Job Description

Main Purpose:
The Regional Head of External Communication - Africa supports the Global Head of Corporate Affairs & ESG in executing the external communication strategy across Puma Energy's African operations.
This role ensures consistent, impactful messaging that strengthens brand reputation, supports commercial objectives, and builds trust with local stakeholders in a high-visibility, regulated environment.
You will be the voice of Puma Energy in Africa -- translating global narratives into regionally relevant stories, managing media relations, supporting crisis response, and amplifying thought leadership from the regional leadership team.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities (List major areas of position responsibilities, in priority order)
1. Execute Regional External Communication Strategy

• Adapt and implement the global comms framework for Africa
• Conduct local stakeholder mapping and audience prioritization
• Develop annual regional comms calendar aligned to business milestones (e.g., retail expansion, sustainability initiatives, safety awards)
• Adapt and implement the global comms framework for Africa

2. Generating Insights

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists across print, broadcast, and digital in South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, etc.
• Secure positive media coverage for retail, B2B, and community initiatives
• Manage regional press releases, interviews, and media events
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists across print, broadcast, and digital in South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, etc.

3. Crisis & Issues Management Support

• Act as first responder for media inquiries during incidents (with Global support)
• Prepare holding statements, Q&As, and spokesperson briefings
• Coordinate with Country GMs and HSSE during fuel shortages, protests, or safety events

4. Content Creation & Channel Management

• Lead content for Africa section of Puma website and regional social media (LinkedIn, X)
• Write and edit thought leadership for Country GMs and Head of Africa
• Oversee regional photo/video assets (site openings, community projects)

5. Internal Alignment & Team Coordination

• Partner with Country GMs to align messaging with local market needs
• Guide and upskill in-country communication focal points
• Ensure consistency across retail, B2B, and corporate narratives

Requirements:
Education

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Experience

• 7+ years in corporate communications, PR, or journalism
• Essential: Experience in Africa-based or emerging market communications
• Strongly preferred: Background in energy, retail, or regulated industries
• Proven track record in media relations, crisis comms, and digital content
• Experience supporting senior executives as spokespeople
• Advantage: French or Portuguese language skills

Skills

• Excellent writer and storyteller -- can simplify complex energy topics
• Strong media relationships in South Africa and key African markets
• Proficient in digital tools: CMS (WordPress), Canva, social media schedulers
• Solid project management and ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced settings
• Comfortable in matrix environments and remote collaboration

Competencies

• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Culturally aware and adaptable across African markets
• Hands-on -- willing to draft, post, and engage directly
• Team player with strong influencing skills

Key Relationships and Department Overview:
Key Relationships:

• Internal -, Africa Regional Leadership (Head of Africa, Country GMs), Regional HSSE, Compliance, Retail, B2B, Finance
• External -Local and regional media, Government and regulatory authorities, NGOs and community organisations. PR and communication agencies. Event organisers. Local industry associations, Corporate Affairs partners and suppliers.

Skills Required