Government Relations Lead

ABOUT THE ROLE

BURN is looking for a Government Relations Lead, Malawi who will be responsible for developing and executing effective government relations strategies that represent the organization's business plans and interests. This role supports the Director of External Affairs ensure that the organization effectively navigates the political landscape and advocates for its interests.

Candidates will show a good understanding of the policy environment and political processes in Malawi, and across East Africa. Ideally, candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills as well as a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The successful candidate will work closely with the local Country Manager in Malawi, as well as the Director of External Affairs, Director of Carbon Strategy and Head of Communications to drive BURN mission and vision with governments, enhancing the company's brand while supports the policy team initiatives manages crisis communication, and ensures that all communication with public officials is aligned with the organization's goals and values.
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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Government Relations & Policy Engagement

• Implement BURN’s government relations strategy at national and subnational levels.
• Foster relationships with ministries, regulators, and relevant public institutions.
• Monitor and analyse policy and regulatory developments affecting clean cooking, carbon markets, manufacturing, and energy access.
• Prepare policy briefs, submissions, and advocacy materials.
• Support advocacy for enabling policy environments that strengthen clean cooking adoption and carbon integrity.

2. Partnerships & Stakeholder Development

• Build partnerships with development partners, NGOs, private sector, and research institutions.
• Identify collaboration opportunities that support BURN’s market and policy priorities.
• Support development of MOUs, joint programs, grant applications, and public-private partnerships.
• Maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

3. Strategic Communications & External Affairs

• Support government-facing communications strategies.
• Develop speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for senior executives.
• Align public messaging with policy positions and regulatory priorities.
• Contribute to crisis communication involving government stakeholders.
• Support thought leadership for visibility in energy and policy platforms.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Commercial, Carbon, Legal, Grants, Tax and Communications teams.
• Provide policy intelligence to guide expansion, compliance, and project operations.
• Support government-facing engagements during audits or regulatory reviews.

5. Public Affairs, Events & Representation

• Coordinate BURN’s participation in policy forums and government events.
• Organize high-level meetings and site visits with officials and partners.
• Lead public affairs initiatives to strengthen BURN’s credibility and visibility.

6. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare reports on engagement activities, policy updates, risks, and recommendations.
• Maintain documentation of government interactions and partnership commitments.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, or related field.
• Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• 7–10 years’ experience in government relations, policy advocacy, public affairs, or partnerships.
• Strong understanding of specific placement country’s policy and regulatory systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior government and institutional stakeholders.
• Strong project management and multitasking skills.
• High initiative, political acumen, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and stakeholder management tools.

Qualified Female Candidates encouraged to apply

BURN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).