SADC Communications & PR Officer

Peace Parks Foundation; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization in Stellenbosch is seeking a Communications & Public Relations Officer. The role involves generating and disseminating credible content to enhance visibility and trust for the organization and its partners. Candidates should possess 7-10 years of experience in media/communications, a degree in a related field, and strong writing skills in English. The position offers a competitive salary package that includes benefits for employee well-being.

Benefits

Contributions to retirement fund

Medical aid support

Competitive salary package

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in media, journalism, or communications.
• Strong writing and editing skills in English; Portuguese/French is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage press relations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure media opportunities for partners.
• Capture, write, and package field stories for various audiences.
• Train and mentor local field staff in communications.

Skills

Media relations

Writing and editing

Photography/video capture

Relationship management

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Degree in communications / journalism / media studies

Job description

Duration: Permanent

Reporting to: Field Communications Lead

Location: Stellenbosch

Job Purpose

The role serves as the Communications & Public Relations Officer focal point across SADC programme areas. Responsible for generating, coordinating and disseminating credible field-based content, bridging local government, partners, community stakeholders, and head office to ensure Peace Parks’ work is visible, accurate, and trusted at both regional and international levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and secure media opportunities that showcase government partners, building their credibility and deepening Peace Parks’ relationships with them.
• Analyse and draw from monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) data to identify opportunities for field-driven stories and evidence-based media engagement.
• Capture, write and package field stories for donor, media and partner audiences.
• Build and manage relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Support planning and execution of press trips, donor visits, and high-level delegations.
• Provide first-line crisis communications support in the field, escalating to head office as needed.
• Ensure partner and stakeholder visibility requirements are consistently met.
• Train and mentor local field staff in basic communications, media handling, and photography.
• Coordinate closely with head office teams on narrative alignment, PR direction, visual communication, filming priorities and content distribution.

Minimum Requirements

• 7-10 years’ experience in media, journalism, or communications (Non-Government Organisation/field setting preferred).
• Degree in communications, journalism, media studies, or related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills (English essential; Portuguese/French an advantage).
• Proven ability to manage press relations and deliver high-quality media outputs.
• Skilled in photography/video capture in challenging field environments.
• Excellent relationship management and cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across functions and teams.
• Ability to travel extensively and work under pressure in remote landscapes.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position and a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address. These should be submitted by 5 January 2026.

The company offers a competitive cost-to-company salary package, which includes contributions to a retirement fund and medical aid, ensuring holistic support for your financial and personal well-being.

Please apply online.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.