Requirements: 

Matric certificate and a tertiary qualification in Public Relations/Marketing/Communication at NQF Level 8 as recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). A relevant postgraduate qualification or Health qualification will be an added advantage. A valid driver’s license. 

Experience: 

Minimum of eight (8) years of functional experience as a communication and public relations professional in the health sector, of which five (5) years must be in a senior communication leadership role. Working experience in the health sector will be an added advantage. 

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory procedures.
• Design and review of strategic plans, business plans and budgeting.
• Team management.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to manage a variety of cross-functional team members.
• Competent in problem solving and team building.
• Information evaluation.
• Decision making.
• Communication skills (verbal, written, negotiation, conflict management, presentation).
• Interpersonal skills.
• Customer service.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Stakeholder management (Stakeholder mapping, relationship building). 

Duties: 

Active participation and input into SAHPRA’s Strategic Plan. Draft, implement and manage SAHPRA’s Communication and Public Relations Strategic Plan. Serve as SAHPRA’s Spokesperson and manage all media relations activities. Develop and implement a comprehensive publication strategy aligned to SAHPRA’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Lead and promote SAHPRA’s brand identity and values and ensure compliance with branding guidelines and regulatory requirements. Develop, implement and drive climate surveys with key internal and external stakeholders, and implement interventions to address gaps identified. 

Operational Management: 

Lead SAHPRA communication team and provide oversight, direction, content and corporate best practices. Develop and implement a communication and stakeholder relations strategy and policy (including media and stakeholder liaison). Develop and maintain systems and processes necessary for effective media interaction and communication between SAHPRA and key stakeholders. Plan, develop, execute and measure effective communications programmes, including media relations on health-related matters. Create results-driven communications related to regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance and other regulatory initiatives that are measurable and help drive SAHPRA business objectives. Develop and communicate scientific regulatory content to make it accessible to the public in more “digestible” formats through a clear public engagement strategy. Educate and train SAHPRA employees on public relations, media, and social media so as to maintain a good public andservice identity. Monitor media and social media so as to avert crisis situations from occurring, thereby ensuring SAHPRA's brand reputation. Proactively communicate any developments on health product regulations that have an impact on the public. Establish and maintain effective procedures for handling external stakeholder complaints. 

Financial Management: 

Develop and manage the Communication and Public Relations budget to ensure effective allocation of resources to drive strategic objectives. Monitor expenses, track performance metrics, and provide regular and timeous reports to EXCO. Drive cost-saving initiatives across the business unit. Ensure compliance with SAHPRA’s Policies, PFMA/Regulations and Treasury directives. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk: 

Manage quality assurance measures and adherence to quality standards. Construct and monitor reliable control systems. Ensure implementation and adhere to all Communications and Media Management processes and quality assurance requirements. Communication and Branding framework and requirements. Development and implementation of Communication and marketing SOPs and policies. Effective management of reputational, financial and legal risks. 

People Management: 

Drive a high-performance culture within the Communication and Public Relations team. Drive a culture of personal and professional development. Living the SAHPRA Values. Drive collaborative leadership.