Communications Officer

Requirements

• An appropriate B Degree (NQF 7) or Three (3) year Diploma (NQF 6) in the field of Communications / Public Relations / Journalism / Media Studies or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in communications environment.
• Demonstrable competency in acting Independently, Professionally, Accountable and with Credibility.
• Basic knowledge of legislation and regulations pertaining to public service administration, specifically:
• Public Service Act and Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Public Finance Management Act, NPA Act, Access to information Act, DPSA directives.
• Knowledge of public service, knowledge management, internal and external liaison, publications, advertising and branding, newswriting, reviewing and proofreading.
• Knowledge of NPA policies and procedures.
• Computer skills:
• MS Office Suite, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project.
• Editing, project management, policy analysis and development, supervisory skills, decision making skills, analysis and problem-solving skills, interpersonal relations, communication (oral and written) skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Task or time management skills.
• Conflict management, planning, research, presentation and facilitation.

Duties

• Provide communications support to the Region.
• Assist with media queries in the region.
• Draft and write media statements for approval.
• Process media inquiries and assist with feedback.
• Provide social media inputs and content.
• Event management, public education and Awareness.
• Provide communication support to regional business units and corporate managers.
• Make meaningful inputs to Khasho by contributing articles on a regular and sustained basis.
• Publish organisational performance information on all internal communication platforms to keep employees updated.
• Provide support to internal stakeholders such as the Strategy office, EWP, IMU, HR and leadership with both internal and external local events and campaigns.
• Present content effectively and collaborate with stakeholders demonstrating strong communication and listening skills.
• Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in all outputs.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Applicants must apply by submitting applications on the most recent Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the DPSA web site link: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/ and a comprehensive CV ONLY (with detailed experience information).
• Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from Human Resources.
• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation report issued by SAQA (only when shortlisted).
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA and to provide proof of such evaluation (only when shortlisted).
• All applications must reach the NPA on/or before the closing date.
• No late applications will be accepted/processed.
• Documents should not be password protected, and ZIP files will be blocked.
• The NPA cannot be held responsible for server delays.
• All applications must reach the NPA on/or before the closing date.
• No late applications will be accepted/processed.
• The applicant’s attention is drawn to the fact that the NPA uses an Electronic Response Handling System in terms of e-mailed applications.
• Please do not contact the NPA directly after you have e-mailed your applications to enquire if your application(s) have been received.
• If you have not received an acknowledgement of receipt within one week after the closing date, then you can contact the NPA.
• The NPA reserves the right not to fill any particular position.
• If you do not hear from us within (6) six months from the closing date of the advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• Successful candidates will be subjected to a security clearance of at least confidential.
• Appointment to this position will be provisional, pending the issue of security clearance.
• Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview.
• The social media accounts of shortlisted applicants may be accessed as part of the verification process.
• A valid driver’s license will be a requirement where applicable.
• All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments which are, a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
• Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.
• All SMS posts will be subjected to a lifestyle audit.
• SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the NPA.
• All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
• Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
• A pre-entry certificate obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) is required for all SMS applicants for Public Service Act positions in the NPA (SMS pre- entry certificate to be submitted prior to appointment).
• NPA Act appointments are exempted from the pre-entry certificate requirement.
• This is a Public Service specific training programme.
• The name of the course is Certificate for entry into the SMS.
• The full details can be sourced from the link https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/..
• Applicants are advised that from 1 January 2021 a new application form for employment (Z83) is in use.
• The new application for employment form can be downloaded at www.dpsa.gov.za-vacancies.
• From 1 January 2021 should an application be received using the incorrect (old) application for employment (Z83), it will not be considered.
• NB! Applicants who are successful must please note that the NPA is not in a position to pay resettlement costs