Lead the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives, both internally and externally, while overseeing brand public relations (PR) and crisis communications. Spearhead messaging that aligns with organizational goals, ensuring consistency across all platforms and audiences. Manage media relations, crafting and disseminating press releases, statements, and other key communications materials. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization during critical situations, providing clear, timely, and accurate information to stakeholders. Develop and implement crisis communication plans to mitigate risks and protect the organization’s reputation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance brand messaging and maintain a cohesive corporate identity. Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and public sentiment to proactively address potential issues. Mentor and guide junior communications staff, fostering a high-performance team environment. Evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies through metrics and feedback, refining approaches as needed to achieve optimal results.
Oversee external communications initiatives to establish PepsiCo as the foremost international investor, ensuring strategic messaging aligns with corporate objectives while enhancing brand reputation and stakeholder engagement across global markets.
Develop and implement an innovative 360-degree communication strategy, integrating essential communication materials and equipping the organization with the necessary training to effectively utilize them, all while emphasizing PepsiCo Positive (DECISION-MAKING, ACTION).
Integrate PepsiCo’s presence in Africa into the broader global communication strategy, utilizing worldwide resources to strengthen local impact. Position West Africa’s role within PepsiCo as a pivotal growth driver for Foods and Beverages, aligning with the objectives of PEP International (DECISION-MAKING, ACTION).
Develop and execute PepsiCo’s external corporate reputation strategy by crafting engaging content that highlights social impact initiatives, business investments, sustainability efforts, and brand/product value across the region, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
To identify and address potential risks or opportunities, you will engage with key platforms, forums, and events, ensuring the protection and advancement of PepsiCo’s business interests through strategic decision-making and decisive action.
Drive external engagement to advance PepsiCo’s pep+ initiative across its three core pillars—Positive Agriculture, Positive Value Chain, and Positive Choices—by strategically amplifying the company’s sustainability narrative throughout the region through diverse media channels and targeted outreach to stakeholders and key opinion leaders.
Collaborate with critical internal and external stakeholders to drive diverse, high-impact external communications initiatives aimed at enhancing Corporate Reputation, requiring consultation, decision-making, and decisive action.
Facilitate the dissemination of strategic partnerships to further PepsiCo’s global objectives and commitments, including initiatives related to packaging, nutrition and health & wellness, sustainable agriculture, and other ‘Better’ goals, through action-oriented engagement and expert consultation.
Transform Africa-focused public relations and communication materials by customizing global communications toolkits to align with regional context and brand messaging, requiring strategic decision-making, decisive action, and expert consultation.
Collaborate on the development of Annual and Strategic Plans and Budgets, providing key inputs for the overall business framework. This includes contributing to Franchise Annual Operating Plans, Organizational Unit (OU) Strategy plans, and joint business planning initiatives conducted in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Develop and maintain alignment in internal communications by collaborating with cross-functional teams to construct a detailed, actionable calendar of events.
Oversee the maintenance and distribution of Sector and Global communications, encompassing the preparation and submission of presentations, critical data, and an external communication scorecard to track earned and paid media efforts.
Support Global/Africa Corporate Affairs by crafting compelling communication materials, including impact summary briefs, presentations, fact sheets, messaging guides, executive bios, and crisis management talking points alongside reactive statements, in collaboration with stakeholders.
You will oversee and execute all aspects of event planning and management, ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion. Your responsibilities will include coordinating logistics, managing vendor relationships, and supervising event staff to deliver exceptional experiences. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to multitask in fast-paced environments. Prior experience in event management is preferred, and proficiency in event planning software is a plus.
Handle the comprehensive implementation of initiatives, including webinars, campaigns, media engagement, messaging frameworks, PR narratives, and agency-facing creative briefs—while exercising strategic judgment, driving decisive action, and providing expert consultation throughout the process.
Accountability extends across multiple critical functions within the organization, including Corporate Affairs, Policy, Government Affairs, Communications, Brand Public Relations, Customer Service & Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Marketing, Research & Development, Supply Chain, Franchise Bottling, Commercial Operations, and Legal.
We strive to create meaningful social change through our initiatives, ensuring sustainable improvements in communities. Your role will involve designing and implementing programs that address pressing social issues, fostering inclusivity, and empowering underserved populations. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and partners to drive collective impact while measuring and reporting on outcomes. Proficiency in data analysis, grant writing, and project management is essential, along with a passion for social justice and equity. Additionally, strong communication skills and cultural competence are required to engage diverse audiences and build strategic alliances. This position demands adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to ethical leadership in driving transformative social progress.
Enhance and execute the Social Impact agenda to safeguard the beneficial effects of the company’s operations and activities within local communities.
Revise the local Social Impact policy to ensure long-term alignment and consistency in initiatives while maximizing the value delivered to communities through strategic investments. This role requires decisive action, proactive engagement, and collaborative consultation to achieve impactful outcomes.
Develop and sustain a structured system for monitoring community stakeholder engagement, actively aligning the business’ strategic objectives with the priorities of all pertinent stakeholders. Emphasize attentive listening and deep comprehension to identify and address potential risks in their early stages while also leveraging emerging opportunities to foster mutual benefit.
To strategize and implement important corporate social responsibility initiatives, ideally in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, fostering collaborative decision-making, proactive measures, and expert consultation throughout the process.
Champion local associate engagement by developing and implementing capability-building programs focused on CSR initiatives and PepsiCo Positive community opportunities, empowering them as ambassadors for the company’s mission.
Overseeing the organization’s financial resources, this role involves strategic planning, budget development, and meticulous financial reporting ensuring fiscal stability and compliance. The position demands proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and risk management, along with expertise in accounting principles and regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities include managing cash flow, optimizing investments, and providing actionable insights to support executive decision-making. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex financial data are essential for success in this position.
Direct the implementation of the Corporate Affairs budget at the local level.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture while guiding and motivating team members to achieve shared goals through clear communication and supportive leadership.
Demonstrate a steadfast dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across the organization, encompassing recruitment initiatives and strategic partnership development.
We specialize in cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with stakeholders while fostering strategic partnerships to drive mutual growth and success. This involves identifying key stakeholders, understanding their needs, and developing tailored engagement strategies to ensure alignment and collaboration. Additionally, we focus on building and maintaining productive partnerships that enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and create long-term value for all parties involved.
Cultivate strong relationships with essential stakeholders and partners to foster deeper collaboration.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a comparable field is required for this role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively within a team. At least 3 years of relevant professional experience is necessary. Familiarity with software development methodologies and tools like Agile or Scrum is highly advantageous.
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, International Relations, Law, Economics, or Business Studies—or an equivalent field—is required.
Minimum of eight years of professional experience with a globally recognized brand, preferably one listed among the Fortune 100 or 500 organizations. Strong preference for candidates with prior experience in emerging or developing markets.
Experience in a matrix reporting environment is required.
Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment
Proven capacity to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks in alignment with organizational objectives is essential. Applicants must demonstrate the skill to evaluate competing demands and allocate resources efficiently to maximize productivity and business value.
Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships through effective communication and collaboration is essential.
Proven expertise in project leadership and strategic problem resolution is essential.
Meticulous attention to detail is essential, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to identify discrepancies and consistently maintain high standards of thoroughness. This role requires a keen eye for accuracy and the capacity to deliver flawless work, even under tight deadlines. Strong organizational skills and a methodical approach are critical for success in this position.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
