Government Affairs Lead

Job Description

Government Affairs Lead, Mexico

Location: Central America / Caribbean

Location: Mexico

Start date: March 2020

End date: to be determined

Status: Full time

Based in: Mexico City

Prosperity Fund Mexico - Energy Strand

Funded by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the objective of the Energy Strand is to transform Mexico’s economy through energy-driven low-carbon growth, poverty reduction and generation of new market opportunities. The Strand aims to create this more sustainable and inclusive energy sector by creating a larger pipeline of skilled, internationally certified female and male workers, market-ready female and male-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs), connected, robust local supply chains, and technically proficient female and male regulators who uphold international standards.

DAI is implementing a contract to deliver the Prosperity Fund Mexico Energy Strand Programme. Over the course of the next three years, DAI will offer targeted workforce skills development, international certifications, apprenticeships, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) accelerator programs, mentorship, capacity building for energy regulators through trainings, and government-to-government exchanges. This offer will be delivered through the establishment of Enterprise Development Centres tackling the most urgent competitiveness gaps detected in the energy supply chain. The ultimate goal of these Centres is to leverage local content in the Mexican energy sector to create sustainable energy practices, foster cross-sectoral socio-economic development, and generate new market opportunities.

Description

The Government Affairs Lead will be the strategic point of contact between our Energy Programme and different government agencies. The Government Affairs Lead will develop a program to persuade stakeholders and policy makers on the benefits of building capacities of SMEs and workforce in the energy sector. The Government Affairs Lead is responsible for providing insights to develop and support our government approach. Candidates for this position must have a proven track record of designing, implementing, and successfully delivering engagement strategies. Other responsibilities include:

• Represent our Energy Programme before different stakeholders: Government (federal, state and local), Industry, Professional Chambers, among others;
• Provide analysis, insights and strategic recommendations on national and regional policy trends to identify and mitigate risks which could impact economic development ventures and the energy industry;
• Monitor laws and regulations that may affect the workforce and SMEs development in the energy sector;
• Provide insights on legislative and regulatory issues, and design advocacy strategies to tackle them;
• Build a network of policy makers that supports our Energy Programme;
• Create written materials, such as policy analyses, press releases, and presentations to government officials in English and Spanish;
• Represent our Energy Programme in relevant industry groups and forums;

Qualifications:

• Interest in the energy sector and deep understanding of their regulations, administration, and policies;
• Understanding of challenges for workforce and SMEs development in Mexico;
• Strong desire to use their interpersonal skills to build a network that helps address existing development challenges in Mexico;
• Degree in law, economics, political science, public policy, international affairs, or another related field. Master’s degree is preferred;
• 10 years or more of work experience in the energy sector and/or implementing development programs;
• Demonstrated strong project management and coordination skills;
• At least 5 years in a public relations role for a large Mexican or international company, donor agency, or government entity;
• Ability to effectively interact with government counterparts, local organizations, and private sector executives;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven experience facilitating dialog among high level leaders across sectors;
• Past experience working in Mexico and familiarity with the country’s socio-economic landscape is strongly preferred;
• Professional proficiency in Spanish required. Fluency in English and the ability to write and present documents in that language, such as monthly reports or engagement strategies, is required;
• Compliance with DAI ethics, safeguarding and security policies and procedures.

Please note that all profiles are indicative only and therefore subject to change.

About the Organization

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.