Manager: External Communications at MTN

Core purpose of the Job

The Manager: External Communications will be responsible for implementing plans aimed at enhancing MTN’s reputation, by coordinating activities related to external communication internally and with key media and external stakeholders, in line with MTN Ambition 2025 strategy.

Key Performance Areas

The Manager: External Communications will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide input into MTN Group’s external communications strategy and plan, providing expertise on key aspects of external communications, which will enhance MTN reputation
• Work with the General Manager: External Communications implement external communication strategy that build awareness of and a positive image for MTN with key stakeholders
• Create real-time content as needed for social platforms, to promote MTN corporate image
• Keep abreast on new social media platforms, tools and best practices that can enhance the ability of MTN to promote its image and minimize the risks of media exposure
• Work closely with the Corporate Affairs team to identify story angles illustrating key themes, in order to promote MTN corporate image
• Coordinate Media relations activities concerning corporate and related activities / issues
• Coordinate media briefings, ensuring relevant stakeholders are present
• Develop media content for the External Communications, aligned to overall strategy and ensuring compliance with governance requirements
• Build relationships with key media representatives, industry publications and trends, prepare MTN spokespersons and coordinate interviews
• Write and edit communications deliverables such as press releases, press pitches, newsletter articles, external website contents, executive updates and other, as assigned
• Develop content to position MTN’s ESG strategy, working with the sustainability team
• Work closely with General Manager: External Communications and co-ordinate with Manager: Digital Channels to leverage digital platforms to tell ESG story
• Proactively work with OpCos, business divisions and to develop and maintain content hub to position MTN externally
• Track media coverage and prepare results reports, identifying key areas of concern
• Maintain media distribution lists, ensuring these are up to date and complete with key media players, from an industry and market perspective
• Monitor compliance with External Communications policy and framework, identifying risk areas, when applicable
• Monitor negative press on MTN across all OpCos, assisting the General Manager: External Communications with mitigation strategies, to reduce the impact of the negative news
• Maintaining professional working relationships with the Media representatives
• Monitor the legislative and regulatory affairs environment and incorporate within the development of communication content to ensure understanding by key internal stakeholders
• Conduct research, on both open and close sources, to ensure understanding of trends and potential developments that can impact MTN across Group
• Develop and maintain comprehensive information records tracking systems and databases

Key Deliverables

• Implementation of KPA’s according to agreed performance management system
• Relevant and credible input into media management, related to corporate communications
• Produce communication material for external communications, ensuring relevance and quality
• Input and contribution to MTN Group External Communications strategy

Job Requirements

Education:

• Minimum of 3-year tertiary degree / diploma
• Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body as required for role

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in area of specialisation coupled with supervising / managing others
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous
• Experience working in a small to medium organization

 Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinker, Problem Solver, Improvement Driver
• Culture and Change Champion, Support People Manager, Relationship Manager
• Results Achiever, Operationally Astute

Other:

• Regional and international travel