About role

The role of the Corporate Relations function is to take action to ensure Diageo’s license to operate, enhance our license to grow and unlock our license to celebrate. Through making progress in these areas, the function helps Diageo to deliver its performance ambition in terms of both “best performing” and “most trusted and respected.”

The role of the Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement Manager will have the following focus areas:

• Developing and implementing select sustainability initiatives under the Society 2030: Spirit of progress action plan. This will be critical in the delivery of positive impact on the society everywhere we live, work, source and sell – collaborating with a wide range of teams to embed Must Do 5 (Inclusion & Diversity) and Must Do 6 (Grain to Glass Sustainability).
• Stakeholder Engagement – the holder will establish and maintain relationships of trust with a wide array of stakeholders in Government, NGOs and multilateral organizations, among others, in order to champion KBL’s interests and scope out partnerships that strengthen the means, scale and ultimately impact of KBL’s sustainability goals and programmes. This will be crucial in driving the KBL strategy, specifically on reputation as a key strategic enabler by ensuring that KBL is a respected partner by stakeholders for being best in class in compliance, brand protection and sustainability.
• Serve as the CR business partner for East African Maltings Limited (EAML). By handling all CR-related matters in the business unit, the role holder will support KBL’s strategy in driving the “supply footprint” enabler, which seeks to guarantee consistent great quality raw material supply through an advantaged but fit-for-purpose value chain.

Role Responsibilities

SUSTAINABILITY (SOCIETY 2030)

CR Business Partner for EAML

• Promote and upscale the integration of sustainability (society 2030 goals) into EAML strategy and operations.
• Liaise with communications colleagues to deliver effective internal and external communication initiatives at EAML.
• Identify and manage CR-related risks and vulnerabilities at EAML and represent CR in EAML RMC sessions.
• Support senior leaders in external engagements on EAML matters.
• Serve as the go-to person for any other CR-related matters at EAML.

Local Raw Materials (LRM)

• Sustainable agriculture – collaborate closely with the agribusiness team in designing, developing and embedding sustainable agriculture practices in the agriculture value chain.
• Embed Inclusion and Diversity in the LRM value chain by ensuring that persons with disabilities, women, youth and other underrepresented groups become represented in the agriculture value chain.
• Reputation management – gather information through extensive networking and visits to LRM regions and uncover any potential reputation risks and proactively enhance our reputation.
• LRM branding – produce communication materials for LRM programmes and events in order to enhance our reputation.
• Supporting EABL Foundation initiatives such as water of life and learning for line in LRM Regions.

Circular economy

• Serve as an internal expert on circular economy and climate change (including related legislation) and provide ongoing guidance to relevant teams in the business.
• In close collaboration with supply chain and facilities colleagues, find new and better ways to reduce, reuse, recycle waste from our factories and offices.
• Lead the extended producer responsibility agenda for KBL’s post-consumer packaging waste, i.e. plastics, cans and glass.
• Drive the external sustainable waste management initiatives in partnership with commercial and supply chain teams.
• Drive thought leadership in Circular Economy as a driver of reputation.

Human Rights

• Manage local governance of the Human Rights Policy and the reporting process.
• Establish and chair the local human rights working group.
• Own the Human Rights Impact Assessment action plan, partnering with other functions to address action items, reviewing progress and reporting through the Societal Impact Scorecard
• Provide training to other functions and stakeholders to help them understand, assess and mitigate relevant human rights risks.

Inclusion and Diversity

• Promote inclusive business models within KBL that empower marginalized groups where we source, work, sell and in our communities.
• Partner with HR, procurement, and other functions to drive inclusion and empowerment of underrepresented groups e.g., persons living with disabilities, not only among KBL employees but also in the rest of the business’ value chain.
• In collaboration with other functions, find opportunities to advance the empowerment of women in the workplace, marketplace, and communities.
• Support the development and revision of the communication on the corporate website and other channels to ensure that it is inclusive and non-discriminatory.
• Promote the adoption and implementation of policies on inclusion and diversity in the business.
• Drive thought leadership on inclusion & diversity as a source of positive reputation.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

LRM External Stakeholders Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in LRM growing areas, including the county executive, members of parliament, members of the county assembly and senior county civil servants.
• Scope out collaboration opportunities and partnerships with government and multilateral organizations in agriculture such as Ministry of Agriculture, Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), World Food Programme (WFP) and Cereal Growers Association (CGA).
• Identify and recommend research papers, studies and white papers to drive evidence-based advocacy.
• Produce materials and narratives to engage stakeholders on the impact of LRM in communities in which we operate and the country at large.
• Lead advocacy and engagements to create an enabling regulatory environment for the agribusiness team to thrive.
• Drive stakeholder engagements on EABL Foundation projects in LRM areas.

Sustainability related legislation

• Lead advocacy, external engagements and policy issues related to corporate sustainability.
• Local Policy Cohesion for Development (PCD) – Leverage the relationships and impact narratives in LRM and other areas of sustainability to support the public policy team in lobbying and advocacy engagements.
• Environmental licenses – work with supply colleagues by offering liaison with relevant regulators such as NEMA in seeking approvals, negotiations and permits.
• Provide the business with insights and updates on sustainability-related regulations to support decision-making and compliance.

Partnerships

• Truly embrace SDG 17 (partnership for the goals) in developing and growing a wide array of partnerships from the development world, NGOs, United Nations agencies, and other multilateral organizations to strengthen the means and scale of KBL initiatives in LRM, circular economy, human rights, diversity and inclusion.
• Establishing and managing relationships with BMOs including Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and United Nations Global Compact Network Kenya among others.
• Government engagements – nurture relationships with the ministry of environment, ministry of agriculture, NEMA, etc., and seek opportunities for partnerships and enhancing KBL’s reputation in compliance and sustainability.
• Manage external partnerships with stakeholders in diversity and inclusion initiatives such as Sight savers and UN Global Compact.
• Engage and effectively manage any other partners, suppliers and specialist consultants when required.

Qualification and Education Required

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, Public Relations, Communications, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), communications, stakeholder engagement, or related areas.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of sustainability principles, frameworks (such as GRI Standards or SASB), and best practices are essential. Candidates should be familiar with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the beverage industry and have a passion for driving sustainability initiatives.
• Proven experience in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, customers, and employees, is crucial. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are necessary to effectively manage stakeholder relationships and drive collaboration.
• Understanding of relevant environmental regulations, industry standards, and reporting requirements is necessary. Candidates should be familiar with sustainability reporting frameworks and be able to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• The ability to work in cross-functional teams, inspire change, and foster a culture of sustainability within the organization is important. Candidates should demonstrate leadership qualities, including the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and drive consensus on sustainability goals and strategies.