Public Affairs Officer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel in KwaZulu-Natal

Professional development

CSR focus

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Public Affairs Officer to manage the organization’s public image and community relations. You will develop and implement strategy, engage with government agencies and local communities, monitor policy developments, and represent the company at events, with a hybrid work arrangement.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a deep understanding of public policy, and a passion for community engagement, contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, Law, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in public affairs or government relations.
• Strong understanding of public policy and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build diverse stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in managing public perception and corporate reputation.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and craft strategic recommendations.
• Proficient in report writing and presentations.
• Familiarity with Richards Bay and KwaZulu-Natal communities is desirable.
• Comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies.
• Engage with government agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative developments relevant to operations.
• Represent the organization at community events and forums.
• Prepare position papers, briefings, and presentations.
• Respond to public inquiries and manage organizational reputation.
• Collaborate with internal teams for aligned communications.
• Organize public consultations and engagement activities.
• Track and report on public affairs impact.
• Support CSR initiatives and socio-economic development.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Public policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science/Public Administration/Communications/Law

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization operating in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal area, is seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Officer to manage and enhance its public image and community relations. This role involves engaging with local stakeholders, government officials, and the community to foster positive relationships and communicate the organization's mission and impact. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of public policy, and a passion for community engagement. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that align with the organization's public affairs objectives, ensuring transparency and building trust. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence public perception and contribute to the socio-economic development of the KwaZulu-Natal region. Join a respected organization committed to corporate social responsibility and community well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies to support organizational goals.
• Engage with government agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the organization's operations.
• Represent the organization at community events, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare position papers, briefings, and presentations on key public affairs issues.
• Respond to public inquiries and manage the organization's reputation in the community.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure communication consistency and alignment.
• Organize and manage public consultations and engagement activities.
• Track and report on public affairs activities and their impact.
• Support the development of corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, or community engagement.
• Strong understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in managing public perception and corporate reputation.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency in report writing and presentation development.
• Familiarity with the Richards Bay and wider KwaZulu-Natal community dynamics is highly desirable.
• Must be comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting the importance of the role.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on community relations and public perception.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office-based collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.
• Work within a reputable organization with a strong commitment to social responsibility.
• Travel opportunities within the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Contribution to important local initiatives and development projects.
• Supportive work environment focused on collaboration and mutual respect.