Public Affairs Lead

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Public Affairs Lead for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will design and execute public affairs strategies, engage policymakers, and build relationships with government bodies and industry groups.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Public Policy or related field, 10+ years in public affairs, and exceptional communication, negotiation, and analytical skills to influence policy and protect stakeholder interests.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy advocacy, or senior role.
• Deep understanding of SA political and regulatory environment.
• Proven track record of influencing policy and engaging with government officials.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in coalition building and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies to advance objectives.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the industry and the company.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, and industry associations.
• Advocate for the company's positions through direct engagement, policy briefs, and public statements.
• Analyze policy proposals and assess potential impact on the organization.
• Organize and facilitate meetings with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with PR and legal teams on policy communication strategies.
• Prepare reports and presentations on public affairs activities for senior management.
• Represent the organization at conferences, forums, and public events.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Negotiation

Policy analysis

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy/Political Science/Law/Public Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the media and public relations sphere, is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Public Affairs Lead. This is a fully remote position, allowing exceptional candidates from across the country to apply. The Public Affairs Lead will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to engage with government bodies, policymakers, and key stakeholders to advocate for the company's interests and positions. This role requires a nuanced understanding of the political and regulatory landscape, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with influential individuals and groups. You will play a critical role in shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions relevant to our client's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to advance the organization's objectives.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the industry and the company.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and industry associations.
• Advocate for the company's positions through direct engagement, policy briefs, and public statements.
• Analyze policy proposals and assess their potential impact on the organization.
• Organize and facilitate meetings and dialogues with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the PR and legal teams on communication strategies related to public policy.
• Prepare reports and presentations on public affairs activities and outcomes for senior management.
• Represent the organization at relevant conferences, forums, and public events.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, public policy advocacy, or a similar senior role.
• Deep understanding of the South African political and regulatory environment.
• Proven track record of successfully influencing policy and engaging with government officials.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and develop strategic solutions.
• Experience in coalition building and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a demanding workload in a remote setting.
• This is a remote position, open to candidates located anywhere within South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, commensurate with the seniority and experience required. This role comes with significant performance-based bonuses and potential long-term incentives. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits are provided. Employees have access to generous professional development budgets for conferences, training, and networking opportunities. As this is a fully remote position, we offer flexibility and support for home office setup. Join a respected organization and make a tangible impact on public policy and company strategy from the comfort of your own location.