Lead Strategy Communications and Stakeholder Relations at Absa

Job Summary

• As a subject matter expert, the role holder is responsible to lead both reputation management for RBB in the external environment, as well as internal strategic communications for the franchise. The role entails enabling RBB to strategically position its narrative both inside and outside the organisation.  To deliver strategic internal and/or external integrated communication solutions to meet RBB objectives.

Job Description

Internal Strategic messaging 

• To provide strategic advice and guidance to executive leadership and communication team on appropriate messaging and positioning statements in order to align all messages with RBB strategy
• To guide RBB to gain optimum customer satisfaction through reliable and consistent employee messaging.
• Facilitate and implement communication platforms that will allow the cluster leadership to engage regularly with employees thus ensuring visible leadership and engaged employees.
• Oversee the planning of the channel content and ensure clear consistent process to disseminate communication campaigns across, for example, staff newsletter, office buildings, intranet etc.
• Develop and review all relevant material including but not limited to communiqués, abacus articles, speeches, broadcast scripts etc. on behalf of the cluster leadership.
• Evaluate effectiveness of communication initiatives through the introduction of formal and ongoing measurement communication tools within the team.

Media repositioning 

• Advise the Executive Team on the media impacts of trends, issues and competitor activity in order that RBB can maximise opportunities and mitigate risks.
• To create leadership confidence through a proactive and consistent media relations agenda
• Play an advisory role to RBB to build and manage a platform for corporate reputation and issues
• Ensure adherence to Absa Group Media Policy through ongoing alignment of all actions in the media space with these policies

Stakeholder management 

• To align stakeholders to our current agenda borne out of the new RBB business model, which in turn will help reposition the Absa group 
• Develop an engagement approach, which integrates activity across all stakeholder audiences
• Build ongoing relationships and partnerships with cluster leadership to position Communications as credible experts in matters related to reputation management.
• Gain understanding of the communication needs of the cluster leadership and advise them appropriately on communication matters such as positioning and messaging.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to the cluster leadership on potential reputational issues and crisis communication to ensure protection of Absa's reputation.
• Deliver a professional service to ensure an integrated, strategic approach to business communication in order to meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders while maintaining the reputation of the business.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised