Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Africa

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Communications and Public Affairs Manager to lead strategic initiatives across Africa. The ideal candidate has 8-10 years of experience in public affairs, a knack for storytelling, and the ability to manage complex projects in the healthcare industry. Join us to contribute to transforming healthcare and making a significant impact.

Benefits

World-class environment

Flexible work culture

Learning and development opportunities

Inclusivity and community support

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs.
• Experience in crisis management strategies.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communication initiatives across Africa.
• Manage multiple fast-paced communication projects under pressure.
• Advise senior leaders on navigating high-stakes crises.

Skills

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Storytelling

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or government affairs

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring.

Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come.

Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche Diagnostics, we develop solutions and services that advance human health, with a passionate team of over 37, individuals across 50+ countries shaping the future of healthcare.

As the Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Diagnostics in Africa, you'll lead strategic communication initiatives that inspire, engage, and influence key external stakeholders in the healthcare community across the African continent.

Partnering closely with internal leaders and teams, you'll be the architect of impactful narratives, campaigns, and frameworks, translating business strategies into communication plans that contribute to healthcare transformation across the region.

By sharing Roche's powerful story with patients, customers, thought leaders, and employees, you'll take on the meaningful challenge of strengthening our reputation and creating a lasting impact on the healthcare industry in Africa.

Key Challenges

Aligning regional goals and company objectives to deliver compelling, stakeholder‑focused communication strategies in Africa's complex healthcare landscape.

Advising senior leaders with precision, tact, and foresight to navigate high‑stakes crises and issues with confidence and resilience.

Collaborating across a matrixed, highly networked organization to influence decision‑making, align global priorities, and bring transformative ideas to life.

Managing multiple, fast‑paced communication projects with grace under pressure while navigating ambiguity and continuously evolving business landscapes.

Staying at the forefront of healthcare trends and external developments to adapt strategies proactively in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) environment.

Who You Are as Our Ideal Candidate

You are a dynamic and accomplished communications professional deeply skilled in public affairs and external stakeholder engagement, with a proven passion for navigating complex, regulated industries like healthcare.

Strategic Partner : You possess 8‑10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs with a track record of creating and executing integrated campaigns. You excel in providing sound counsel on crisis management strategies to senior leaders. Your enterprise mindset enables you to connect the dots between local and global strategies with agility and foresight.

Effective Storyteller : With outstanding storytelling skills, you deliver messages that resonate and inspire action. You have a natural ability to simplify complex topics and articulate them with purpose and clarity.

Trusted Advisor : Your interpersonal finesse allows you to build strong, sustainable partnerships with senior executives and external stakeholders alike. In all interactions, you balance influence, collaboration, and diplomacy.

Organized and Agile : You excel under pressure, seamlessly prioritizing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines. Your self‑motivation thrives both in collaborating and working independently within self‑organized teams.

Experienced Professional : You hold a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or government affairs (or equivalent).

Fluency in English (verbal and written) and a strong grasp of healthcare / diagnostics industries are essential for this role.

What's In It for You

At Roche, we believe in empowering our people to contribute to a future shaped by innovation, compassion, and care.

When you join Rochelle, you'll gain access to a world‑class environment that nurtures your growth, values your contribution, and prioritizes your well‑being.

Impact : Be part of a company that's not just making products but revolutionizing healthcare and positively impacting lives every single day.

Flexibility : Thrive in a dynamic, non‑hierarchical work culture, where flexibility, autonomy, and collaboration are at the forefront.

Development : Grow with unparalleled learning and development opportunities in a global organization committed to cultivating your career.

Inclusivity : Experience a workplace where every voice matters, diversity is celebrated, and employees across the world come together as one Roche family.

Purposeful Work : Contribute to shaping healthcare transformation in Africa, a region with boundless potential to make a difference.

At Roche, it's more than just work—it's about belonging to a community deeply dedicated to delivering better outcomes for society, while fostering your personal and professional aspirations.

Are you ready to be a driving force for communications and healthcare transformation in Africa?

Apply today and be part of a team that's reshaping the future of health.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate.

Together, more than ' employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come.

Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products.

We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life‑changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let's build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.