Job Description

Closing Date 2025/10/17
Reference Number SAA251010-1
Job Title Executive Corporate Affairs
Division CEO Office
Business Unit Corporate Affairs
Job Type Permanent
Location - Country South Africa
Location - Province Gauteng
Location - Town / City Kempton Park
Job Purpose
The role is responsible for protecting and enhancing SAA's brand and reputation globally, while overseeing CSR and Sustainability, Communications, Government Relations and Stakeholder Management. The role develops strategies and policies aligned with industry regulations and the corporate plan, and monitors political, economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and business influences to anticipate challenges, and advance opportunities through key stakeholder collaboration, including bilateral government relations. In addition, the role shapes policy, regulations, and directs philanthropic, ethical, legal, and economic responsibilities, while managing the internal and external communications plan.
Principal Accountabilities

• Develop and oversee Communications, Stakeholder Management and CSR, policies and strategies in line with industry regulations, governance, and legal requirements
• Lead the development and implementation of the Corporate Affairs strategy aligned with the corporate strategy
• Serve as a company spokesperson, and manage media responses and correspondence Ensure the effective management of the Corporate Affairs function, including budget management and cost containment
• Safeguard and enhance the reputation of the Airline by handling conversations in a meaningful content-rich way
• Lead, direct and manage the delivery of the Airline's internal and external communication plan
• Develop, review and approve all communication materials for press, television/radio, social media and internal platforms
• Develop and execute Crisis Communications Strategy and Plan and Strategy when required
• Develop & manage any contracted PR/Communications agencies to ensure cost-effective, high impact exposure
• Lead message development on significant corporate issues, spanning key business areas such as legal, finance, government, labour, industry and commercial
• Establish and maintain relationships with government officials and regulatory agencies to influence legislation or regulations impacting the Airline's operations
• Leverage media, traditional and non-traditional opportunities, and third-party relationships to address and mitigate reputation risks from operational problems, labour disputes and financial issues
• Ensure consistent messaging across the different channels, stakeholder groups and geographies in which the Airline operates and ensure that messaging is aligned with strategy and regulations
• Ensure effective implementation and communication of CSR initiatives both internally and externally
• Prepare and present written testimony, briefs, issue papers and responses to parliamentary questions
• Evaluate and benchmark the Corporate Affairs portfolio of services and provide feedback to management about risks, opportunities and emerging issues
• Working with the Commercial team, cultivate positive & supportive relationships with airports, tourism boards, community leaders & Government, airlines, Star Alliance & commercial partners working with the Airline on joint initiatives
• Leads and align change management with the vision and strategic direction of the Airline

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism / Communications / Public Relations or related field at NQF level 7
• 10 - 15 years' experience in a Corporate Affairs role of which 3 years is at a management level
• Experience in a Corporate Communication (Internal and External) function
• Experience in the media industry (media spokesperson and media writing) will be an advantage
• Experience in reporting at executive level, board, shareholder and Government Stakeholders or institutions
• Experience in managing and developing a corporate image and public relations programme
• Experience in developing and implementing CSR strategies and framework

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of organisational behaviour
• Digital communication
• Social media channels
• Geographical and Socio-political landscape
• Internal and external stakeholder engagement
• Media Relations
• Public Policy
• Regulatory and Industry knowledge
• Knowledge of the airline & travel industry
• Advance understanding of CSR frameworks
• Desktop publishing software knowledge an advantage
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet applications, presentation software
• Commercial acumen
• Strong communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
• Negotiation skills
• Reputation management
• Crisis management
• Organising and prioritising skills
• Analytical skills
• Ability to speak well under pressure on camera and audio media

Attributes

• Leads with purpose
• Manages team performance
• Manages transformation & change initiatives
• Drives innovation
• Sells/ translates the vision
• Leverages Team Diversity
• Role models behaviours and values
• Resilience under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Adaptability
• Proactive
• Ethical and professional
• Influential
• Results orientated

Additional Information
SAA is using an online recruitment tool. Applicants are required to complete an individual registration profile capturing essential personal and career selection criteria. Applicants must please note that they only need to complete the online registration once and thereafter they can update their online profiles as and when necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: The onus are on applicants to ensure all mandatory fields are completed. Incomplete online profiles will be disqualified from the application process. Online profiles are used for screening and shortlisting purposes. A CV is only for verification and record keeping purposes. Applicants need to ensure that their online profiles are completed with correct and current information. Incomplete sections can disqualify applicants from the screening and selection process. This applies to all internal and external applicants.

Skills Required