Senior Communication Manager Ref: NICD0224/001-01 at NHLS

To develop, direct and oversee all communication strategies and implementation to ensure that the organization meet its public health mandate 

Key Job Responsibilities:  

•  Develop and deliver coordinated and integrated communication strategies to align with the organisation’s strategy 
•   Collaborate with the NICD leadership to develop and implement an organisational communication and market branding strategy, ensuring visibility and impact for the NICD 
•   Partner with the National and Provincial Departments Communication Teams to ensure that joint initiatives are communicated seamlessly 
•   Identify, liaise and build strategic relationships with key media stakeholders to establish networks and communication channels for dissemination of information 
•  Manage the production of relevant publications and related materials from the NICD including the maintenance and updating of the NICD website content, the internal newsletters, annual reports, media releases, promotional material, and guidelines which may require technical input from relevant parties and social media
•  Develop and cascade and internal communication strategy for employees to communicable organisational plans, priorities and goals to all employees 
•  Provide communications and engagement expertise, advice and support to NICD staff 
•   Ensure that the organisation can respond to all communication imperatives 
•   Develop risk communications strategies, which include outbreak/disaster, for different audiences (health, public and any other communities). Use evidence and data to inform the development of content
•   Manage human and financial resources in the strategic communication portfolio and report on the performance of the NICD strategic communication group 
•   Oversee high-profile events at the NICD. 

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies: 

•   Master’s Degree in Communications / Marketing/ Journalism or relevant equivalent qualifications 
•  8 to 10 years’ experience as both practitioner and manager within a health/scientific environment 
•   Previous experience in communications IT technology 
•   Understanding of public health sector 
•   In-depth vocational knowledge e.g. branding, corporate communication, advocacy, graphics 
•   Knowledge of project management methodology 
•   Knowledge of creative computer packages 
•   Programme and project management 
•   Change management 
•   People management and empowerment 
•   Negotiation skills 
•   Business acumen 
•   Analytical thinking 
•  Ability to understand changing market dynamics   
•   Outstanding communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills including media liaison
•   Computer literacy (MS Office and graphic packages)
•   Innovative implementation (from strategy and ideas to innovative implementation)
•   Adherence to extreme deadlines 
•   Presentation skills 
•   Ability to influence at all levels
•   Proven ability to interact at a strategic level with stakeholders in government, public and private sectors on complex issues