SENIOR COMMUNICATION OFFICER: STAKEHOLDER COOPERATION & AWARENESS

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the public communication and stakeholder engagement work of the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, based in Cape Town. As a Senior Communication Officer focused on stakeholder cooperation and awareness, the successful candidate will support the department’s efforts to connect with communities, learners, and partner organisations around environmental issues. The role sits within a communications environment that manages high-profile events, awareness campaigns, and outreach programmes, and it requires a blend of organisational, interpersonal, and project management ability.

Applicants need a National Diploma at NQF level 6 in Communications, Public Relations, Event Management, Marketing, Journalism, or a relevant equivalent qualification, together with at least one year of relevant experience. The role demands a working knowledge of project management, marketing, stakeholder management, event management, campaign management, and administrative fields, as well as familiarity with Public Service and departmental procedures. Strong planning and organising skills, sound communication abilities, and the capacity to engage confidently with senior managers are essential. The job also calls for good interpersonal relations, the ability to work long hours voluntarily when required, and the skill to gather and analyse information. Candidates must be able to apply policies consistently, work both independently and as part of a team, and perform effectively under extreme pressure. A sense of responsibility, the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team, and conflict resolution skills are also important.

The main duties are varied and practical. The officer will provide event management support for environmental calendar day activities, ministerial and non-ministerial events, and conferences. This includes helping to update the departmental calendar for events and maintaining the stakeholder engagement database. Another key responsibility is supporting the implementation of learner environmental awareness programmes, career expos, and community outreach initiatives. The role also involves assisting with the development and implementation of departmental campaigns, supporting stakeholder engagement programmes, and helping with logistics and communication outputs for events, conferences, and engagement activities. In essence, the work ensures that the department’s awareness and cooperation efforts run smoothly and reach the right audiences.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action position. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before the interview, and foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. All shortlisted applicants will undergo screening and security vetting, which may include criminal record checks, citizenship status verification, credit worthiness checks, reference checks, and qualification verification. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only successful candidates will be contacted. If applicants do not hear within three months of the closing date, they should assume their application was unsuccessful. By applying, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information for recruitment purposes in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act.