Head of Public Policy - East

Position: Head of Public Policy - East Africa
The Global Public Policy & Government Affairs team's work spans across a broad and diverse range of functions and work streams, including government affairs and government relations; policy and issue area expertise; risk and crisis management and mitigation; outreach, coalitions, and partnerships; and corporate social responsibility. The mission of the Global Public Policy team is to prevent, manage, and mitigate political, legislative, and regulatory threats to Tik Tok and to promote a political, legislative, and regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation for our business.

We are seeking a dynamic and agile Government Relations & Public Policy Manager to lead our efforts in East Africa. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong collaborator with the ability to exercise sound judgment in a fast-changing environment. They should have deep knowledge of the region's public policy landscape, political systems, and institutions, as well as strong networks across government, multilateral agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

Responsibilities - Build and strengthen relationships with governments, NGOs, academia, think tanks, and other stakeholders across East Africa (and select Sub-Saharan African markets) to support Tik Tok's growth.

- Engage with policymakers, think tanks, private sector partners, and NGOs on issues including data protection, privacy, safety and security, intellectual property, e-governance, and content policy.

- Develop long-term strategic partnerships and design/executive advocacy campaigns in key public policy areas.

- Advise internal teams on emerging policy developments in East Africa, helping to shape actionable strategies aligned with government regulations and priorities.

- Monitor and analyze political and social trends, identifying risks and opportunities for Tik Tok.

- Represent Tik Tok externally, communicating our policy positions and helping local communities better understand our platform.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Master’s degree or equivalent practical experience (ideally law, public policy, or related field) - Significant experience in public policy, government relations, or a related field.

- Strong judgment, advocacy, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex and fast-paced environments.

- In-depth knowledge of East Africa’s political systems, institutions, and cultural context.

- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, academia, civil society, and industry stakeholders across East Africa.

- Demonstrated interest in emerging technologies and their policy implications.

- Collaborative team player who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Direct experience in government, or on the public policy team of a global technology company.

- Professional background in multilaterals, think tanks, consulting, or industry associations.

- Strong understanding of the technology sector and its intersection with public policy across East Africa.