The Country Regulatory & Policy Lead will report to both FIA Regional Senior Manager (Nutrition) and Head of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs. This role integrates both regulatory affairs and health & nutrition policy advocacy functions, oversee critical projects related to regulatory challenges faced by 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. Regulatory-Policy Monitoring & Analysis
- Monitor national legislative activities and analyse industry trends. This includes reviewing changes in food standards, labelling requirements, import/export regulations, health and nutrition policies and other relevant topics, as well as assessing the potential effects of proposed regulations and policies on food industry.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify emerging regulatory risks and trends in the 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 (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.
- Act as FIA's local representative in Thailand, advocating for proportionate, science-based policy solutions.
- Participate in public consultations, hearings, and working groups to shape regulatory outcomes on food and nutrition areas.
- Organise and facilitate bilateral/multilateral dialogues, roundtables, and workshops with government and external stakeholders.
III. Member Engagement & Support
- Collaborate with the leadership team to develop coordinated messaging and dissemination of critical information, supporting advocacy strategies to regulatory/policy developments.
- 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.
IV. Advocacy, Communication & Capacity Building
- Organise and facilitate bilateral/multilateral dialogues, roundtables, and workshops with government and external stakeholders. Represent FIA at external events and presenting insights for industry interest
- Collaborate with FIA's Public Affairs team to align scientific and regulatory messages with wider advocacy campaigns.
- Develop communication tools, briefing packs, and media responses on key issues.
Qualification & Desired Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Science, Public Health Science or related fields (Master's degree is preferred).
- Minimum 8 10 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 Asia is highly desirable.
- Solid and demonstrable understanding of food regulations, health and nutrition policies as well as legislative process in the Asia region in particular Thailand with good knowledge of industry best practices.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively represent FIA in various settings.
- Expert in conducting quality research and analysis of global/regional/country regulatory trends with the competence to give recommendations to senior regulatory affairs executives in food and beverage companies as well as ingredients suppliers.
- 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.
The role is permanently based Thailand. Interested and suitable candidates please send your resume to [Confidential Information].
