Manager: Communications And Advocacy at South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

Objective:

• The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:

South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.

• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Manager: Communications and Advocacy to manage and coordinate internal and external communications across diverse channels and audiences. Reporting to the Senior Manager: Communications and Advocacy this position will ensure SAQA is represented on government and stakeholder platforms to promote the SAQA and NQF brand.
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 7.
• A relevant NQF level 8 qualification will be an advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Six years’ relevant work experience of which three years must be in a supervisory role.
• International experience, experience in the Education sector, or an understanding of comparative education will be an advantage.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong media and report writing skills.
• Networking and public speaking skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to conduct stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative and regulatory environment.
• People Management.

Key performance areas:

• Develop, implement and monitor internal and external communication strategies.
• Provide strategic advice and expertise to SAQA leadership on communication, branding, marketing, advertising and media opportunities.
• Develop and execute SAQA’s branding strategy.
• Oversee SAQA’s digital marketing strategy.
• Oversee plans for consistent messaging on digital channels and best-in-class processes to collect data, derive insights, and support SAQA’s content strategy and digital communications.
• Manage and co-ordinate SAQA’s media events programme.
• Manage the innovation of creative content optimised for search engines.
• Oversee the management of events both internally and externally.
• Develop, implement and manage the customer feedback index.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee the development and implementation of internal communication policies, procedures, and processes.
• Collaborate with counterparts and other stakeholders nationally and internationally in developing shared communication plans.
• Manage media and stakeholder perceptions of SAQA by facilitating timeous responses to media queries.
• Network with stakeholders.
• Lead, guide and develop employees of the Communications and Advocacy unit.

Deadline:19th November,2025