Senior Manager: External Communications at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
To proactively manage and protect of MTN’s group-wide reputation with a view to positively shift the sentiment of MTN’s stakeholders by actively communicating MTN’s narrative. To drive the actionable plan design and oversee the implementation of external communication, reputation, digital platforms, and crisis communication strategy supporting MTN Group’s business objectives.

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

• The Senior Manager: External Communications will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:
• Implement and monitor effective external communications strategy that aims to shift the reputation of the Group
• Drive proactive communication including thought leadership, narrative development, and message development and testing
• Drive implementation of online reputation management strategy though a well thought through and actionable plan
• Prepare the Group for issues and crises through development and management of crisis communication responses and escalation plans
• Active Issues scanning, analysis and tracking potential matters that impact the reputation and brand of MTN
• Create tailor-made and integrated communication campaigns that inform and shift sentiment of MTN’s targeted stakeholders
• Develop and implement an effective network of external communication channels with stakeholders
• Develop communication scenarios planning and communication playbooks
• Manage media relations, briefings and conferences, media influencer identification and engagement, and media partnership development
• Ensure day to day media responses are handled in an appropriate and timely manner to avoid reputational fall out
• Measure the effectiveness of the policies, strategies and campaigns and make recommendations on improvements
• Provide communications advice and systems support to MTN Functions, platform businesses and markets
• Seek and apply innovative ideas and creative ways to tell stories
• Build and manage effective media relations that helps to achieve profile-raising and strategic goals
• Partner with subject matter experts to develop innovation messaging/stories and plan potential media outreach

Key Deliverables

• Manage and protect of MTN’s group-wide reputation
• Implement corporate communications and media plans and strategies
• Implement integrated communication campaigns
• Implement of online reputation management plans and strategies
• Department compliance to business plan and budgets

Role Dependencies

• Working across functions, businesses, and markets
• Deep understanding of the MTN business strategy
• Accuracy and detailed orientated
• Timely recommendations for decision-making and rapid response

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)
Education:

• Degree in Communications, or equivalent field. Postgraduate degree would be advantageous
• Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body as required for role

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Relevant sector, industry, or area of specialisation experience (understanding emerging markets advantageous).
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies.
• Experience working in a medium to large organization would be advantageous.

Competencies:

• Motivated self-starter with strong leadership qualities
• Excellent communicator, strong writer with presentation and organisational skills
• Business acumen to understand business risk and challenges, and recognise corporate opportunities
• Strategy Formulator, Decisive Problem Solver, Innovative Value Creator
• Culture and Change Champion, Inspiring People Leader, Relationship Builder
• Results Achiever, Operationally Astute

Other:

• Regional and international travel