Sr. Policy Advisor, Latin America

TeslaAustin, TexasOn-siteFull-timeStaff, 8–12 yearsListed 1 hour ago

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About this role

Tesla is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor, Latin America to own and advance Tesla’s policy agenda across the region and to support new and expanding market entry. This role is the primary policy lead for LATAM—spanning vehicles, autonomy and future products, manufacturing and trade, and the regulatory conditions that determine whether Tesla can sell, build, service, and scale.

You will engage governments at the national and subnational level, shape market-access and investment frameworks, clear operational blockers for the business, and build the coalitions and relationships that make durable policy outcomes possible. The role suits someone who can move fluidly from a finance ministry tariff discussion to a transport ministry registration fix to a city permitting issue—and translate all of it into clear recommendations for Tesla leadership.

- Own Tesla’s LATAM policy agenda: set country and regional strategies for market entry, growth, and long-term competitiveness, and map political, legislative, and regulatory risk and opportunity across priority markets
- Align policy work with commercial timelines—launches, volume ramps, site openings, fleet deals—and partner with Sales, Energy, Legal, Trade, Homologation, Operations, and other relevant business teams
- Build and maintain senior relationships with ministries, regulators, legislators, presidential/VP offices, development agencies, and key cities; represent Tesla in consultations, proceedings, and executive briefings
- Lead full-book coverage: tariffs and import regimes, homologation and registration, dealer/distributor rules, incentives and tax, charging and energy siting, privacy and data, fleet procurement, and emerging AV/ADAS, robotics, and software rules
- Anticipate regulatory change, warn the business early, and clear operational blockers (customs holds, registration delays, permitting, enforcement) before they hit revenue
- Build coalitions with industry, NGOs, academic partners, and customers; run advocacy campaigns and commission research or analysis when needed to support Tesla’s case
- Operate with high judgment in a lean, fast-moving environment: escalate with options, keep LATAM positions consistent with global Policy/Legal/Trade, and manage consultants so Tesla speaks with one voice

- 8+ years in government affairs, public policy, regulatory advocacy, or trade/market access, with substantial Latin America experience (multi-country preferred)
- Proven record of winning or shaping legislation, regulation, permits, or executive actions—not only monitoring
- Experience supporting market entry or expansion (import regimes, investment frameworks, regulated product launches, or infrastructure deployment)
- Senior relationships—or the ability to build them quickly—with government and regulators in one or more priority LATAM markets
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence; able to navigate contentious issues and align divergent interests
- Outstanding written and verbal communication in English and Spanish (Portuguese strongly preferred)
- Self-directed operator who thrives in a high-tempo environment, with working knowledge of transportation, EV, energy/climate, trade, and digital/tech policy in the region

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

- Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program