Public Affairs Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Public Affairs Manager to lead government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. You will develop strategic communications plans, monitor policy developments, and advise senior management, with oversight of ethical standards and compliance.

The role requires at least 8 years in public affairs or government relations, a Master’s degree in a related field, and strong networking skills to engage government officials,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy or related field.
• 8+ years in public affairs, government relations, lobbying, or policy advocacy.
• Proven track record influencing public policy and stakeholder consensus.
• In-depth knowledge of SA government structures and policy-making at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and research skills; ability to interpret complex information.
• Experience in media relations and strategic communications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies aligning with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, legislators, regulators, and community leaders.
• Monitor legislative developments and provide timely analysis and recommendations.
• Represent the organization in industry associations and public forums.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers and advocacy materials for internal/external audiences.
• Organize stakeholder meetings, briefings and public consultations.
• Advise senior management on public affairs risks and opportunities.
• Develop and manage the public affairs budget and resources.
• Ensure activities comply with regulations and uphold ethical standards.

Skills

Public affairs strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Negotiation

Media relations

Project management

Ethical governance

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Media & PR sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Public Affairs Manager to join their dedicated team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior position is central to managing and enhancing our client's relationships with government bodies, policymakers, community stakeholders, and the public. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagement within the South African context. They will be adept at developing and executing strategic communication plans to advocate for our client's interests and build positive public perception. This role demands a proactive approach, exceptional networking skills, and a commitment to ethical advocacy. The successful candidate will operate primarily from our Durban, KwaZulu-Natal office, ensuring close collaboration with local teams and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to support the organization's objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, legislators, regulatory bodies, and community leaders.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the organization and provide timely analysis and recommendations.
• Represent the organization in relevant industry associations, coalitions, and public forums.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and other advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.
• Organize and manage stakeholder meetings, briefings, and public consultations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for government relations and community engagement.
• Advise senior management on public affairs issues and potential risks.
• Develop and manage the public affairs budget and resources effectively.
• Ensure all public affairs activities are conducted ethically and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, lobbying, or public policy advocacy, preferably within the Media & PR industry.
• Proven track record of successfully influencing public policy and building stakeholder consensus.
• In-depth knowledge of South African government structures, legislative processes, and policy-making at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and develop clear recommendations.
• Experience in media relations and strategic communications is a significant asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and work under pressure in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Proficiency in relevant software and databases for policy tracking and stakeholder management.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a performance-based bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and retirement contributions. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within a respected organization. Being based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal allows for direct engagement with key regional stakeholders and participation in the vibrant local business community.