Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Africa

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company is seeking a Communications & Public Affairs Manager for Africa in Johannesburg. The role involves leading strategic communications, engaging with key stakeholders, and crafting impactful narratives in the healthcare sector. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of relevant experience, exceptional storytelling capabilities, and a strong educational background in communications. Join and shape healthcare transformation across Africa.

Benefits

Unparalleled learning and development opportunities

Flexible work culture

Impactful contribution to healthcare

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).
• Strong grasp of healthcare/diagnostics industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communication initiatives across the African continent.
• Advise senior leaders on crisis-management strategies.
• Collaborate across a matrixed organization for decision-making.
• Manage multiple fast-paced communication projects.
• Stay updated on healthcare trends to adapt strategies.

Skills

Strategic marketing

Storytelling

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication clarity

Education

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

Job description

Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Africa

Location: Johannesburg

Posted: 31 de outubro de

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.

Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

As the Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Diagnostics in Africa, you will 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 will 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 will strengthen our reputation and create 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 environment.

Who You Are as Our Ideal Candidate

• Strategic Partner – 8‑10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs with a track record of creating and executing integrated campaigns. You excel at providing sound counsel on crisis‑management strategies to senior leaders and connect local and global strategies with agility and foresight.
• Effective Storyteller – Outstanding storytelling skills that simplify complex topics and inspire action. You communicate clearly with purpose and clarity.
• Trusted Advisor – Interpersonal finesse that builds strong, sustainable partnerships with senior executives and external stakeholders, balancing influence, collaboration, and diplomacy.
• Organized and Agile – Thrive under pressure, prioritizing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining self‑motivation in both team and independent settings.
• Experienced Professional – 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.

What's In It for You

• Impact: Contribute to a company that revolutionizes healthcare and positively impacts 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 your career.
• Inclusivity: Experience a workplace where every voice matters, diversity is celebrated, and employees worldwide come together as one Roche family.
• Purposeful Work: Shape healthcare transformation in Africa, helping to bring a boundless potential to make a difference.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.