Public Protector South Africa Head of Communications Vacancy

Head of Communications (Re-Advertisement)

Location: Head Office, Pretoria

Reference Number: PPSA 02/10/2025

Package: R 1,494,900.00 – R 1,787,328.00 per annum (All-Inclusive)

Application Deadline: 17 October 2025 at 16:30

Role Overview

The Head of Communications is a senior role reporting directly to the Public Protector. You will serve as the official voice and representative of the organisation, both internally and externally. This position is crucial for creating and maintaining a positive public image for the institution through strategic leadership and effective communication.

Qualifications and Experience

• A 3-year qualification in Communications, Law, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or an equivalent field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a middle management role.
• At least 3 to 5 years of experience must have been in a Spokesperson capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communication and stakeholder management is essential.
• A valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel are required.

Competencies and Skills

• A dynamic, driven, and outcomes-oriented individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to identify issues relevant to the Institution and write to an excellent standard.
• Advanced writing and analytical skills, along with strong organisational abilities.
• Computer literacy is essential.
• Ability to communicate in more than one language is preferred.
• Comfortable working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Media savvy and comfortable on camera or in interviews.
• Prepared to work long and irregular hours.
• Commitment to the principles, policies, and programme of action of Public Protector South Africa.
• A systematic self-starter who displays excellent attention to detail and takes initiative.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in crisis management.

Key Attributes

• Strong interpersonal relations and emotional intelligence.
• Transparency, courtesy, and integrity.
• A collaborative team player.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership to the Communications and Outreach unit.
• Ensure effective budget management for the unit.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Outreach strategy and programmes.
• Monitor the impact of outreach programmes.
• Ensure brand, marketing, and PR strategies are integrated and support the long-term organisational vision.
• Provide leadership in the planning and execution of marketing campaigns.

Media Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the organisation and journalists.
• Proactively identify issues that require the Public Protector’s intervention.
• Analyse and advise on possible plans of action for management.
• Conduct daily media monitoring and analysis to respond intelligently and rapidly to issues affecting the Public Protector South Africa.
• Plan and facilitate quarterly media briefings or conferences.
• Conduct research for the Public Protector on issues pertaining to the organisation’s mandate.
• Organise and prepare the Public Protector for media interviews and conferences.
• Prepare media statements, speeches, and other communications as required.
• Handle media inquiries and provide statements, interviews, and press releases.
• Participate in planning and management meetings to advise on communication and media imperatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Establish credibility and trust with the public, stakeholders, and media through transparent and effective communication.
• Build relationships with domestic and international stakeholders.
• Manage media relations and ensure accurate responses to media enquiries.

Communications

• Articulate the organisation’s goals, values, mission, and policies to the public.
• Ensure consistency in messaging across different media and audiences.
• Support the Public Protector and facilitate improved service delivery through media engagement strategies and stakeholder liaison.
• Drive issues through communication and maintain professional relationships with the media.
• Represent the organisation during crises or emergencies, delivering clear, calm, and strategic messages to protect its reputation.
• Correct misinformation and manage public perception.
• Communicate with employees and stakeholders to keep them informed about organisational changes, updates, or initiatives.

Application Process

Note: Candidates who previously applied are encouraged to re-apply.

All appointments will be made in terms of the Public Protector Act. The successful candidate will be subject to a 12-month probation period, which may be extended to 18 months. They will be expected to sign a secrecy declaration form and a performance agreement within two months of accepting the position.

All shortlisted candidates will undergo compulsory technical accounting competency assessments. Only those who pass the test will be invited to interviews.

All successful candidates must undergo security clearance and vetting. Psychometric assessments may also be conducted prior to appointment.

The office reserves the right not to fill the vacancies. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates. If you are not contacted within three months, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Applications must include a covering letter, a detailed CV with three references, and certified copies of qualifications and an ID document.

The Public Protector South Africa is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to achieving and maintaining representivity in terms of race, gender, and disability. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment supports Employment Equity representivity within the Office.

How to Apply:

The T Recruitment (Pty) Ltd has been appointed for response handling for this position. Please submit your application, quoting the job title and reference number (PPSA 02/10/2025) in the subject line, to the following email address:

Email: applications@tttrecruitment.co.za

Enquiries: Ms Z. Luthuli on Tel: (012) 366 7220