Public Affairs Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & retirement contributions

Hybrid work model

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to manage relationships with government bodies and key stakeholders. The role supports policy advocacy, monitoring legislative developments, and shaping the organization’s public position in a hybrid work setup.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years in public affairs or policy advocacy, with strong communication and strategic thinking skills, and a deep understanding of South Africa’s regulatory landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, lobbying, or policy advocacy.
• Proven experience working with government agencies and policymakers.
• Strong understanding of South African political and regulatory environment, particularly KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse government policies, legislation, and regulatory changes relevant to the organization.
• Develop and implement public affairs strategies to advocate for the organization's interests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry associations, and community leaders.
• Prepare position papers, briefing notes, and advocacy materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, consultations, and events with key public affairs stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and working groups.
• Track and report on public affairs activities and their outcomes.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities related to public policy and government relations.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure integrated messaging and campaigns.
• Provide insights and guidance to senior management on public affairs matters.

Skills

Public affairs

Government relations

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or related field

Master's degree is advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity within the Media & PR sector, is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role offers a Hybrid working model, combining the benefits of remote flexibility with essential in-office collaboration. The Public Affairs Specialist will be pivotal in managing and enhancing the organization's relationships with government bodies, policymakers, and community stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the political and regulatory landscape, coupled with exceptional communication and advocacy skills. You will be responsible for monitoring legislative developments, developing policy positions, and engaging in constructive dialogue to advance our client's interests and reputation. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ensuring our client's voice is heard in critical policy discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to influence public discourse and contribute to impactful change within the dynamic Durban area.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze government policies, legislation, and regulatory changes relevant to the organization.
• Develop and implement public affairs strategies to advocate for the organization's interests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry associations, and community leaders.
• Prepare position papers, briefing notes, and advocacy materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, consultations, and events with key public affairs stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and working groups.
• Track and report on public affairs activities and their outcomes.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities related to public policy and government relations.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure integrated messaging and campaigns.
• Provide insights and guidance to senior management on public affairs matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, lobbying, or policy advocacy.
• Proven experience working with government agencies and policymakers.
• Strong understanding of the South African political and regulatory environment, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in strategic planning and campaign management.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and engaging work environment.
• Contribution to shaping public policy and organizational strategy.
• Access to industry networking events.
• Generous leave policy.