Job Alert: Unit Manager: Media Relations [IRC7867]

PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES (PCS)
UNIT MANAGER: MEDIA RELATIONS [IRC7867]

We offer a market and industry competitive total cost to company package.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is a premier institution in the country given its status as the only legislative authority of South Africa. It is the heart of our democracy where the country’s representatives gather to discuss important issues and debate policy affecting the citizens, engage with citizens in the process of passing laws meant to promote the public and improve the lives of citizens. The two houses that make up Parliament, the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces, each with their own distinct roles and functions set out in the Constitution, Have a duty to promote the constitutional values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, human rights, and freedom for all citizens.

JOB SUMMARY
The successful candidate will be responsible to lead and manage strategic media relations and communications for Parliament, ensuring effective engagement with media and the public to advance the objectives of Parliamentary Communication Services. This includes overseeing the Media Relations team and its operations to deliver integrated, high-quality support to the Houses, Clusters, and Committees and driving Parliaments long term media positioning in the national, continental and global public sphere including legislative diplomacy platforms.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE:

  1. Communication Support to the Houses, Clusters and Committees of Parliament (NA and NCOP)
  2. Media Liaison Management and Stakeholder Relations Building
  3. Media Monitoring, Analysis and Rapid Response
  4. Media Content Development and Advisory to Leadership and Management
  5. Communications Content Development and Dissemination
  6. Operations Management
  7. Financial Management
  8. Human Resources Management
To qualify, you must have:
  • Grade 12 or NQF4 equivalent plus Bachelor’s degree in communications / journalism / media studies or related qualification at NQF level 7 Post Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Strategic Media Management / Communications or related (NQF level 8) will be advantageous.
  • 5 years’ relevant specialist experience in communications and media liaison, as well as media strategy and content development of which 3 years should have been at management or supervisory level

IN ADDITION, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMOSTRATE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND JOB-RELATED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge and Technical Skills

  1. Solid knowledge and understanding of the role and functions of Parliament and the media context within Parliament environment.
  2. Extensive knowledge and understanding of engaging and managing various stakeholders and clients.
  3. Expert knowledge of the development and implementation of communication strategies and methodologies.
  4. Knowledge of communications protocols, industry standards and best practices, and governance within the public sector environment.
  5. Proven competencies in the management of a media relations management function covering policy, strategy, programme and evaluation.
  6. Exceptional content development and customisation skills from conception, including needs- and risk-responsive content for all media platforms.
  7. Excellent knowledge of the development and implementation of media strategies, campaigns and activations.
  8. Outstanding oral, presentation, facilitation and written communication skills.
  9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including writing and editing.
  10. Extensive knowledge of the use, management and application of communications platforms and channels, including social media platforms.
  11. Expert knowledge of editorial governance structures and processes.
  12. Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite and related software(s).
  13. Excellent planning and organising skills.
  14. Project management skills.
  15. Demonstrated strategic and operational planning and project execution skills.
  16. Effective analysis and decision-making skills.
  17. Networking and stakeholder management skills.
  18. Excellent research and analytical skills.
  19. Social media savvy.
  20. Strong sense of organisational awareness.
  21. Understanding of media law, copyright, and information ethics.
  22. Knowledge of the FMPPLA and labour laws and HR policies and procedures.
  23. Exceptional conflict resolution and influencing skills.

Behavioural Competencies

  1. Strong leadership and people management abilities
  2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  3. Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and communication abilities
  4. Proven track record in delivering and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
  5. Innovative and creative thinker
  6. Strong attention to detail
  7. High energy with a sense of urgency
  8. Exceptional interpersonal and intrapersonal competence
  9. Experience in managing and leading teams through change
  10. Organisational awareness
  11. A wide degree of creative latitude
  12. Diplomacy, tact and political savvy, as well as the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
  13. Personal resilience and emotional maturity
  14. Ability to work and effectively produce quality work under sustained pressure

What you will experience working at Parliament:
In return for your hard work, we offer meaningful and engaging work that present exciting challenges and exposure to innovative projects that have a positive impact on the lives of millions. We are passionate about making a difference. We are committed to recognising and rewarding dedication and high performance and are invested in your growth and development. We offer numerous growth-promoting opportunities and resources such as a bursary scheme and numerous learning and development opportunities. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive. We value teamwork and believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary results.

About Us
Working at the Parliament of South Africa is a unique opportunity like no other. No matter where you are placed in this premier institution, you will be part of a truly
remarkable and exceptional team that serves the people of our great country and shapes the course of our nation's history every day.  If promoting the public good is
what drives you, if you are passionate about shaping a brighter future for the citizens of South Africa, and you are ready to be part of something
extraordinary where you can shine and make a real impact on the people of our country, then Parliament is the place to be. If you are also a
dynamic individual who values professionalism, openness, integrity, teamwork, accountability, responsiveness and shows mutual respect, we
would like to hear from you. Our doors are open, and we are inviting you to become a part of this incredible journey.


To Apply, Please Select the Appropriate Button Below:

Person that has never been employed by Parliament

Person that was previously employed by Parliament including previously employed Interns and existing Interns

CLOSING DATE: 3 DECEMBER 2025

“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.

PLEASE NOTE that only applications submitted via the i-Recruitment platform will be accepted. All required supporting documentation and information must be provided; incomplete applications will not be processed. Security clearance and qualification verification are mandatory for all appointments. Should you not hear from us within two months (2) from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement. Parliament reserves the right not to make an appointment.