Communications Officer (24 months fixed term contract)

SUMMARY:
JOB PURPOSE:

• The Communications Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of the Jobs Fund (JF) communication strategy, including its social media strategy, and Planning and coordinating the implementation of the Fund’s knowledge agenda.
• This includes producing content and knowledge products, managing logistics for all Jobs Fund knowledge-sharing events, conducting research on the Jobs Fund Portfolio, liaising with Jobs Fund Partners and ensuring Jobs Fund communication protocols are adhered to; media monitoring, preparing and responding to internal and external enquiries, managing the Fund’s communication database and records and branding
  

• B Degree/Diploma (NQF 7) in Communications or related field.
• Ideal: Postgraduate qualification in Journalism and or communications, and or public relations would be advantageous.
• 03 to 04 years of experience in the management, promotion and delivery of corporate communication, strategic and operational activities and public relations.
• Experience working in a public sector environment is highly desirable.
  

POSITION INFO:
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research

• Conduct research on Jobs Fund-related issues and prepare content for external distribution.
• Design, write and/or produce presentations, press releases, articles, leaflets, ‘in-house' journals, reports, publicity brochures, information for websites, social media platforms and promotional videos.
• Monitor and analyse media coverage.

• Coordinate communications strategy, including the development of brochures, social media posts, website content, articles, corporate publications, and media releases to maximise impact of the Fund.
• Update the communications guidelines for staff and Jobs Fund Partners.
• Subscribe to relevant publications, Newsletters, and websites to keep abreast of developments in the fields of Communications and Public Relations (PR) and socio-economic development. Sharing the insights and knowledge gained for use or consideration by the Jobs Fund.
• Seek opportunities for the participation of Jobs Fund in relevant events, conferences, and workshops.
• Develop, communicate and monitor compliance against guidelines and procedures related to organisation-wide communications policy.

• Leverage existing and emerging technologies to engage audiences, including integration of social media into marketing campaigns and activities to maximise effectiveness
• Review and redevelop the presentation of the website, intranet, social media, and other digital applications to ensure currency and communication excellence whilst enabling continuous improvement.
• Produce content and coordinate all social media activity (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) and manage corporate social media accounts.

• Coordinate and monitor JF’s internal communication programme.
• Produce content for internal communications, including the newsletter and Ministerial Updates.
• Manage the Jobs Fund mailbox and ensure all enquiries are responded to within the prescribed time. Escalate issues to management.
• Attend to internal and external enquiries and requests (e.g., from the National Treasury, from JF partners and the public) after obtaining the necessary approvals from management.
• Coordinate the communication with applicants during funding rounds: Respond to queries from applicants; ensure that unsuccessful applications to the JF are timeously informed; communicate eligibility criteria to unsuccessful applicants as per instruction from management.
• Communicate approved publications and invitations to internal and external stakeholders as applicable

• Proactively identify key stakeholders and contacts that can be useful in promoting the Jobs Fund network and influence and with management concurrence update the Jobs Fund Contacts Database.
• Be the custodian of the media list, the communications database, and the enquiry log.
• Maintain and update the databases as per the prescribed intervals which could be daily, a few times per week, monthly or quarterly.
• Monthly submission of the enquiries log report and summary of activity to management.
• Liaise with legal regularly on POPIA compliance and remove any individuals from the database who no longer wish to receive JF publications

• Plan and implement promotion of events to target audiences to maximise the Jobs Fund’s profile (such as webinars, press conferences, open days, exhibitions and site visits).
• Coordinate requests from Jobs Fund Partners and External stakeholders for JF to participate in events, obtaining the relevant approvals from management.
• Prepare speaking notes, invites and/or presentations for events.

• Prepare impact stories from the Jobs Fund Portfolio of projects. Convert JF Evaluation results into knowledge products.
• Assist in providing content, production and design advice for all marketing/ PR/ communications publications as required.
• Develop new knowledge products including journal articles publication and facilitate other information-sharing opportunities to assist in achieving marketing targets.
• Coordinate market research to understand the needs of specific target groups and ensure maximum participation in all internal and external JF surveys and polls.