Job Description

Job Title: Head of Sustainability

Level: Senior Management

Reports To: EABL Corporate Relations Director

About the Function:

Our Corporate Relations (CR) team are reputation experts, shaping and protecting the future of our business and much-loved brands. With the ambition to become one of the most trusted and respected consumer goods companies in the world, our CR team act as the link to our external stakeholders, managing critical relationships with the outside world including the press and media, investors and government organisations, as well as NGOs and our many partners.

Operating across different markets, brands, and business areas including Corporate Communications, Policy and ESG, we collaborate with people all around the world. Join our team of experts, and you’ll play a crucial role in protecting and promoting who we are and what we do, and ultimately our licence to operate.

About the role:

East Africa Breweries Ltd is East Africa’s leading beverage business. We thrive on the development of great people and great brands. We have created a talented, diverse and passionate team of professionals running a superb and robust business with associate companies across the region, delivering the highest quality brands to consumers and long term value to its investors.

The role is based in Nairobi, and is a core member of the Corporate Relations team. The role holder reports to the EABL Corporate Relations Director and partners closely with the EABL/ KBL Leadership Teams. The role has no direct reports but works closely with agencies and external partners.

Market Complexity

EABL has a deep and fundamental strategic commitment to making a sustainable and meaningful contribution to the socio-economic development of the societies in which it operates.

Our sustainability and responsibility targets on the areas that are most critical to our business and that will contribute to long-term impact and success, delivering value for EABL, our stakeholders and communities. The strategic pillars are:

(1) Leadership in alcohol in society

(2) Building Thriving Communities

(3) Environment Impact

Purpose of Role

This role leads the development and delivery of EABL’s Sustainability agenda, policies, programmes, and reporting, ensuring both reputational and commercial impact.

As a member of the KBL Extended Leadership Team and the CR Leadership Team, the role contributes to strategic direction and enables effective cross-functional collaboration. It supports the resolution of complex issues and drives the creation and execution of clear, actionable plans.

The role also builds strong internal and external relationships to advance organizational goals and represents the company professionally to protect and enhance its reputation. In addition, it strengthens ESG governance and manages related reporting to the EABK/KBL Board and Leadership in line with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.

Role Responsibilities

The focus of this role is to:

Sustainable Development

• Develop, refine and execute Multi-year corporate sustainability/ESG strategies and roadmap.
• Create and implement communication strategies to publicize the company’s sustainability effort and promote broad awareness of sustainability initiatives, both internally and externally
• Support EABL environment, water and agriculture strategy, policies and programmes at market level, taking a holistic SD approach, in order to gain the trust and respect of the business’ principal stakeholders and maximize value to the business
• Serve as the internal leader and “go to” expert for sustainability, monitoring emerging trends, programs and issues, and communicating and educating others on sustainability topics
• Support the creation and rollout of specific high profile SD projects which demonstrate company leadership
• Support global and market compliance with global environmental and water/agriculture policies and standards.
• Manage the preparation of high quality public disclosures on sustainable reporting and governance in line with global, regional and internal reporting standards.

Communications & Advocacy

• Development and implementation of advocacy campaigns to support the business’ sustainability policy positions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders to represent the company position on sustainability.   
• Represent EABL on Sustainable Development and NGO Forums focusing on environment, water, agriculture and ensure proper communication of our progress in reporting and via speaker opportunities.
• Highlight and build awareness around the milestones being achieved in the value chain.

Stakeholder engagement

• Help to develop and manage relationships with complimentary key external stakeholders including Inter-Government Organizations, NGOs, Governments, financial institutions and social entrepreneurs to help extend the remit and positive impact of our partnerships.
• Provide key role in connecting functions and Business Units to an integrated  Sustainable Development strategy.
• Increase external and internal awareness and engagement around EABL’s sustainable development strategy.
• Work with Supply Chain Director & Corporate Relations Directors to provide senior expertise and counsel on Sustainable Development strategy, and policy to our business leaders.
• Works closely with EABL Foundation to implement social investment programs.
• Collaborates with community stakeholders to increase and maintain the foundation’s visibility.

Experience / skills required:

Qualifications

• Business Degree and a post graduate qualification or equivalent experience in one or more than the following: Sustainability, Consulting, Communication, Public Affairs in a multinational, large organization or agency.
• MBA degree an added advantage
• Demonstrated leadership ability and strength in building relationships and managing programmes.
• Strong understanding of sustainable development issues (especially water, agriculture and environment).
• Good understanding of major reporting frameworks ( GRI, TSFD, IFRS1 and IFRS2)

Experience

• FMCG industry experience and sustainability related management.
• 10 years’ experience in leading & managing sustainability and communication agendas
• Experience in managing the multi-stakeholder environment working with both internal and external stakeholders at different levels on the regional stage.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in working on sensitive and complex policy agendas
• 3 – 5 years’ experience of working as part of a senior business leadership team would be an advantage