Public Affairs Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Performance-based incentives

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a seasoned Public Affairs Manager to lead advocacy and government relations in the Free State. On-site role requiring deep policy knowledge and stakeholder engagement with South African government bodies, regulators, and communities.

You will develop strategies, monitor legislation, build relations with officials, draft position papers, advise leadership, and ensure compliance with lobbying standards while guiding corporate social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Economics or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in public affairs, government relations, policy analysis or political consulting.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive knowledge of South African government structures and policy processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public affairs strategies to support corporate objectives and influence policy.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the company in meetings, hearings and public forums related to policy and regulatory matters.
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.
• Advise senior management on public policy issues and potential business impacts.
• Coordinate grassroots advocacy campaigns and engage with industry associations.
• Manage corporate social responsibility initiatives and community outreach programs.
• Analyze political and economic trends, providing insights to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying regulations and ethical standards.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Crisis management

Education

Advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or Economics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and politically astute Public Affairs Manager to lead their advocacy and government relations efforts in Bloemfontein, Free State . This is a crucial on-site role requiring a deep understanding of policy, legislation, and stakeholder engagement within the South African context. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance our client's interests with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and community leaders. This position demands exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to navigate complex public policy environments. You will be the primary liaison between our client and key governmental stakeholders, ensuring our voice is heard and our objectives are understood.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive public affairs strategies to support corporate objectives and influence policy.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the company in meetings, hearings, and public forums related to policy and regulatory matters.
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.
• Advise senior management on public policy issues and potential impacts on the business.
• Coordinate grassroots advocacy campaigns and engage with industry associations.
• Manage the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives and community outreach programs.
• Analyze political and economic trends, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant lobbying regulations and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy analysis, or political consulting.
• Extensive knowledge of South African government structures, policy-making processes, and key political players.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy and influencing policy outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Experience in crisis management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be willing to work from our Bloemfontein, Free State office location.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, a comprehensive benefits suite including medical aid and retirement contributions, performance-based incentives, and significant opportunities for professional growth. This on-site role provides the chance to work directly with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in shaping the company's public policy agenda within the Free State region and beyond. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the public sphere.