Leader, Government & Industry Affairs – Latin America

The Leader, Government & Industry Affairs (G&IA) – Latin America is responsible for defining, leading, and executing the organization’s regional public policy, regulatory advocacy, and external engagement strategy across Latin America, with Brazil as the anchor market. The position operates with high autonomy and drives significant influence over business outcomes. The role acts as a strategic partner and advisor to the Latin America Leadership Team and Global Public Affairs leadership, ensuring that political and regulatory considerations are fully embedded into business strategy, investment decisions, and innovation deployment. This position reports to the Head of Public Affairs and works in close coordination with Commercial, Regulatory, Legal, Communications, R&D, Tax, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams. Responsibilities Strategy, Governance & Regional Integration * Define and lead the Latin America Government & Industry Affairs strategy, aligned with the organization’s global public policy priorities and regional business objectives. * Establish and enforce regional governance frameworks and engagement protocols for interactions with governments, regulators, industry associations, and growers’ organizations. * Integrate, prioritize, and oversee country‑level advocacy strategies, ensuring consistency, focus, and effective use of resources. * Serve as a senior advisor on political, regulatory, and reputational risks, particularly those with regional or cross‑border impact. Advocacy, Policy & Risk Mitigation * Anticipate, assess, and manage political, regulatory, and non‑technical risks affecting the organization’s operations, assets, investments, and innovation pipeline. * Lead regional advocacy strategies related to: * Freedom to operate (FTO) and right to invest * Market access and trade policy * Portfolio and pipeline defense * Regulatory frameworks * Customs, tariffs, export controls, and trade negotiations * Ensure political and regulatory risk mitigation is integrated into commercialization, R&D, manufacturing, and capital investment decisions. Stakeholder Engagement * Build, maintain, and leverage senior‑level relationships with: * Government officials, regulators, and legislators at the state and federal level * Multilateral organizations and trade bodies * Growers’ groups and producer organizations (critical stakeholders for legitimacy and advocacy) * Industry associations, agri‑food value‑chain leaders, and opinion leaders * Position growers’ groups as a central pillar of the organization’s advocacy strategy, ensuring alignment between farmer priorities, policy narratives, and regulatory outcomes. * Represent the organization in regional and international associations, chambers, councils, and think tanks, with accountability for policy positioning and coalition leadership. * Lead the formation of strategic partnerships and industry coalitions to advance shared public policy objectives. People, Budget & Compliance Leadership * Lead, mentor, and develop country G&IA leaders and teams, setting clear expectations and accountability. * Influence cross‑functional teams through matrix leadership, ensuring alignment with Commercial, Regulatory, Legal, Communications, R&D, Tax, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain. * Own and manage the regional G&IA budget, ensuring disciplined investment and measurable business impact. * Ensure full compliance with the organization’s core values, internal policies, and applicable laws, including FCPA and equivalent anti‑corruption regulations. Key Accountabilities * Deliver measurable advocacy outcomes that protect innovation, enable market access, and sustain long‑term growth in Latin America. * Strengthen the organization’s license to operate and reputation, particularly in high‑exposure markets. * Position the organization as a trusted, science‑based partner to governments, growers, and the broader agricultural ecosystem. * Provide actionable external intelligence and scenario analysis to regional and global leadership. Competencies Qualifications & Experience * Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory affairs, or external relations, including regional or multi‑country leadership responsibility. * Proven experience in a multinational corporation, industry association, or international organization, preferably in agriculture, food systems, life sciences, or innovation‑driven sectors. * Deep understanding of Brazilian and Latin American political, regulatory, and institutional environments, including trade and multilateral dynamics. * Demonstrated ability to influence senior policymakers, lead complex negotiations, and operate effectively in ambiguous environments. * Strong experience leading senior professionals and operating in matrixed, multicultural organizations. * Demonstrated budget ownership and strategic resource allocation. * Fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese is mandatory. * Availability to travel approximately 30–40% of the time. Leadership * Issues and crisis experience, ideally within a highly regulated industry * Enterprise mindset and strategic judgment * Executive presence and credibility * Advanced advocacy and negotiation skills * Coalition‑building and systems thinking * High ethical standards and compliance leadership #LI-Hybrid