Stakeholder Relations Manager at National Empowerment Fund

Job description

Stakeholder Strategy and Governance

• Develop and implement a stakeholder management framework aligned with regulatory and governance requirements.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and maintain an updated stakeholder database.
• Ensure all engagement activities comply with industry regulations, ethics and reputational risk frameworks.

Relationship Management

• Build and manage strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, government bodies, industry associations, institutional clients and key partners.
• Serve as the central liaison between stakeholders and internal teams (Compliance, Legal Services, Risk, Marketing and Communications as well as Funds).
• Support executives in high level stakeholder engagements through briefing notes and messaging.
• Continuously engage the NEF clients and prospective applicants and facilitate the implement of strategies to improve customer service.
• Spearhead interactions and forums for clients and entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate the implementation of high service levels in all regions in which the NEF operates. 

Engagement Planning and Execution

• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, consultations and strategic events.
• Provide timely responses to stakeholder enquiries and escalate when required.
• Prepare stakeholder communication materials (reports, newsletters, presentations etc.).

Monitoring, Insights and Reporting

• Track stakeholder sentiment, policy developments, market trends and emerging regulatory risks.
• Provide monthly stakeholder engagement reports and insights for leadership and governance structures.
• Analyse feedback to anticipate risks and propose mitigation strategies. 

Compliance, Quality and Policy Management

• Align stakeholder relations’ activities with internal policies, SLAs and quality standards.
• Update stakeholder relations policies and procedures as required.
• Partner with Compliance to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks. 

Executive and Strategic Support

• Provide strategic support to the leadership, including CEO, Executive Committee and the Board on stakeholder matters.
• Contribute to public affairs initiatives, industry advocacy and thought leadership efforts.
• Assist with integrated reporting inputs related to stakeholder engagement. 

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the Stakeholder Management, with at least 3 years within the middle management level.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder relations, community engagement, or public affairs, ideally within financial services environment.
• Experience in Development Finance or Financial Services is advantageous
• Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Strong understanding of protocol matters with regards to government, parliament and other key stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Solid understanding of stakeholder‑engagement principles and best practices.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the PFMA and National Treasury Regulations, and other related legislation
• A strategic thinker with strong knowledge of policy processes, regulatory environments, and risk‑management frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of corporate strategy implementation and monitoring
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration.
• Post graduate qualification will be an added advantage.