Manager, South-East Europe, Middle East and Africa - Government Affairs Team

Herbalife

Istanbul, Turkey

Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) is a global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in more than 85 countries to and through a network of independent distributors. 

We currently have an opportunity for a manager, with responsibility for South-East Europe, Middle East and Africa, to assume a pivotal role in our dynamic Government Affairs Team. Given the proximity to the Middle East region, the ideal location would be in our offices in Istanbul, Turkey but this may be flexible.

The Manager’s responsibilities will include the following:

• Assume principal responsibility for the day-to-day interface with government and regulatory institutions in South-East Europe, Middle East & Africa as part of the overall EMEA business strategy;
• Develop relationships with national government officials, enhancing corporate reputation through direct contact and representation of corporate positions;
• Develop sound credibility and support with key targeted government, regulatory and enforcement officials. Utilize relationships developed, to enhance corporate reputation and to present the company’s position on legislative and public policy issues of importance to the company, its distributors and products. Represent Herbalife to appropriate officials on issues of global significance to the company, such as the current work of Codex Alimentarius, Free Trade Agreements under negotiation and other tariff and trade matters;
• Provide regular detailed legal assessments of the commercial implications of proposed national regulation & legislation. Discuss these with the regional Director and devise and implement strategies to protect and advance the company’s interests;
• In association with HLF Team colleagues, represent the company on the board and in working groups of professional and trade associations covering Direct Selling, food supplements, cosmetics, the American Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations, agreed as part of the business plan. Foster good industry relationships to align industry positions with those of the company. Build industry alliances to further promote the company’s business and to strengthen the effectiveness and advocacy work of targeted national trade associations, helping to create them where necessary;
• Proactively collaborate with other functional departments to resolve legal, technical, scientific or policy queries surrounding external and distributor issues;
• Provide regular weekly briefing reports to internal management at EMEA and country level, distilling complex regulatory and legislative issues into clear, concise business messages;
• Take an active role in assuming projects on an individual and team basis in support of specific departmental and corporate objectives. Provide support for the Regulatory, Government & Industry Affairs Team operating regionally and globally;
• Ensure effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Manage the company’s contract lobbyists or other assets and take shared responsibility and accountability for identified sections of the annual departmental budget.

Essential education, experience and skills required include:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluent English and Arabic are essential. A good knowledge of other languages highly advantageous, with a preference for French;
• Sound analytical, conceptual and strategic thinking skills;
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver against time-sensitive deadlines in the midst of conflicting demands;
• Commitment to achieve excellence with a strong work ethic and results oriented;
• Ability to work independently, analyse complex problems and take initiatives;
• Ability to interact effectively at all levels with sensitivity to cultural diversity;
• Ability to function as an effective team member;
• Travel required.

An attractive compensation package is available including a range of benefits.

Applications:

To apply, please send your application letter, full CV, recent remuneration history and any other relevant information to GovAffairs@Herbalife.com, for the attention of Sindy Staessen. Please indicate “Manager South-East, Middle East & Africa” in the subject line. In the application letter, the candidate should briefly describe his or her motivation for the position and highlight relevant experience. Applicants should also include an indication of compensation expectations. 

Closing date: 31 December 2012, however applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and early submission is recommended. 

Herbalife Europe Limited, The Atrium, 1 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1HB, Middlesex, United Kingdom.