Head of Engagement

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco Papua New Guinea has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Engagement in Port Moresby.

As a Head of Engagement, you will help shape the external environment in Papua New Guinea by building influential partnerships, leading strategic engagement initiatives, and advancing advocacy priorities that support business success. Working closely with senior leaders and key partners, you will provide insights, influence policy discussions, and drive meaningful outcomes that strengthen the organization's reputation, resilience, and long-term growth.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen relationships and advance business priorities.
• Build trusted partnerships with government agencies, regulators, industry leaders, and external organizations to create shared value and positive outcomes.
• Shape and implement advocacy initiatives that influence regulatory, fiscal, and policy discussions affecting the business environment.
• Provide strategic insights on emerging political, regulatory, and market developments to support informed decision-making and business growth.
• Develop compelling engagement strategies, thought leadership materials, executive briefings, and stakeholder communications that inspire action and alignment.
• Represent the organization with credibility and professionalism, fostering productive dialogue across diverse partner groups.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges, deliver integrated solutions, and achieve shared objectives.
• Champion integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement while creating sustainable external partnerships and advocacy outcomes.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience leading stakeholder engagement, government relations, public policy, corporate affairs, or external affairs initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building influential relationships with senior leaders across government, regulatory, and private-sector environments.
• Strong ability to develop and implement engagement and advocacy strategies that deliver measurable business impact.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage diverse audiences.
• Strategic mentality with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to translate complex issues into clear recommendations and actions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, build alignment, and influence outcomes in a matrix environment.
• Strong project leadership skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Degree qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Business, Law, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.