International Liaison Officer

Salt; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt is seeking an experienced international relations and partnerships strategist to build and maintain strategic relationships with government representatives, commercial partners, industry stakeholders and international organisations.

You will represent the organisation at meetings, lead negotiations, and manage executive-level communications with international partners, while monitoring geopolitical developments and safeguarding confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with government agencies and multinational organisations.
• Background in strategic communications, corporate affairs or public policy.
• Experience working across multiple countries and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government representatives, partners and international organisations.
• Serve as the primary contact for executive-level communications and negotiations with international partners.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences and strategic forums.
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes while protecting business interests.
• Respond to operational challenges, supplier concerns and escalations.
• Facilitate conflict resolution while maintaining long-term relationships.
• Support senior leadership during crises and sensitive international matters.
• Assist with partner onboarding and cross-border initiatives.
• Prepare executive briefings, intelligence reports and strategic recommendations.
• Monitor geopolitical, commercial and regulatory developments affecting operations.
• Identify and assess political, reputational and operational risks.
• Ensure communications are professional, discreet and confidential.

Skills

Strategic relationships

Executive communications

Commercial negotiations

Crisis management

Risk assessment

Confidentiality

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Degree in International Relations / Political Science / Commerce / Law / Communications

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government representatives, commercial partners, industry stakeholders and international organisations.
• Serve as the primary contact for executive-level communications, negotiations and sensitive discussions with international partners.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, negotiations, conferences and strategic forums.
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes while protecting business interests.
• Respond effectively to operational challenges, supplier concerns, customer escalations and unexpected issues.
• Facilitate conflict resolution between stakeholders while maintaining long‑term relationships.
• Support senior leadership during crisis situations, international incidents and sensitive operational matters.
• Assist with partner onboarding, supplier development and cross‑border initiatives.
• Prepare executive briefings, intelligence reports, situational updates and strategic recommendations.
• Monitor geopolitical, commercial and regulatory developments that may impact business operations.
• Identify and assess political, reputational, operational and commercial risks.
• Ensure all communications are conducted with the highest levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.

Working Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate international stakeholders.
• Availability for early morning, evening and occasional weekend engagements.
• Ability to travel locally and internationally when required.
• Valid passport and driver's licence.
• Ability to attend international conferences, executive meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain relevant security clearances where required.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and information security standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Commerce, Law, Communications or a related discipline.
• Experience engaging with government agencies, multinational organisations or international institutions.
• Background in strategic communications, corporate affairs, international trade, public policy, geopolitical analysis or executive advisory services.
• Experience working across multiple countries and cultures.
• Knowledge of international protocols and diplomatic practices.