Permanent - Government Official (Retired) Advisor: Government Relations - Johannesburg - South Africa

Job Description

The Senior Consultant / Advisor: Government Relations is responsible for developing and managing the organisation’s relationships with government stakeholders, regulators, and public sector institutions. The role provides strategic advice on public policy, legislation, and regulatory matters affecting mining operations and capital projects, ensuring alignment between business objectives and government expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a government relations and public affairs strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, provincial, and local government departments, regulators, and state-owned entities.
• Monitor, analyse, and advise on legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting mining operations and projects.
• Represent the organisation in engagements, consultations, forums, and industry associations.
• Provide strategic advice to executive management on government policy, regulatory risks, and stakeholder management.
• Support permitting, licensing, and regulatory approval processes in collaboration with Legal, Compliance, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate responses to government inquiries, audits, and inspections.
• Support community, social performance, and local economic development initiatives where government engagement is required.
• Manage reputational and regulatory risks through proactive stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare briefing notes, position papers, and submissions to government and regulatory bodies

Requirements

• Extensive experience in government relations, public policy, regulatory affairs, or stakeholder engagement within mining or regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of government structures, legislative processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience engaging with senior government officials and regulators.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advisory support at executive level.

Qualifications

• Degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Governance, or Regulatory Affairs – advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Strong analytical and policy interpretation skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Ability to manage sensitive and complex regulatory matters.
• Strategic thinking with a strong understanding of political and regulatory risk