SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Despegar is Latin America's leading travel technology company, with over 35 million trips completed in the past year. The company operates across multiple countries in a complex and dynamic regulatory environment and is part of the Prosus Group, committed to sustainable economic development and building strong relationships with public and private stakeholders.
You will lead the day-to-day government affairs function in Brazil, serving as a bridge between the company and government institutions. This is a strategic and operational role with high autonomy to build and execute the government relations agenda, working closely with the Country Manager and strategic leaders as needed. The role requires maturity to navigate multiple internal stakeholder groups and align direction in an evolving organizational structure.
Key Responsibilities:
Institutional Relationship Management: Lead institutional relationships with ministries, regulatory agencies, legislators, and other government bodies relevant to the business. Represent Despegar before government authorities in meetings, hearings, and sector forums. Build and maintain networks with decision-makers across the three branches of government at federal, state, and municipal levels. Actively participate in associations, sector chambers, and strategic coalitions.
Regulatory Monitoring & Intelligence: Coordinate legislative and regulatory monitoring in partnership with contracted public affairs consultancies. Track bills, regulations, and normative changes that may impact Despegar's operations. Consolidate and translate complex information into executive reports with scenario analysis and strategic recommendations. Maintain updated stakeholder maps and priority regulatory agendas.
Impact Analysis & Internal Coordination: Identify and map regulatory risks and opportunities for the business. Coordinate with specialized areas (Legal, Tax, Compliance, Commercial) to assess the impact of legislative and regulatory initiatives. Facilitate alignment between technical teams and the Country Manager on positioning and strategy. Engage appropriate specialists in government interactions based on topic.
Advocacy & Influence Strategy: Design and implement advocacy and institutional positioning strategies with government. Build technical, economic, and social impact arguments to support company positions. Develop public policy proposals and legislative amendments when needed. Articulate coalitions and alliances with other companies and associations to strengthen influence.
Collaborative Work & Governance: Work collaboratively with Legal, Tax, Compliance, Communications, Public Policy, and business leaders. Report regularly on progress, risks, and opportunities to the General Counsel and Country Manager. Build internal team capability on relevant regulatory topics. Document all interactions and activities in compliance with corporate governance and compliance policies. Involve the Country Manager in high-impact strategic matters requiring executive decision-making.
Requirements:
Essential: Bachelor's degree in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or related fields. Minimum 7–10 years of solid experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, or public affairs. Proven track record working with the Brazilian National Congress, ministries, and regulatory agencies. Deep technical knowledge of government functioning and legislative processes (bill processing, parliamentary dynamics, regulatory procedures). Established network of relationships with public sector decision-makers. Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to translate complex technical topics into accessible language. Advanced/fluent English for interaction with headquarters and regional leadership. Analytical, strategic profile with strong execution capability. Autonomy, proactivity, and sense of urgency. Maturity to manage multiple stakeholders and align priorities in an evolving organizational structure. Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally.
Desirable: Prior experience in technology companies, fintechs, or digital platforms. Knowledge of tourism, travel, or e-commerce sectors. Experience in government relations consulting. Team management experience. Advanced Spanish.
