Public Affairs Lead - South Asia

Interested in a career that matters?

The role & your impact

• Develop and execute a comprehensive South Asia Public Affairs strategy aligned with business objectives and regional priorities.
• Identify emerging policy, legislative, and regulatory developments that could impact Novonesis' businesses and growth agenda.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across central and state governments, regulatory authorities, and industry bodies.
• Represent Novonesis in policy consultations, industry associations, regulatory discussions, and external stakeholder forums.
• Partner with commercial, legal, regulatory, communications, and leadership teams to align advocacy priorities and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Translate complex policy developments into actionable business insights, recommendations, and advocacy strategies.
• Drive engagement on policy topics related to energy transition, agriculture, food systems, sustainability, industrial biosolutions, and innovation.
• Monitor regulatory developments across South Asia and support coordinated regional public affairs initiatives.
• Provide strategic counsel, regular updates, and policy insights to regional and global stakeholders.

What you'll need to be successful in this role

• Master's degree in public policy, Law, Business, Communications, International Relations, Economics, or a related discipline preferred.
• 14 to 15 years of relevant experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior officials across central and state government institutions.
• Deep understanding of India's policy and regulatory landscape and its implications for business.
• Strong network across government ministries, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and policy platforms.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build trusted, long-term relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to connect policy developments to business priorities.
• Experience translating complex policy and regulatory issues into clear business recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across functions, cultures, geographies, and senior leadership teams.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.

Additional skills & interests we value

• Experience working within multinational organizations, public policy institutions, industry associations, consulting firms, or government environments.
• Exposure to policy areas related to biosolutions, industrial biotechnology, sustainability, agriculture, food systems, energy, or environmental policy.
• Familiarity with policy and regulatory frameworks in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder landscapes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and science-based solutions that create positive societal impact.

What we offer you

• The opportunity to influence policy discussions that support sustainable innovation and business growth across South Asia.
• A highly visible role working with regional and global leaders across Novonesis.
• Exposure to some of the most important policy topics shaping the future of food, agriculture, sustainability, energy transition, and industrial biosolutions.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven culture focused on solving global challenges through biology.
• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and international collaboration.
• The chance to help shape the future of an innovative global biosolutions company.

Working conditions

• Regional role covering South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
• Frequent engagement with government stakeholders, regulatory authorities, industry associations, and external partners.
• Regular domestic travel within India and occasional international travel across the South Asia region.
• Hybrid working environment with flexibility aligned to business and stakeholder requirements.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholder engagements across different geographies and time zones.

Our purpose guides the way

Opportunities for everyone