Public Affairs Officer

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Competitive package

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a proactive Public Affairs Officer to manage external communications, stakeholder engagement, and public image within the local community and wider region.

You will develop and implement communication strategies, respond to public inquiries, and support media relations efforts while building strong relationships with community leaders and organizations. The role offers hybrid work and opportunities for professional development in public relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Sociology, or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in public relations, community relations, or a similar communications role.
• Good understanding of public affairs principles and communication strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic social media knowledge.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Familiarity with the community dynamics of Soweto is advantageous.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Commitment to public service and ethical communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of public affairs and public relations strategies.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and community stakeholders.
• Draft and disseminate public communications, including press releases and community notices.
• Monitor public sentiment and media coverage related to the organization.
• Support the planning and coordination of community outreach events and initiatives.
• Maintain records of public inquiries and communications activities.
• Liaise with internal departments to gather information for public statements.
• Assist in developing and updating communication materials for public consumption.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community leaders and organizations in Soweto.
• Stay informed about local issues and trends relevant to the organization's public image.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Sociology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Social media basics

Job description

About the Role Our client, an established entity within the Media & PR sector, is actively recruiting for a proactive and organized Public Affairs Officer to join their team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is integral to managing the company's external communications, stakeholder engagement, and public image within the local community and broader regional context. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a keen understanding of public relations principles, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. You will assist in developing and implementing communication strategies, responding to public inquiries, and supporting media relations efforts. This position offers a valuable opportunity for an individual passionate about community engagement and public representation in the dynamic landscape of Gauteng . We are looking for a detail-oriented and driven professional eager to contribute to our client's public profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of public affairs and public relations strategies.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and community stakeholders.
• Draft and disseminate public communications, including press releases and community notices.
• Monitor public sentiment and media coverage related to the organization.
• Support the planning and coordination of community outreach events and initiatives.
• Maintain records of public inquiries and communications activities.
• Liaise with internal departments to gather information for public statements.
• Assist in developing and updating communication materials for public consumption.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community leaders and organizations in Soweto .
• Stay informed about local issues and trends relevant to the organization's public image.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Sociology, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in public relations, community relations, or a similar communications role.
• Good understanding of public affairs principles and communication strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic social media knowledge.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Familiarity with the community dynamics of Soweto is advantageous.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Commitment to public service and ethical communication.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development in public relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Be part of a team dedicated to community impact and positive public relations.
• Work in a role that directly contributes to community relations within Gauteng .