ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: MEDIA AND EDITORIAL SERVICES

This position offers an opportunity to serve as the Assistant Director for Media and Editorial Services within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, based in Cape Town. The role sits at the heart of the department’s communication function, ensuring that the organisation’s public messaging, media engagement, and internal communications are professional, consistent, and aligned with government communication standards. As a senior support role, the incumbent will be expected to operate under pressure, engage with senior managers, and provide creative, practical solutions across a wide range of communication activities.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma at NQF level 6 in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, Marketing, Digital Marketing, or Public Relations, with the qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority. A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in media relations, editorial work, corporate communication, social media, or a closely related field. The role demands a solid working knowledge of desktop publishing, printing processes and production, marketing and campaigns, as well as an understanding of public service prescripts, departmental procedures, and general administration. Strong verbal and written communication skills, organisational and planning abilities, customer relationship management, and sound interpersonal relations are essential. The successful candidate must also demonstrate analytical thinking, the capacity to lead a multidisciplinary team, the ability to work independently, and the resilience to handle difficult individuals and resolve conflict. A valid driver’s licence and a willingness to travel and work extended hours are required.

The duties are broad and centre on providing media relations support. This includes coordinating responses to media queries from branches on a daily basis, drafting and implementing media plans for departmental events, distributing media invitations, and compiling monthly media reports. The role also involves developing and implementing social media plans for departmental events and awareness programmes, as well as providing photography and video services. Writing and content development form a core part of the work, alongside exhibition and branding support, corporate identity management, and internal communications. The incumbent will contribute to the monthly internal newsletter, Lekgotla, and support the department’s overall communication objectives.

This is an OSD-graded post, and interested applicants must apply online through the departmental recruitment portal. Shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before the interview, and will be subject to screening and security vetting, including criminal record, citizenship, creditworthiness, reference, and qualification verification. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. The department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, with preference given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with its equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should note that by submitting the application, they consent to their personal information being processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.