Key Responsibilities

• Craft a comprehensive public relations strategy for the region in line with the regional strategy, stakeholder requirements, corporate guidelines and policies
• Adapt global corporate agenda and positions to region’s external communications agenda through an understanding of diverse local needs and conditions
• Plan, control and lead implementation of high impact and critical public relations activities and initiatives across the region
• Steer planning and organize relaying of information concerning the organization to the press and the wider community to gain understanding and acceptance for the organization
• Advise and coach top management in delivery of external communications to media, general public and other external relations
• Take steps to effectively manage and contain issues or complex queries from public/ media that are potentially damaging or defamatory to the company’s image
• Contribute to appropriate representation of the region’s position in political processes
• Monitor and advise business on political developments affecting the business through an understanding of diverse local needs and conditions
• Direct and guide preparation of publicity materials, opinions, recommendations, decision papers, etc. on relevant topics ensuring they are reflective of organization’s viewpoint
• Develop favorable relations and nurture lines of communication with media contacts, political decision makers and other external audience groups
• Define and lay down policies and guidelines for external communication to enhance the organization’s reputation with the public, media and consumers
• Steer innovation for public relations sub-function, roll out improvements and best practices to increase effectiveness and efficiency

Minimum Requirements

Education and experience

• Master’s degree
• 8 years (Strategic Communications, External Communications, Public Relations, Copywriting, Media Relations, Community Management, Publicity, Advertising, Speeches, Press Releases, Business Knowledge, Business Processes, Business Strategy, Market Research, Project Management, Change Management, Stakeholder Management, Influencing, Feedback, Presentation & Storytelling)
• French an advantage