Cluster Communications Advisor at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

• GIZ South Africa is looking for a Cluster Communications Advisor for its TVET, Skills Development and Employment Promotion Cluster, based at the GIZ office in Hatfield, Pretoria. The position reports to the Cluster Coordinator, is offered at Salary Band 4T, and is a full-time fixed-term position until 31 August 2028.
• GIZ is an implementing agency working on behalf of the German Government and other commissioning parties in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has been active in South Africa since 1995 and works with partner institutions to support the implementation of national development priorities.
• The TVET, Skills Development and Employment Promotion Cluster works with government institutions, the private sector, training providers, development partners and civil society organisations to support skills development, employment promotion and inclusive economic development.
• The cluster portfolio includes TVET system strengthening, youth employment promotion, labour market interventions, digital skills development, job creation, SMME support, private sector engagement, and skills development for a just and green transition.
• The cluster currently implements several programmes and initiatives, including Career Path Development for Employment, Digital Skills for Jobs and Income, Support to the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, and other initiatives in the field of skills development and employment promotion.
• This role will suit a strong communications professional who can translate complex programme work, policy processes, development results and lessons learned into clear, accessible and high-impact communication products. The role is central to strengthening stakeholder engagement, communicating development impact, ensuring visibility of results and increasing public awareness of the cluster’s work.

What We Need From You

• A university degree in Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or another relevant discipline related to communication and digital media.
• At least 5 years’ relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, stakeholder engagement or a comparable field.
• Proven experience in content development, writing, editing and the production of communication products.
• Outstanding editorial, writing, verbal and presentation skills in English.
• Experience developing and implementing communication and visibility activities for events, workshops and stakeholder engagements.
• Experience in social media management and digital communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook and MS Teams.
• Experience coordinating external service providers, including graphic designers, photographers, videographers and communication consultants.

It would be advantageous if you have:

• Experience in international development, donor-funded programmes, public sector institutions, multinational organisations or multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience communicating technical, policy or development-related topics to diverse audiences.
• Experience in data storytelling and translating project results into compelling communication products.
• Experience using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar applications.
• Experience in photography, visual storytelling, SEO and/or SEM.
• Good contacts with media and communication networks.
• A demonstrated interest in TVET, skills development, youth employment, digital skills, job creation, SMME support, private sector engagement or inclusive economic development.
• You should also bring strong interpersonal skills, political awareness, intercultural sensitivity, creativity, initiative, attention to detail, strong planning and organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

What You Will Be Responsible For
In this role, you will support the planning, coordination and implementation of internal and external communication, visibility and public relations activities across the TVET, Skills Development and Employment Promotion Cluster.

• Developing and implementing cluster communication and visibility plans.
• Advising cluster management and project teams on communication approaches, visibility opportunities and audience-appropriate messaging.
• Producing high-quality communication products, including articles, success stories, case studies, newsletters, factsheets, brochures, presentations, speeches, talking points, press releases, media statements and other communication materials.
• Translating technical information, project results, policy processes and lessons learned into accessible communication products for diverse audiences.
• Working with project teams and monitoring and evaluation specialists to identify, document and communicate results, lessons learned and development impact.
• Supporting donor visibility and stakeholder communication, including requirements linked to commissioning parties and co-financing partners such as BMZ, the European Union and SECO.
• Supporting communication activities linked to donor missions, steering committee meetings, high-level visits, stakeholder engagements, conferences, workshops, launches, study tours and stakeholder dialogues.
• Supporting media relations, public relations and relationships with relevant media and communication stakeholders.
• Ensuring communication products comply with GIZ corporate design, communication standards and quality requirements prior to publication and dissemination.
• Coordinating photographers, videographers, graphic designers, communication consultants and other service providers.
• Managing communication-related contracts and deliverables within the scope of responsibility.
• Supporting joint communication and visibility activities across GIZ South Africa on cross-cutting themes such as the Just Energy Transition, digitalisation, youth employment and private sector development.