In an increasingly complex global landscape, the ability of executives to strategically engage with governments and public institutions is paramount to achieving long-term business goals. Effective executive engagement can unlock new opportunities, mitigate regulatory risks, and build a positive reputation that strengthens an organization's license to operate. This course is designed for leaders who need to master the nuances of public policy, diplomacy, and stakeholder relations to drive corporate strategy and influence outcomes in a rapidly evolving political environment.

This five-day program offers a comprehensive and practical framework for mastering the art of influencing governments and institutions. Participants will gain critical skills in stakeholder mapping, advocacy, and ethical engagement, enabling them to build robust relationships and navigate legislative and bureaucratic processes with confidence. By the end of this training, you will be equipped to develop and execute a powerful government relations strategy that aligns with your organization's mission and ensures its voice is heard at the highest levels of power.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• CEOs and Senior Executives
• Public Affairs and Government Relations Professionals
• Heads of Corporate Strategy and Business Development
• Legal and Compliance Officers
• Investor Relations and Communications Managers
• Directors of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs
• Leaders of Trade and Industry Associations
• Executives in Multinational Corporations
• Board Members with oversight of public policy
• Consultants and Advisors in public relations

Objectives:

• Understand the structures and functions of government and public institutions
• Develop a strategic framework for executive engagement
• Master the art of high-level communication and advocacy
• Build and nurture strong, ethical relationships with key officials
• Anticipate and respond to shifts in public policy and regulation
• Manage reputational risk in a public and political context
• Navigate the complexities of international engagement and diplomacy
• Create and implement an effective government relations plan
• Foster a proactive culture of political awareness and influence

Course Modules:

Module 1: Understanding the Political Landscape

• An overview of government structures and institutional frameworks
• The roles of legislative, executive, and regulatory bodies
• Identifying the formal and informal power centers of influence
• Understanding the policy-making process from agenda to implementation
• The importance of staying abreast of political and economic trends

Module 2: Strategic Stakeholder Mapping

• Identifying and segmenting key government and institutional stakeholders
• Analyzing stakeholder interests, motivations, and influence
• Creating a stakeholder engagement matrix
• Developing a targeted engagement strategy for each stakeholder group
• Leveraging internal resources and external partners for effective outreach

Module 3: The Art of Influence and Advocacy

• Crafting a compelling message for government audiences
• Mastering the executive briefing and high-stakes presentation
• Techniques for effective lobbying and advocacy
• Building consensus and coalitions with other organizations
• The importance of persistence and patience in government relations

Module 4: Navigating the Regulatory and Legislative Process

• Understanding the legislative journey of a bill or policy
• How to provide effective input during public comment periods
• Building relationships with regulatory agencies and their staff
• The role of public consultations and parliamentary committees
• Responding to government inquiries and requests for information

Module 5: Public-Private Partnerships and Diplomacy

• The principles of successful public-private partnerships
• How to initiate and manage collaborative projects with governments
• The role of diplomacy in international business and trade
• Engaging with embassies, consulates, and multilateral organizations
• Understanding cultural nuances in international engagement

Module 6: Crisis Management in the Public Sphere

• The interplay between a corporate crisis and government relations
• Developing a crisis response plan for government-related issues
• Communicating with officials during a crisis
• Managing media and public scrutiny while engaging with government
• Leveraging a positive reputation to weather a crisis

Module 7: Ethics, Transparency, and Compliance

• The ethical considerations of engaging with public officials
• Understanding anti-corruption laws and lobbying regulations
• Ensuring transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest
• Building a compliance framework for government relations activities
• The importance of ethical conduct in building long-term trust

Module 8: Executing a Government Relations Strategy

• Developing a clear mission, goals, and objectives for your strategy
• Allocating resources and budget for government relations
• Measuring the effectiveness of your engagement efforts
• Aligning government relations with overall business strategy
• The role of the executive as the primary advocate and representative

Module 9: Practical Application and Case Studies

• Analyzing real-world examples of successful and failed executive engagement
• Role-playing exercises for key meetings with government officials
• Developing and presenting a mini-government relations plan
• Peer feedback and group discussion on complex scenarios
• A final Q&A with an industry expert on best practices and challenges

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.