The role represents the unique opportunity to set the foundation of international public policy across the Americas (including North, Central, and South America) with a global perspective.
IMPORTANT! Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have authorisation to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
The Public Policy Director for the Americas will be part of the GS1 Global Public Policy team reporting to the Vice President for Global Public Policy. The Director will act as a public policy strategist developing and implementing plans with the GS1 Member Organisations in the Americas and Global Office. The main goal is to set the foundation to collaborate with regulators working on international topics and regional/global industry associations by coordinating local GS1 Member Organisations, NGOs, and other GS1 relevant stakeholders.
The role requires a passion for regulatory affairs and policy developments, and the ability to be a trusted and neutral partner to GS1 Member Organisations, authorities, and other stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished individual with expertise in international public policy, government relations, and policy communications work especially in the fields of consumer goods, retail, sustainability, standards, data, and technology.
Responsibilities include the following:
- Consult senior management of GS1 Member Organisations in the Americas to further the strategic policy priorities, and set the foundation for international public policy.
- Develop and enable implementation of a long-term public policy strategy for the Americas to promote the use of GS1 standards and registries that reflect the global public policy strategy and priorities.
- Based on the global public policy plan, build opportunities to strategically position the GS1 system and structure relationships with government, intergovernmental organisations, and industry groups/trade associations, by coordinating local GS1 Member Organisations.
- Promote programs and initiatives to achieve societal, regulatory, and business environments in which GS1 standards will thrive including by leveraging synergies across the Americas.
- Coordination of policy positions with GS1 Member Organisations in the region (Canada, US, Central and South America) and with Global Public Policy team.
- The role demands interactions with different seniority levels in GS1 Member Organisations, International Organisations, and trade associations.
Education and Experience
- A Bachelor's level degree is required and a Master's degree in public policy, international law, or international relations is preferred with 10 to 15 years of work experience maximum in public affairs, government relations, or policy communications position in industry, government agency, consultancy, trade association, or NGO.
- A thorough understanding of how international organisations, trade associations, and NGOs function, and work experience in international political environments relevant to the region will be considered a plus.
- Knowledge of the GS1 system is not required but is considered a plus.
- Experience in one or more of the following sectors/areas is requested: trade, consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, data, sustainability, digital economy, and standards.
- Fluent in both Spanish and English, other languages are a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - confident presenter and public speaker.
- Coalition building experience is a plus.