ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: MARKETING & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

This position is for an Assistant Director responsible for marketing and external communication, based at the Provincial Office in Mbombela (Nelspruit). The role operates within the public service environment and focuses on managing the department’s communication and event strategy. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership in planning both internal and external events, ensuring that all departmental functions are properly branded and effectively communicated to the public. This includes developing and implementing the departmental communications strategy, maintaining an annual events calendar, and liaising with various programmes across head office and district offices to coordinate successful event planning and execution. The post also requires a strong focus on event mobilisation, ensuring that public attendance is maximised through clear and timely communication.

To be considered, applicants must have a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with a Diploma or Degree in Marketing Communication at NQF Level 6 or 7, recognised by SAQA. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in communication at a supervisory or management level is required. Experience in the communication industry will be an added advantage. A valid driver’s licence is essential, and candidates must be willing to travel long distances and work extended hours as required. A thorough knowledge of the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, and relevant DPSA policies is expected. The role demands strong planning and organising abilities, problem-solving and analytical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication, report writing and presentation skills, computer literacy, teamwork, client orientation, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

The main duties include providing and implementing branding for all departmental events, offering strategic leadership in the planning of internal and external events, and crafting the departmental communications strategy. The Assistant Director must also ensure that an annual events calendar is developed and implemented, liaise with all departmental programmes at head office and district level, and ensure that events are well publicised to the public to support mobilisation and successful attendance.

Shortlisted candidates should be aware that the selection process includes pre-entry assessments, which consist of a practical exercise to determine technical and generic suitability as well as an integrity assessment. The top two candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial credits and assets, qualification verification, and employment background or reference checks. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests annually. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and applicants must disclose any business interests or remunerative work outside their official duties. The department reserves the right not to appoint, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no response is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. This is a supervisory-level public service post, and the department emphasises integrity, ethical conduct, and compliance with relevant legislation.