Deputy Director; External Communication

Overview

Deputy Director for External Communication at GPAA, managing media relations and communication strategy implementation.

Requirements

• A relevant three (3) year National Diploma / Degree in Communication/Journalism/ Media Relations (at least 360 credits).
• Minimum of six (6) years' experience in Stakeholder and Media relations with three (3) years in Management or Middle Management role within relevant environment.
• Computer literacy which includes a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of Employee Benefits.
• Knowledge of Management of Human Resources.
• Knowledge of Budget.
• Knowledge of strategic planning.
• Knowledge of Management of Establishment.
• Knowledge of HR strategy.
• Analytical skills.
• Computer literacy skills.
• Customer relations skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Customer Oriented.
• Ability to communicate at all levels.
• Outgoing personality.
• Ability to build strong network relationships.
• Ability to work in a team.

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which include but not limited to the following.
• Develop and implement effective media policies and strategies.
• Develop, implement and monitor the communication strategy, in line with the GPAA, GEPF and National Treasury goals.
• Provide input into and implement media liaison plans, reporting back on effectiveness.
• Develop and implement media liaison policy and ensure internal distribution and compliance.
• Provide strategic stakeholder/media liaison support and guidance to all business units.
• Develop framework to guide GPAA, GEPF and National Treasury on the handling of crisis situations.
• Monitor and evaluate media coverage.
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of print and electronic media for any reference to GPAA / GEPF / National Treasury or industry.
• Report on media coverage, identifying key themes and areas of concern and escalate as needed.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of effective media database.
• Manage the timely responses to media queries.
• Oversee the media coverage including all relevant articles (newspapers and online) and ensure accurately catalogued.
• Monitor the compilation and distribution of newspaper clippings and electronic media articles internally daily.
• Manage all external contracts by providing media services in line with the SLA with GEPF.
• Develop and manage correspondence.
• Liaise with the Publications and Content Specialist regarding the content of all written material, providing input and context as required.
• Organise and coordinate interviews with the media and stakeholders.
• Contribute to media topics and articles for the national media.
• Respond to media queries and distribute media statements.
• Facilitate print and broadcast education campaigns.
• Manage and develop staff.
• Set, agree and monitor performance of direct reports, check that aligned with performance agreements.
• Identify development needs and succession planning requirements and provide coaching and mentoring as appropriate.
• Allocate work according to the individual workload, expertise, and developmental needs of the individual.
• Ensure employment equity compliance.
• Monitor that individual outputs achieve business requirements.
• Recruit departmental staff using defined processes.
• Facilitate staff productivity and efficiency, minimizing absenteeism and turnover.
• Motivate staff through the implementation of various recognition mechanisms.
• Facilitate communication through appropriate structures and systems.
• Enable knowledge sharing and knowledge transition processes, including sharing of best practices across the GPAA.
• Contribute input to performance feedback and coaching of team members.

How to apply

To apply visit: https://erecruitment.gpaa.gov.za/

Enquiries: Sanele Ngema on 012 319 3501 Enquiries.erecruitment@gpaa.gov.za

Notes

Effective from 19 June 2026, the GPAA now utilises an e-Recruitment System which means all applicants must login/register to apply for positions, we only accept e-Recruitment online applications. The applicant’s profile on the e Recruitment is equivalent to the newly approved Z83, and it is the responsibility of applicants to ensure their profiles are fully completed or their applications will not be considered, as per the DPSA Practice Note. Certain documentation will still be required to be uploaded on the system such as copies of all qualifications including National Senior Certificate/Matric certificate, ID, etc., however these documents need not be certified at point of application, however certification will be required prior to attending the interview. The candidate must agree to the following: Shortlisted candidates must avail themselves for a virtual or in-person panel interview at a date and time determined by the GPAA. Please note: All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. It should be noted that the GPAA does not support the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in any of its recruitment and selection processes and will disqualify an application if it picks up the use of AI when completing assessments without acknowledging the source of information. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, available as an online course on https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/, prior to finalisation of appointment, is a requirement for all SMS positions. 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. Applicants must note that pre-employment checks and references will be conducted once they are short-listed and the appointment is also subject to a positive outcome on these checks, which include but not limited to: security clearance, security vetting, qualification/study verification, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, previous employment verification and criminal record. Applicants will be required to meet vetting requirements as prescribed by Minimum Information Security Standards in line with the new DPSA Directive effective 01 April 2024. By submitting your application, it also means you consent to the GPAA processing your information for Human Resources Management purposes. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all their foreign qualifications (this includes O and A level certificates) evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), at your own expense. Upon appointment, successful candidates will be required to sign a Performance Agreement within 3 months from date of appointment and for candidates whose appointment exceeds 12 calendar months will be appointed on probation for the period of twelve (12) calendar months excluding leave taken as prescribed by Public Service Regulation 68. The status of your application will be visible on the e-Recruitment system. However, if you have not received feedback from the GPAA within 6 months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. The candidate must take note: It is the GPAA’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representativeness in line with the numerical targets as contained in GPAA’s Employment Equity Plan. Note: The GPAA reserves the right not to fill the below-mentioned posts, withdraw or to put on-hold a position and/or to re-advertise a post. MANAGEMENT ECHELON