Government Affairs Manager

About this role

Zipline in Lagos is seeking a Government Affairs Manager to lead Nigeria-wide government engagement. The role focuses on mapping stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels, building durable relationships with government bodies, health institutions, and community leaders, and shaping policy positions with subject-matter experts. You will coordinate cross-functional pathways for market entry and expansion, monitor policy developments, assess risks, and prepare strategic briefs and plans for leadership. The position involves tracking engagement progress, maintaining records, and coordinating with the Commercial Director and other teams to advance priority opportunities. The role requires strong relationships with senior Nigerian officials, a deep understanding of the political landscape, and the ability to travel within Nigeria as needed.

What you would do

• Set and manage Nigeria government engagement strategy.
• Map stakeholders and influence across federal, state, and local levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with ministries, agencies, legislatures, public-health bodies, and community leaders.
• Coordinate cross-functional government pathways for market entry and expansion.
• Monitor policy developments, assess political and institutional risks, and develop evidence-based positions.
• Prepare stakeholder briefs, meeting objectives, talking points, and follow-up plans.
• Track engagement progress and ensure action owners complete commitments.
• Represent Zipline with ethical standards in interactions with officials and partners.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Director to advance state opportunities toward approval.
• Plan governor-level engagements with clear decisions and follow-up actions.

What they are asking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, International Relations, Communications, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in government affairs, public policy, or public-sector partnerships in Nigeria.
• Strong relationships with senior Nigerian government leaders and decision-makers.
• Practical understanding of Nigeria’s political and institutional landscape across federal and subnational levels.
• Ability to develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies and adapt to leadership changes.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional efforts to address market-entry or policy challenges.
• Strong policy analysis, advocacy, writing, and briefing skills.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills with discretion.
• Fluency in English and willingness to travel within Nigeria; Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo skills are advantageous.
• Experience navigating state government approval, budgets, procurement, and contract processes.

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