Senior Specialist: Public Relations

To be responsible for speaking on behalf of the organization by presenting the company’s views as well as communicating information to and from the media, government, and the public.

**Key Performance Areas**:

- Lead and direct the development of reports/ policies/ procedures and guide the process through the alignment of these documents to the overall RAF’s Strategy.
- Ensure regular and periodic reports are prepared and submitted as and when required to provide progress updates and/or inform management decisions.
- Monitor news, updates, and research relevant to initiatives and sectors; recommend and create related content to distribute broadly and accordingly.
- Ensure online platforms and digital communications are key vehicles for initiative efforts with high quality, relevant, timely, brand-consistent, and fresh content.
- Monitor all digital properties and communications efforts to track and respond to sentiment, alerts, and opportunities.
- Collaborate with team to create other communications content, which may include training videos, toolkits, etc.
- Maintain a functional overarching communications function that services the needs of all stakeholders.
- Launch or showcase new products and services provided by the organization.
- Manage a damaged image in a skilful manner to erase the blemish and reclaim the positive image of the organization the public.
- Manage relationships with external consultants, media houses based on partnership principles of ensuring effective capacity-building, cross-learning, and communication.
- Maintain proactive and progressive relationships with key stakeholders incl. organised labour and Attorneys etc.
- Ensure adequate representation of the organization in relevant external activities and events.
- Design and develop a communication strategy, policies and protocols designed to support and enhance the Company’s Employee and Value proposition.
- Lead the implementation of the communications operational plans that will ensure alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
- Ensure the organisation of and attending of promotional events such as press conferences, exhibitions, tours and visits.
- Represent the organization in attending public interviews, press conferences and presentations.
- Create media materials; talking points, press briefings, press releases, press packages, and review and dissemination related materials.
- Create strategy and narratives for reputation management and crisis communications.
- Measure engagement metrics for priority campaigns on digital platforms.
- Develop social media response to crisis communications.
- Monitor social media activities and respond as necessary.
- Research best practices and recommend strategies for effective promotional campaigns.
- Protect the organization’s integrity in times of crisis or emergency by providing vivid answers to the unresolved queries.

**Minimum Job Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Communication/ Media/ Public relations/ Marketing.
- Post graduate qualification in Communication/ Media/ Public relations/ Marketing.
- Postgraduate qualification in Business Management or Administration will be an added advantage.
- Relevant 10 - 12 years’ experience in External Communications and Media and Public Relations management of which 5 years must have been on senior management level/area of expertise.
- Experience as a well-seasoned Spokesperson with a strong Public Relations background.
- Proven experience in developing an effective communications support strategy.
- Highly experienced in working across all social media platforms, creating content and monitoring/evaluating social media chatter that affects the corporate environment.

**Technical Competencies**:

- Excellent media relations skills.
- Skilled in presenting content to a range of audiences.
- Strong social/digital communications skills.
- Ability to handle any challenging questions in a professional manner.
- Experience working on a website and intranet content management.
- Experience working with multiple internal “customers” to deliver content that meet needs.
- Experience working with external marketing partners.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
- Brand Development.
- Research and Business Analysis.
- Campaign Management