Public Affairs Advisor

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Public Affairs Advisor to join their team in Durban. The role focuses on government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across national and local levels, with a view to shaping public discourse and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, 7+ years in public affairs, and a proven ability to influence policy while managing complex stakeholder networks in the South African

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in public affairs or government relations.
• Strong knowledge of South African government structures and regulatory processes.
• Proven track record in influencing public policy and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex political landscapes and manage sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to engage with government entities, regulatory bodies, and policymakers.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organization's operations and advise senior management accordingly.
• Represent the company in meetings and discussions with government officials, industry associations, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, and presentations on relevant public affairs issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Advise on potential risks and opportunities associated with public policy changes.
• Support the development and execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Organize and manage stakeholder engagement events and forums.
• Contribute to crisis communication efforts by providing public affairs insights.
• Ensure the company adheres to lobbying and public affairs regulations.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Public speaking

Regulatory affairs

Written communication

Education

Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Economics or related field

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

Policy tracking tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the energy sector, is seeking an experienced Public Affairs Advisor to join their esteemed team in Durban. This crucial role involves navigating the complex landscape of government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of regulatory frameworks and a proven ability to influence public policy and foster positive relationships with government officials, community leaders, and industry bodies. You will be instrumental in representing our client's interests, shaping public discourse, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to a key industry player based in Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to effectively engage with government entities, regulatory bodies, and policymakers.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organization's operations and advise senior management accordingly.
• Represent the company in meetings and discussions with government officials, industry associations, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, and presentations on relevant public affairs issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Advise on potential risks and opportunities associated with public policy changes.
• Support the development and execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Organize and manage stakeholder engagement events and forums.
• Contribute to the company's crisis communication efforts by providing public affairs insights.
• Ensure the company adheres to all relevant lobbying and public affairs regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, policy analysis, or a similar role, preferably within the Durban or KwaZulu-Natal region.
• In-depth knowledge of South African government structures, legislative processes, and regulatory environments.
• Proven track record of successfully influencing public policy and building effective stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and written communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political landscapes and manage sensitive issues.
• Experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement strategy development.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently manage assignments.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to transparency.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits. The role is office-based in Durban, providing a structured and collaborative working environment. Employees will have access to excellent professional development opportunities, including specialized training and networking events. This position also includes generous leave entitlements and other company-specific perks designed to support employee well-being and career growth.