Government Affairs Manager, Nigeria

About the role

Zipline, the world's largest drone delivery service, is looking for a Government Affairs Manager based in Abuja, Nigeria. The role leads government engagement for Nigeria and coordinates public-sector pathways for market entry and growth, building relationships with national and subnational leaders and helping the company navigate policy, partnerships and non-aviation approvals.

Key responsibilities

• Set Zipline's government engagement strategy in Nigeria, mapping federal, state and local stakeholders, their priorities, decision rights and influence.
• Build relationships across ministries, agencies, legislatures, public-health institutions and community or traditional leaders.
• Coordinate cross-functional government pathways for market entry and expansion, clarifying agency dependencies, internal owners and next steps.
• Monitor non-aviation laws, regulations, budgets and policy developments, and develop evidence-based positions with subject-matter experts.
• Assess political and institutional risks affecting facilities, shipments, partners and employees, and coordinate with Security and Operations.
• Prepare stakeholder briefs, meeting objectives, talking points and follow-up plans, and track engagement progress through a stakeholder and commitment tracker.
• Represent Zipline with sound judgment and high ethical standards in dealings with public officials and partners.
• Partner with the Commercial Director to advance priority state opportunities, map decision-makers, funding and procurement routes, and plan Governor-level engagements.
• Support the Country Director in maintaining relationships with key sponsors and decision-makers, and monitor federal policy, budget and leadership changes.

Required profile

• Substantial experience in government affairs, public policy, public-sector partnerships or a closely related field in Nigeria.
• Strong, credible relationships with senior government leaders and decision-makers, including federal, state and local levels.
• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, law, international relations, communications or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience navigating state government approval, budget, procurement and contract-signing processes.
• Fluency in English and ability to travel within Nigeria; fluency in Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo is an advantage.

Required skills

• Stakeholder engagement strategy and policy analysis.
• Advocacy, writing and briefing skills.
• Negotiation, relationship-building and communication skills, with discretion in politically sensitive situations.
• Sound judgment on the distinct roles of Government Affairs, Commercial, Legal, Finance and Operations.