The Country Lead, Scientific and Public Policy will report to both FIA Head of Nutrition Science & Policy and Head of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs. This role responsible for regulatory, health & nutrition policy advocacy functions, oversee critical projects including regulatory initiatives that are important for food and beverage brands, as well as B2B suppliers across the region. The successful candidate will monitor, engage and drive to shape the food-related regulatory and nutrition policy, with the dual objectives of facilitating product innovation and reformulation.
The position requires a strong technical grounding in food regulations and nutrition policy, proven advocacy skills, and the ability to build partnerships with regulators, policymakers, academia, NGOs, and industry stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
I. Policy & Regulatory Monitoring
- Monitor national legislative activities and public health policy development in Thailand. Analyse industry trends as well as assessing the potential effects of proposed regulations and policies on food industry.
- Support in the development of proactive strategies to mitigate risks and address compliance challenges through stakeholder collaboration and advocacy efforts.
- Develop and maintain FIA regulatory resources and provide timely intelligence to FIA secretariat and members via appropriate platforms (weekly/monthly updates, regulatory insights, position paper, technical brief etc.).
II. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Collaboration
- Build and maintain relationships with Thai regulators (FDA, Ministry of Health), policymakers, industry associations, academia, NGOs, and media influencers.
- Represent FIA in meetings, consultations, workshop and relevant public forums to advocate science-based policy solutions and shape regulatory outcomes.
- Support and facilitate bilateral/multilateral dialogues, roundtables, and workshops with government and external stakeholders.
III. Member Engagement & Technical Support
- Serve as local point of contact for FIA members in Thailand on policy and regulatory related matters.
- Provide strategic and technical advice to member companies on compliance, advocacy strategies and reformulation opportunities.
- Coordinate FIA's local member events, ensuring effective industry alignment and advocacy positioning.
- Develop and contribute to advocacy materials, including briefing packs, and media responses, presentation decks on key issues.
- Collaborate with FIA's Regional Regulatory, Nutrition and Public Affairs team to align scientific and regulatory messages with wider advocacy campaigns.
Qualification & Desired Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Science, Public Health Science or related fields.
- Minimum 5 8 years of relevant experience in regulatory affairs function, nutrition policy, or a related role, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
- Proven experience engaging with local governments and regulatory bodies in Thailand is highly desirable.
- Solid and demonstrable understanding of food regulations, health and nutrition policies as well as legislative process in Thailand. Knowledge on regional regulatory and policy within Asia region will be of advantage.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively represent FIA in various settings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and foster collaborative partnerships.
Attributes:
- Self-Starter: Able of working independently and collaboratively within a small team.
- Problem-Solver: Possesses strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. Capable to conduct research, gather and analyse the required information and scientific evidence.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, to enable building and strengthening relationship with stakeholders; including authorities, industry associations, members and internal FIA team
- Critical Thinking: Quickly responds thoughtfully to challenges across various markets and product categories.
- Flexibility: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with senior leaders from multinational food companies and a culturally diverse team.
- Strategic Thinking: Develop and execute effective strategies to achieve the desired results.
- Job-Related Skills: Competent in project management, stakeholder engagement, and presenting to senior industry executives and officials.
- Cultural Adaptability: Adapts well across different cultures and age groups.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in both written and spoken English. Fluency in Thai is highly desirable.
- Mobility: Flexibility to travel and work outstation as required.
