International Relations Specialist at Council for Geoscience (CGS)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic International relations and coordination

• Guide the development and implementation of the CGS Diplomacy & International Relations Strategy that is aligned South Africa’s foreign policy objectives.
• Facilitate and coordinate bilateral and multilateral cooperation with partner geological surveys, research institutions, and international organisations.
• Liaise with the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and other relevant entities on international engagements.
• Identify opportunities for international collaboration, technical exchanges, and partnerships that advance the CGS mandate.
• Research and advise on the CGS’s position regarding multilateral and bilateral cooperation agreements.
• Provide sound, effective advice and end-to-end services to the management of the CGS’s relationships with international and regional stakeholders.

Diplomatic and Protocol Management

• Manage and coordinate activities relating to International Relations and Protocol management.
• Provide diplomatic and protocol support for incoming and outgoing delegations, ensuring adherence to official protocol standards.
• Coordinate institutional participation in international conferences, workshops, and technical missions.
• Prepare official correspondence, diplomatic notes, invitations, and responses on behalf of the CGS.
• Draft briefing notes, talking points, and reports for the CEO, Executive Management, and the Board on international matters.

Partnership and Agreement Management

• Support the negotiation, drafting, and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), MoAs, partnerships, and other technical cooperation agreements.
• Monitor and report on the implementation status of MoUs and international projects.
• Maintain an updated database of international partnerships, agreements, and engagements.
• Facilitate regular review meetings with international partners and ensure proper record-keeping of outcomes.

Research, Policy, and Advisory Support

• Continuously scan, monitor and report on geopolitical developments and advise on their implication to the organisation.
• Conduct research and provide strategic analysis on global trends in geoscience, resource governance, and scientific diplomacy.
• Advise on best practices in international collaboration within the geoscience and mineral development sectors.
• Contribute to policy briefs, concept notes, and reports that inform CGS’s international engagement decisions.

 Administrative and Reporting Functions

• Coordinate logistical and administrative arrangements for international visits, delegations, and events.
• Prepare post-mission reports and ensure implementation of follow-up actions.
• Ensure compliance with CGS governance, procurement, and financial procedures in managing international engagements.
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports on international cooperation activities.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• A Postgraduate (NQF 8) qualification in International Relations, Political Science or related field.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.  
• A good understanding of geopolitics, diplomatic and international relations.
• Working knowledge of MS Office suite packages. 
• Knowledge of strategy implementation process.
• Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in international relations, diplomacy, or strategic partnerships, preferably within the public sector, scientific institutions, or international organisations.
• A good understanding of the geopolitics, diplomatic and international relations.
• Demonstratable experience in coordinating international cooperation programmes and managing bilateral or multilateral partnerships.
• Experience in an international relations environment interacting and communicating with international and local stakeholders (CEO’s, Ministers, Heads of international agencies, etc.).
• Diplomatic Protocol training is advantageous.
• Solid understanding of domestic and international developments in political, social, economic, mining policies advantageous.
• Knowledge of international protocols.