Director: Media Relations at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Communication or relevant qualification within the related field as recognized by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a middle/senior managerial level in the related field. Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) must be submitted prior to appointment. 

Duties

• Manage media relations and inter-governmental communications functions aimed at proactively managing the reputation of the department and the Ministry in the media. Manage media liaison functions. Manage media briefings information sessions and interviews with the media.
• Manage the drafting and issuing of media invitations and statements. Manage the media monitoring and analysis function. Manage legislative communication programme from a media perspective. Manage media research and speech writing. Manage the drafting and publishing of opinion pieces for the department.
• Manage the development and implementation of media strategies and implementation plans for the department. Manage support to Ministry and the Department. Manage effective and efficient media support to Ministry. Manage the drafting of forewords for Ministry and the departmental reports. Manage the facilitation of media training workshops for departmental officials.
• Manage the implementation of intergovernmental communication programme. Manage Intergovernmental Relation. Participate in GCIS/GCF and other intergovernmental fora. Manage the Working Group 11 on communication. Ensure good relations with the communicators from Entities and provincial Departments.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive knowledge of media. Good understanding of communication. Strategic capability and leadership; people management and empowerment. Knowledge of public relations. Ability to develop and apply policies. Understanding of media liaison and monitoring. Ability to conduct online research.
• Project management and financial management (PFMA and Treasury regulations). Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team. Strategic planning management. Good coordination and stakeholder liaison.
• Sound research, analytical, organising, planning and presentation skills. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written). Sense of responsibility and loyalty. Ability to work long hours.