PRINCIPAL COMMUNICATION OFFICER: STAKEHOLDER COOPERATION AND AWARENESS

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a Principal Communication Officer for Stakeholder Cooperation and Awareness, based in Cape Town. This operational role sits within the communications directorate and is central to coordinating the department’s public engagement and awareness initiatives. The incumbent will act as a bridge between the department and its various stakeholders, ensuring that environmental calendar days, ministerial and non-ministerial events, conferences and outreach programmes are planned and executed effectively. The position requires a hands-on professional who can manage logistics, support campaign development, and maintain the departmental events calendar and stakeholder database. It is a demanding role that calls for resilience, strong organisational ability, and the capacity to work under pressure while leading multidisciplinary teams.

To be considered, applicants need a National Diploma at NQF level 6 in Communications, Public Relations, Event Management, Marketing, Journalism, or an equivalent qualification, together with at least two years of relevant experience. Practical knowledge of project management, marketing, stakeholder management, event management, campaign management, administration, and Public Service procedures is essential. The ideal candidate will have sound organising and planning skills, excellent communication abilities, and the interpersonal judgement to engage senior managers effectively. They must be able to gather and analyse information, apply departmental policies, work both independently and as part of a team, and manage conflict. A sense of responsibility and the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team are also key attributes, as is a willingness to work long hours when required.

The core duties involve providing event management support for environmental calendar day activities, ministerial and non-ministerial events, and conferences. The officer will assist in updating the departmental calendar for events and the stakeholder engagement database, and support learner environmental awareness programmes, career expos, and community outreach initiatives. They will also contribute to the development and implementation of departmental campaigns, help implement stakeholder engagement programmes, and assist with logistics and communication outputs for events, conferences, and stakeholder engagements. This is a varied portfolio that requires both strategic thinking and practical execution.

The Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the departmental equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and a driver’s licence before the interview, and foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. All shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting, including criminal record, citizenship, creditworthiness, reference checks, and qualification verification. By applying, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information in terms of POPIA. Correspondence is limited to successful candidates, and those not contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Applications are submitted online through the departmental recruitment portal, and applicants must complete the online Z83 form and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.