Communications Lead (South Africa And Pan Africa)

Microsoft; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a seasoned Communications Lead to drive their corporate communications strategy across Africa. This role will engage stakeholders, develop impactful storytelling to enhance trust, and manage the corporate reputation. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in communications, strong media relationships, and crisis management skills to effectively navigate challenges and opportunities in a fast-paced technology environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in corporate communications, ideally within a technology environment.
• Strong relationships with key media outlets in Africa.
• Proven record in crisis management and employee communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute corporate communications strategy for Microsoft in Africa.
• Manage reputation and issues related to Microsoft’s image and narrative.
• Advise stakeholders and manage agency partners for communications campaigns.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Crisis Management

Storytelling

Education

10+ years of communications experience

Job description

Responsibilities (Text Only)

Reporting to the Communications Director for Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (CEMA), the Communications Lead will be responsible for:

1. Comms strategy – engaging a range of stakeholders to create and execute a corporate communications strategy aligned with global storytelling priorities and local business needs, leading to impactful editorial coverage in tier 1 media in South Africa and pan-African markets, focusing on impactful, agenda-setting storytelling that supports Microsoft’s Africa aspiration, inside and outside Africa.
2. Trust storytelling – develop best-in-class storytelling, including leveraging customer voices, that resonate with key audiences and drive trust in Microsoft, in areas such as cybersecurity, skills, and sustainability. Establish and own the process of landing those stories across earned, owned, and amplified media.
3. Leadership in AI – develop a corporate narrative and thought leadership to demonstrate Microsoft’s leadership in AI, focusing on societal and economic benefits and its safe and responsible use.
4. Reputation management – act as a trusted advisor within Microsoft by advancing and protecting the corporate image and reputation, identifying opportunities to positively shift perception and correcting inaccuracies when they occur.
5. Issues management – manage reactive issues that may affect our reputation, working with the Corporate External and Legal Affairs team and senior leaders in Middle East markets, as well as the global issues management team.
6. Stakeholder and agency management – partner with internal stakeholders to provide communications counsel and manage agency partners to deliver campaigns aligned with our mission and business goals.
7. Executive and employee communications – act as a strategic advisor to the local leadership team, supporting strategic employee and executive communications, and ensuring a strong bench of trained spokespeople.

Qualifications (Text Only)

There are many opportunities to learn and grow in this role. To effectively deliver on its purpose, the core skills and experiences needed on day one include:

Essential Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications experience in-house or in a PR agency, preferably in a corporate or technology setting.
• Deep understanding of the Africa region, culture, political, economic, and media environment, with local relevance for Microsoft’s business.
• Media & influencer/creator relations experience with strong relationships with English and Arabic-speaking journalists, influencers, and content creators in South Africa, pan-African, and tier 1 global outlets covering Africa (e.g., Economist, FT, Bloomberg).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a good balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.
• Proven track record in crisis and issues management and employee communications.
• Strong storytelling and writing abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-directed, adaptable, with a history of delivering high-impact communications that meet diverse stakeholder needs.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and prioritize for impact.
• Growth mindset with innovative approaches and smart risk-taking.
• Experience managing corporate and product-focused storytelling, developing compelling and credible messaging.
• Ability to manage diverse perspectives and remain calm under pressure.

If you are a seasoned professional seeking growth and impact, we look forward to hearing from you.

#commsgroup

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. For assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.