Communications and Engagement Manager - WCLA 07/2025 at Western Cape Liquor Authority

About our company

• The Western Cape Liquor Authority regulates the retail sale and micro-manufacturing of liquor in the province, ensuring effective regulation in the interest of the public.

Introduction

• To create awareness, increase brand exposure and manage the corporate identity of the Western Cape Liquor Authority.

Job description

Communication and Stakeholder Strategy, Policy and Procedures: 

• Assist in developing and implementing the WCLA communication-, stakeholder, marketing- and public relations strategy, policy and procedures to various target audiences
• Assist in developing community mobilization and stakeholder programmes that include education and awareness during and after licensing processes
• Developing annual communication plans aligned with the communication and stakeholder strategy and the overall WCLA Strategy
• Developing alcohol harms reduction initiatives aligned to strategic direction of the WCLA

Marketing, Communication & Public Relations Management: 

• Facilitate communication needs analysis, draft briefs for communications agency and manage the relationship with communication agency:         
• Facilitate the development, distribution and maintenance of print and electronic collateral
• Manage the implementation of mass media initiatives (social media etc.)   
• Lead marketing initiatives and branding activities
• Manage digital marketing and performance monitoring activities
• Manage all public relations activities
• Ensure up to date media contact list
• Communicate important developments and/or decisions regarding the activities of the authority to all the stakeholders
• Co-ordinate external communication activities / newsletters / radio and TV / social media:
• Draft timeous responses to media enquiries
• Draft media releases
• Conduct news interviews and electronic and print media in consultation with the CEO
• Co-ordinate press conferences
• Co-ordinate and facilitate training interventions within the organisation and externally 

Research: Media / News and research documents

• Manage the research plan and research repository for WCLA
• Monitor the media and report on relevant happenings within the industry including global trends
• Manage the process to conduct research in the retail liquor trade and micro manufacturing of liquor, as well as the mechanisms for reducing alcohol related harms
• Communicate findings of research to appropriate parties
• Collate research information for purposes of inclusion into the WCLA Annual Report and Annual Performance Plan

Internal Communication

• Lead internal communication initiatives to support and engage internal members and external stakeholders.
• Package strategic content to facilitate stakeholder engagement with strategic partners
• Align and present content for development of information booklets, pamphlets, brochures etc for sharing with the general public and others

Corporate Identity

• Assist in developing and implementing the corporate identity and image management strategy
• Manage the roll out of a perception audit
• Maintain and update WCLA website
• Maintain and update the WCLA social media accounts and monitor performance

Administration and Reporting

• Ensure that the functions SOP’s are implemented and reviewed as and when required.
• Ensure timeous and accurate collation and drafting of reports for submission to relevant committees 
• Ensure the timeous and accurate collation of all QPR performance indicators.
• Ensure the timeous submission of all quarterly performance (QPR) evidence and reporting templates.
• Facilitate and provide input to the Internal and external audit process reporting

People Management within the Unit

• Manage people development in line with organisational-wide skills development strategy within the unit 
• Manage talent within the unit and ensure talent management strategies (attraction, retention, development) are implemented 
• Implement performance management within the unit in line with Human Resources Policies and Guidelines 
• Manage grievances, discipline and terminations within the division in line with Human Resources policies and guidelines 
• Lead and direct staff within the division to be able to meet the objectives set for them 
• Build and foster a culture of good governance, customer service, honesty and integrity and world class delivery in the division 
• Implement innovative recognition and reward systems 

Promotion and practice of good corporate governance risk and compliance pertaining to HR and financial policies, legislations and regulations 

• Oversee the governance framework to ensure professional conduct by Unit employees and upholding of WCLA values and governing principles 
• Ensure good governance within the unit in line with the corporate governance guidelines and related legislation 
• Oversee risks within the Unit 
• Oversee compliance within legislation, regulations, WCLA policies and procedures within the unit 
• Ensure compliance of the unit with all audit requirements emanating from audit processes within the unit 
• Draft and submit annual, quarterly and monthly reports required or delegated 

Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of research methodologies, statistical analysis, editorial management, digital management etc.
• Working knowledge and/or understanding of relevant Public Sector legislation, e.g. PFMA, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, National Liquor Act, Provincial Liquor Acts etc.
• Working knowledge or understanding of relevant industry legislation, regulations and policy documents, e.g. Western Cape Liquor Act, POPI, PAJA, PAIA.
• Knowledge of communication practices and risk associated with it.
• Knowledge of liquor regulation and alcohol harms reduction (advantageous)

Skills:

• High level of report writing skills
• Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret research and apply information to relevant material and content
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, writing, reporting and presentation skills
• Ability to function independently and within a team
• Ability to prioritize and adapt, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Minimum requirements

Minimum Educational Requirements:

• B Degree (NQF level 7) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing

Required Experience:

• At least 2-5 years' relevant experience in communication, media, public relations
• Project Management, Digital Marketing and Analytic Experience
• Community Engagement and Public Participation Experience
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

Advantegous

• Experience working in a regulatory / public service environment
• Strategic management, content creation and design
• Knowledge of liquor regulation and alcohol harms reduction