Job Description

The Western Cape Government is looking for an individual with a public relations and strategic communication background who is able to develop and manage, end-to-end, the execution of a comprehensive, issue-based and strategically-aligned communication strategy across all media forms, including through media campaigns, that grows awareness of the provincial government's policies, programmes and work, amongst citizens. The role is also responsible for giving support and strategic guidance to media professionals across the organisation to ensure that on-theme, high quality communication outputs and outcomes are achieved, within the time and resource envelope. For this reason, the person must have a thorough understanding of the media- and Public Relations landscape, all media channels and how to interface professionally and meaningfully with ad agencies. This post is stationed in Cape Town, CBD.
Minimum Requirements
An appropriate qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
A minimum of 5 years' experience at a middle/senior managerial level.
Successful completion of the Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment: The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela) before the candidate may be appointed into this post.
Recommendation
None
Key Performance Areas
Line Management:

• Ensure that strategic management, guidance and advice is provided in respect of the facilitation of ongoing strategic communication between the provincial government and its stakeholders, including communication between provincial departments.

• Direct the execution of the WCG corporate communication strategy (external corporate brand building and internal corporate communication) to grow and enhance its brand.
• Ensure the alignment of departmental communication strategies with the corporate communication strategy.
• Direct a Provincial Government Communicator's Forum to facilitate the communication of transversally consistent messages.
• Direct the continuous assessment of the WCG communications environment and advise on appropriate strategic provincial responses.
• Translate the vision statement of the WCG into a practical communications strategy and plan across all departments, working with communicators.

• Grow the WCG as a trusted community resource for information on government services.
• Play a strong role in working with and ensuring agencies are able to deliver excellent communication service.

Strategic Management (including change management):

• Define and review on a continual basis the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate.
• Drive the Directorate's strategic planning process.
• Drive the development and management of the strategic and business plans for the Directorate.
• Evaluate the performance of the Directorate on a continuing basis against pre-determined key measurable objectives and standards.
• Report to the Chief of Staff on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating to operational management support.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Directorate, and of the resources (people, finances and assets) employed by it.
• Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department.
• Diligently perform all duties assigned to the post of Director.

People Management and Empowerment:

• Participate in the recruitment of employees in the numbers and grades appropriate to ensure the achievement of the Directorate's Business Plan.
• Motivate, train and guide employees within the Directorate, to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery.
• Actively manage the performance, evaluation and rewarding of employees within the Directorate.

Financial Management:

• Manage participation in the budgeting process at Directorate level.
• Ensure the preparation of the Annual and Adjustment Budgets for the Directorate.
• Assume direct accountability for the efficient, economic and effective control and management of the Directorate's budget and expenditure.
• Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Directorate are kept in accordance with the prescribed norms and standards.

Competencies
Knowledge:

• Proven knowledge of communication, media management, public relations, public participation and public education.
• Proven knowledge of communication strategy development, policy development, strategy management and monitoring and review processes.
• Proven knowledge of standard and advanced communication channels.
• Proven knowledge of and working experience with the latest trends in the communication industry.
• Proven knowledge of and working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of programme and project management.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the global, regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of public finance, human resources and discourse management processes.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the policies of the government of the day.

Skills:

• Strong interpretive, analytical and conceptualisation skills.
• Strong strategic planning and superlative verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong inter-personal and relationship management skills.
• Planning, organising and people management skills.
• The ability to develop and maintain networks relevant to the task environment.
• Numeracy and accuracy skills.
• Computer literacy skills.

Remuneration
R 1, 266 714.00 per annum, Salary Level 13. The remuneration package consists of a basic salary (70%) and the employer's contribution to the Pension Fund. The remainder of the package may be structured in accordance with the rules for SMS.
Notes
Note: Only applications submitted online will be accepted. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.
Kindly note that technical support is only available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. Should you experience any difficulties with your online application you may contact the helpline at 0861 370 214.
All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a competency based interview and a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job.
Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS Competency Assessment tools.
To be considered for nomination into a SMS post, you must complete the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela). The purpose of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme, a public services specific training program applicable to all applicants aspiring to join the Department's Senior Management Service, is to ensure that potential SMS members have a background on SMS processes and procedures. The duration of the online Pre-entry Programme is approximately 120 notional hours (15 days). Full details are available on the following link:
The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement.
The successful candidate will be subject to security vetting; and the candidate will have to disclose her/his financial interests.

Skills Required