Job Description

Government relations



Head of Public Policy - East Africa



Location

:



Johannesburg



Employment Type

:



Regular



Job Code

:



A38103A



Responsibilities



The Global Public Policy & Government Affairs team's work spans across a broad and diverse range of functions and workstreams, including government affairs and government relations; policy and issue area expertise; risk and crisis management and mitigation; outreach, coalitions, and partnerships; and corporate social responsibility. The mission of the Global Public Policy team is to prevent, manage, and mitigate political, legislative, and regulatory threats to TikTok and to promote a political, legislative, and regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation for our business.



We are seeking a dynamic and agile Government Relations & Public Policy Manager to lead our efforts in East Africa. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong collaborator with the ability to exercise sound judgment in a fast-changing environment. They should have deep knowledge of the region's public policy landscape, political systems, and institutions, as well as strong networks across government, multilateral agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector.



Responsibilities

Build and strengthen relationships with governments, NGOs, academia, think tanks, and other stakeholders across East Africa (and select Sub-Saharan African markets) to support TikTok's growth. Engage with policymakers, think tanks, private sector partners, and NGOs on issues including data protection, privacy, safety and security, intellectual property, e-governance, and content policy. Develop long-term strategic partnerships and design/executive advocacy campaigns in key public policy areas. Advise internal teams on emerging policy developments in East Africa, helping to shape actionable strategies aligned with government regulations and priorities. Monitor and analyze political and social trends, identifying risks and opportunities for TikTok. Represent TikTok externally, communicating our policy positions and helping local communities better understand our platform.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree or equivalent practical experience (ideally law, public policy, or related field) Significant experience in public policy, government relations, or a related field. Strong judgment, advocacy, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex and fast-paced environments. In-depth knowledge of East Africa's political systems, institutions, and cultural context. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, academia, civil society, and industry stakeholders across East Africa. Demonstrated interest in emerging technologies and their policy implications. Collaborative team player who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience in government, or on the public policy team of a global technology company. Professional background in multilaterals, think tanks, consulting, or industry associations. Strong understanding of the technology sector and its intersection with public policy across East Africa.

Job Information



About TikTok



TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.



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Why Join Us



Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect - and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.



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We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.



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Diversity & Inclusion



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TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.