Job Description

The Communications Officer is accountable to the Head: Marketing, Brand and Communications through the Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager of Coega Development Corporation.



MANDATE

The key purpose of the Communications Officer is to provide strategic and operational support to the Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager, and to further implement all CDC internal and external Communications, Public Relations and Stakeholder Management Plans.



DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES & OBLIGATIONS

Develop content for CDC shared media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media networks that may be developed from time-to-time; Manage work on the periodic updating of design, copy/content, and production of the CDC Publications, which include the Today@Coega (internal Newsletter), and the Coega Business Insight (external newsletter);*
Manage weekly editorial and planning meetings for CDC press statements as well as for the Today@Coega and the Coega Business Insight*, which will Include:
+ The content and look and feel of each edition;
+ Writing and sourcing articles from internal and external contributors and/or sources;
+ Sub-editing and proof reading of articles;
+ Sourcing, formatting images and obtaining approvals for use of stock images; and
+ Liaising with external Service Providers when required for advertisements and printing purposes.
Co-ordinate the production of other internal and external communications and publications materials, in consultation with other Business Units of the CDC; Contribute to the ongoing review and development of stakeholder communications, marketing and branding materials in order to ensure that the messaging best achieve the objectives of the CDC; Develop, implement and maintain a "house style" in all CDC's written communications; Implement and maintain the CDC's visual brand identity to support Business Units and external business consultants, as required; Develop and maintain an up-to-date CDC's Photo Library (still and audio visual) for use across a range of communications platforms; Contribute in the planning of CDC events, particularly the design and production of communication materials and press releases; Lead in developing a media strategy and plan, drafting press releases, responding to media enquiries and building relationship with journalists, particularly the Agenda Setting Media; Conduct regular media analysis and make recommendations to improve media coverage; Facilitate interviews for CDC Business Sector Experts, and provide a script and/or background information that may be required; Respond to all media enquiries within the agreed timeframes; Advise Business Units on the story/news opportunities they should take advantage of; Assist Business Units to prepare campaigns and events, including arranging press facilities and hosting media at events; Ensure the effective and efficient coordination and implementation of PR and Stakeholder Relations Programmes for the CDC, including those from Business Units and Subsidiary Businesses; Work with communities, forums, and other CDC stakeholders to promote the reputational image of the CDC and its programmes; Work with CDC managers to promote effective internal communications and staff engagement; Be familiar with crisis management procedures and techniques, including business continuity processes; Develop, promote and adhere to PR and Communications best practices and implement systems and procedures across all areas of work; Remain well-informed of current issues affecting the CDC and monitor PR and media trends; Assist the Marketing and Communications Business Unit to manage campaign costs and provide value for money in the delivery of services, as required; Ensure that the CDC's Stakeholder Management Principles and Care Standards are maintained when dealing with members of the public and internal customers; Attend meetings as and when required by the manager; and Undertake any other duties as required from time-to-time commensurate with the level of this role.

Furthermore, you are to ensure that:

You are aware of and have access to the CDC's SHEMS; You are aware of your responsibilities and duties as laid out in the CDC's SHEMS; You are aware that you work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner; You ensure that the company's housekeeping standards are maintained throughout your area of responsibility; You report any unsafe conditions or acts which you cannot rectify yourself to your SHE representative or to the Senior SHE Project Manager as soon as possible; You report all SHE incidents which occur within your area of responsibility promptly and in the correct format; You are totally familiar with your responsibilities in terms of the CDC's emergency plan; You communicate to the Senior SHE Project Manager any required changes to the SHEMS prior to implementing these changes; You timeously complete and correctly record any corrective action which needs to be taken in order to rectify a SHE matter; You give full co-operation to, and participate in (as required), the CDC's internal and external SHEMS audits.

Additionally ensure that:

During your period of employment and subsequent thereto, you shall keep confidential and shall not make use of, directly or indirectly, and shall not disclose any of the CDC's trade secrets or confidential information or those of its subsidiary or associate companies or those of other persons who have made disclosures to the CDC under conditions of confidentiality, other than to persons authorised by the CDC or those employed by the CDC who are required to know such secrets or to have such information for the purpose of their employment with the CDC. You shall not, without the written permission of the CEO, be directly or indirectly employed for gain in any business or pursuit other than that of the CDC. Such permission will be granted only if the CEO is satisfied that the activity is not in conflict with the CDC's interests, and that the Employee's ability to fulfil his/her duties to the CEO satisfaction will not be impaired. It is conditional that you and/or no immediate relative or member of my household be employed by an organisation in direct competition with the CDC, without the CDC's written approval. The CDC reserves the right to enquire as to the place of employment of my spouse or any member of my household.

REQUIREMENTS

A Degree/Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Stakeholder Management, Public Relations any related or equivalent; A Post Graduate Degree is advantageous; Driving License; A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, or Stakeholder Management; Proficiency in written and oral English Language as either first language or second language; Pay meticulous attention to detail, watching for writing style rules, correcting syntax, fact-checking, and catching punctuation errors, etcetera; Ability to multitask, work independently and according to aggressive deadlines; Ability to work well with communities and community forums locally and in all provinces of South Africa; Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively; Excellent skills in researching, business writing, copy editing and reviewing of press releases and publications, documents, and articles; Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; Ability to present information to different audiences; Analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically; and Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media, community groups and other key stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance is monitored regularly by reference to Key Performance Indicators and Balanced Scorecard.

Closing date: 9 June 2025

CDC is an employment equity employer and placement will be in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all their credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal and any other checks as may be necessary). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within one month of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful.

CDC reserves the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position. No late applications will be considered.

All applications must be forwarded to

recruitment@coega.co.za

LOCATION: Gqeberha - Head Office


EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT


GRADE: C3