Objectives of the Position:

Lead / drive communications for BASF India in collaboration with colleagues in the KL service hub.Ensure consistent communication of BASF’s core messages with key stakeholders in India - internal and external - through traditional, social and digital platforms, solidifying trust for BASF.Understand stakeholder’s perceptions, priorities and needs to communicate appropriately, shaping positive opinion about BASF brand. Identified stakeholders include business units, employees, key customers and distributors, media, communities, relevant government officials, BASF India Limited Board and internal influencers, key associations.

 

Main Tasks:

Stakeholder Relations:

Create, provide guidance for implementation and monitor stakeholder engagement plans to strengthen BASF India’s positioning and perception among stakeholders.Leadership communication – Work closely with Managing Director and key spokespersons in the organization to support with their communication needs.Review and support content/material for BASF in India report and Annual Report.Collaborate with other expert groups in the KL Service Hub to capture synergies of an integrated approach to stakeholder engagement programmes.

Media Relations:

Drive the media relations strategy for BASF in India and advise/ work closely with spokespersons to build BASF brand among the media fraternity.Review / support press releases, by-line articles and keynote presentations.Manage media inquiries, review interview preparations including briefing documents, media meets, relationship building meetings, etc.Drive and implement media training for spokespersons.One Voice Policy – ensure adherence to the BASF protocol of external communications.Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting BASF in India and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy.Pro-actively identify topics from businesses and functions as potential content for media interviews and relationship meetings.Establish and maintain relations with journalists relevant to BASF - e.g. chemical industry beat, business journalists, industries important to BASF.Track and evaluate media coverage report.Leverage social media to engage targeted audiences across traditional and new media, while working with the digital team in the KL hub.

Crisis Communications:

Ensure crisis preparedness – Conduct crisis workshops at sites in partnership with the EHS team.Provide crisis communication support in the event of an incident / crisis and support CIMT (Country Incident Management Team).Monitor relevant news affecting BASF via traditional media and social media (while working with the digital communication team in the KL service Hub).

Employee Communications:

Explore, deploy and recommend tech-based communication tools in enhancing employee engagement.Lead planning and implementation of leadership townhalls with support from KL Service hub.Ensure India intranet and internet is updated via KL Hub team.Execute and monitor global and regional internal communication campaigns (Safety Week, Customer Centricity, Change management, Sustainability week, Digitalization initiatives, etc.).Monitor, research, evaluate effectiveness of internal communication channels and activities, making appropriate improvements and recommendations.

Events and Campaigns:

Plan, execute and measure internal communication events and campaigns with business and service units.

 

Minimum Education and Qualification Required for the Position:

Proven working experience in developing integrated communications strategy either in a corporate or agency set up (minimum 12-15 yrs).Graduate/Post grad degree in PR, communications or a related discipline.Skill Set:High level of judgement to advise management.Ability to see the bigger picture and reach out and create networks that influence BASF positively.Good planning and organisational skills, creating systems that enhance stakeholder knowledge and interaction.Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to think strategically, and excellent oral and strong written communication skills (incl. editing).Experience and comfort of working with multicultural and virtual teams.Preferably from PR Agency background with knowledge and experience in the O&G or petrochemical and corporate sectors.