Senior Specialist: Corporate Affairs

**_ Equity Statement :Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the_** **_designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating_** **_Division._** **_ Alternative Application Methods: (Completed Curriculum Vitae to be submitted)_** Post: E-mail: Fax: before the closing date of the advertisement. Note: if you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement please consider your We urge all our employees, clients, members of the public and our suppliers to report any kind of fraud or corruption at **_ Operating Division : Transnet Freight Rail_** **_ Position Title : Senior Specialist: Corporate Affairs (External Communications)_** **_ Employee Group : Permanent_** **_ Department : Comm & Media_** **_ Location : Parktown_** **_ Reporting To : Head: Communication and Reputation_** **_ Grade Level : D_** **_ Reference Number : 50018603_** **_ Position Purpose:_** To develop and implement a robust public relations and external communications strategy, in order to promote and protect TFRs reputation. To build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders across traditional and online media channels relative to the strategic goals of TFR. To ensure the development of content to communicate TFR initiatives externally. **_ Position outputs:_** 1. Lead the development and implementation of a proactive external communications and public relations strategy/ plan/ framework. 2. Strategic input into the Group Communications strategy. 3. Manage the flow of information between TFR the media and other interested parties such as industry bodies, customers, parliamentary and government stakeholders 4. Manage media relations/media requests. 5. Content generation - writing strategic stories of interest that positively position the TFR Brand 6. Develop communications material including opinion pieces, press releases, fact sheets, website copy, speeches and briefing notes for the media and executives 7. Liaise with journalists/media outlets and map their areas of focus against that of the organisation. 8. Coordinate media events and ensure media monitoring and analysis 9. Build relationships with key media contacts and identify and leverage off opportunities to proactively pitch brand and corporate stories. 10. Ensure the development of content that will assist to communicate TFR initiatives internally and externally including building a brand identity and online presence through the creation and dissemination of online multimedia content. 11. Lead and support the development of content strategies, managing content and dissemination, growing the Transnet online presence and tracking feedback / growth with the production and multimedia team. 12. Evaluate the effectiveness of media programmes and enhance as appropriate. 13. Edit and manage content for various TFR platforms. 14. Provision of editing, reviewing and proof-reading support to the Corporate Affairs team as well as all other departments. 15. Use commercial and creative knowledge to translate strategic objectives into compelling creative articles. 16. Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of corporate communications policies and protocols. 17. Measure brand/reputation equity on an annual basis **_ Qualifications & Experience:_** 1. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Communication / Journalism and/or Public Relations. 2. 8 to 10 years relevant experience as a journalist or as a communications specialist in a corporate environment at least 5 years at a Specialist / Management level. 3. Requirement of trust and honesty in the handling of finances as per the National Credit Act Amendment 19 4. Willing to undergo Lifestyle Audit Standard Job Requirements: 5. Driver’s license code 08 6. Travel as required and approved **_ Competencies:_** Knowledge: 1. Understanding of the organisations business. 2. Knowledge of relevant legislation. 3. Knowledge of corporate governance. 4. Knowledge of Community Dynamics. 5. Understanding of organisations policies and procedures. 6. Knowledge of the railway environment. 7. Knowledge of media dynamics. 8. Knowledge of the global economy and markets. 9. Communications and social media trends. 10. Finance and people management. Behavioural competencies: Strategy & Sustainability Strategic Thinking-Translates strategies into measurable goals and objectives to achieve the organisations vision. Commercial Awareness-Keeps abreast of internal and external factors that can impact the business; is aware of developments in organisational structures, economics and politics. Innovating-Generates new ideas or solutions by thinking "outside of the box"; reviews current processes or systems and identifies ways to optimise them. Inspirational Leadership Inspiring People-Inspires, motivates and empowers team members to do their best. Managing Talent-Provides clear direction