Public Relations Officer

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Public Relations Officer to play a pivotal role in supporting the company’s expansion and long-term investment initiatives within South Africa. This is a strategic position focused on government relations, stakeholder engagement, regulatory processes, and investment facilitation rather than traditional public relations or marketing activities.

The successful candidate will act as the key liaison between the business and various government departments, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders, ensuring the organisation successfully navigates approval processes, regulatory requirements, and strategic engagement opportunities.

This role is best suited to an individual who already has an established understanding of South African government structures and regulatory processes, as there will be limited formal training provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, provincial, and local government departments.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organisation and government stakeholders.
• Support the executive leadership team with government engagement strategies and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate approvals, permits, licences, and compliance processes required for new business operations and expansion projects.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement initiatives with government agencies, municipalities, and relevant industry bodies.
• Identify the appropriate government departments and regulatory authorities for various business initiatives.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact business operations.
• Provide strategic advice regarding government processes, investment requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Assist with factory establishment, operational approvals, and infrastructure-related government processes where required.
• Prepare reports, briefing documents, presentations, and correspondence for senior management.
• Represent the organisation at meetings with government officials, industry associations, and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships that support the organisation’s long-term business objectives.
• Ensure all stakeholder engagements are conducted professionally and ethically.
• Support cross-functional teams with regulatory and compliance-related matters.
• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder interactions, approvals, and project progress.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in one of the following:
  • Public Administration
  • Public Relations
  • Political Science
  • Law
  • Business Administration
  • Government Studies
  • Communications
  • or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in one or more of the following:
  • Government Relations
  • Public Affairs
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Investment Promotion
  • Corporate Affairs
• Demonstrated experience working directly with South African government departments and regulatory bodies.
• Proven experience managing permits, approvals, licences, compliance processes, or government liaison activities.
• Strong understanding of South African government structures and regulatory approval processes.
• Experience supporting investment projects, infrastructure developments, manufacturing, or industrial operations will be highly advantageous.

Essential Requirements

• South African citizenship is essential.
• Established network and working relationships within government departments would be highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of government protocols and stakeholder management.
• Willingness to travel locally when required.

Language Requirements

• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Mandarin or Chinese language proficiency is not essential, however it will be considered an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
• High level of professionalism and integrity.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives, government officials, and external stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative.