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Unilever is seeking a Marketing Specialist to lead innovation efforts within its Laundry Southern Africa division, a move signaling the consumer goods giant’s continued investment in the region’s home care market. The position, based in either Katherine Street or La Lucia Ridge, will focus on driving the launch of new products and maintaining a robust pipeline of innovations for established brands Sunlight and Omo.

The role, as outlined in a company announcement, will require close collaboration with regional and local teams across marketing, finance, research and development, and supply chain. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting brand teams in meeting key milestones, managing project budgets, and championing early-stage market testing of new products. A key aspect of the role involves analyzing consumer data and market trends to identify opportunities for locally relevant innovations.

Unilever’s focus on innovation within its laundry portfolio comes as the South African market demonstrates a strong preference for quality and value, according to a recent report by SagaBrand. The report, published in April 2025, identified Sunlight, Comfort, and Omo – all Unilever brands – among the top ten laundry brands in South Africa based on consumer perception of quality. Sunlight topped the ranking, achieving a 76% Quality Score.

The company’s Home Care Southern Africa division aims to become the most admired home care business in Africa, according to the job posting. This ambition will be driven by consumer insights and industry-leading innovations. The position emphasizes the need for a candidate who can balance a global brand mindset with a localized approach, embracing agile methodologies and rapid decision-making.

The role requires strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and the ability to manage cross-functional relationships. Candidates should possess a “founder’s mindset,” demonstrating ownership, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Unilever highlights the importance of a candidate who is passionate about growth, competitive, and capable of driving performance.

Unilever’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is as well emphasized in the job description, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The company states its commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity to drive business results and create a better future for employees, consumers, and communities.

The position reports to the Laundry Southern Africa Innovation Marketing Lead. The company has not announced a timeline for filling the role, but continues to accept applications.

As global security concerns escalate, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Stimson Center will co-host a virtual discussion on March 11, examining the shifting landscape of international arms transfers. The event, titled ‘The Re-making of International Security: Arms Transfers Trends in a Changing Global Order,’ will center around newly released data from SIPRI detailing recent developments in the global arms trade.

The discussion comes at a time of heightened geopolitical instability, prompting questions about the resilience of international alliances and the factors driving military acquisitions worldwide. Experts will analyze how current arms transfer patterns reflect broader uncertainties in the international order. Understanding these trends is crucial as nations navigate a complex and evolving security environment, and the event aims to provide insights into the forces shaping global military power.

Event Details and Key Participants

The virtual discussion will feature Siemon T. Wezeman, a Senior Researcher at SIPRI, and Elias Yousif, Fellow and Deputy Director of the Conventional Defense Program at the Stimson Center. Together, they will delve into the implications of these arms transfer trends. Rachel Stohl, Senior Vice President of Research Programs and Director of the Conventional Defense Program at the Stimson Center, will moderate the conversation, guiding the analysis and ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topic. The event will leverage SIPRI’s latest data on international arms transfers, offering a data-driven perspective on the current situation.

The Stimson Center has been actively researching the complexities of arms transfers, including issues of transparency and influence. A recent report from the organization, titled “The Hidden Costs: Transparency and the US Arms Trade,” highlights the necessitate for greater openness in the US arms trade, noting that a lack of transparency can hinder accountability and potentially exacerbate conflicts. More information on this research is available.

The Broader Context of Global Arms Transfers

The discussion builds upon a wider body of research concerning global military spending and the arms trade. Recent analysis indicates a continuing, and in some cases increasing, demand for military equipment across the globe. This demand is fueled by a variety of factors, including regional conflicts, perceived threats, and modernization efforts. The Stimson Center’s work, including the report “Global Military Spending and the Arms Trade: Trends & Implications,” explores these trends in detail.

the question of who supplies arms and to whom remains a critical aspect of international security. The Stimson Center’s research, as highlighted in the report “If we don’t sell it, someone else will:” Dependence & Influence in US Arms Transfers,” examines the dynamics of US arms transfers and the implications of dependence on a single supplier. This research suggests that the perceived need to maintain market share often drives arms sales, even to countries with questionable human rights records.

The event also comes as the broader international security landscape is undergoing significant changes, as noted in a recent report, “The Re-Making of International Security: Arms Transfer Trends in a Changing Global Order.” This report, from the Stimson Center, details the latest trends in arms transfers and their implications for global security.

Looking ahead, the insights shared during this discussion will be vital for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between arms transfers and international security. The event promises to offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the global community as it navigates an increasingly uncertain world.

Share your thoughts on the evolving dynamics of international arms transfers in the comments below.