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SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SALGA)
 
SALGA Spokesperson
(5 Year Fixed-Term Contract)
Based in National Office (Pretoria) 
Ref: 20/12/09
Cluster: Operations
Remuneration package: A competitive salary package with benefits
 
ROLE OVERVIEW 
Reporting to the Senior Manager: Marketing and Communications, the Spokesperson will be responsible for setting up public appearances, handling conflicts and keeping the public updated on vital organisational information; as well as providing strategic insight to the Senior Leadership team on how to respond to press questions. 
 
 
THE CANDIDATE PROFILE 
■ Ability to manage in a multidisciplinary environment; 
■ Ethical leader that places a high premium on integrity and confidentiality; 
■ Innovative thought leader; 
■ Proven track record of transformative and ground-breaking successes in relevant previous roles; 
■ Results driven individual;
■ Strong analytical ability coupled with sound problem-solving skills; and 
■ Strong initiative and well-rounded implementer and driver of multi-disciplinary programmes that have an intended turnaround dimension. 
 
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 
■ Relevant Post-graduate qualification at Hons level; Masters in Communication/ Marketing/ MBA will be advantageous; 
■ Valid Driver’s Licence 
■ At least 10 years’ relevant experience of which at least 5 years must have been at an equivalent level within a medium to large-sized organisation; 
■ Demonstrate a sound understanding of the Local Government Sector 
■ Sound track record in effectively managing complex and sensitive stakeholder engagements at all levels. 
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS 
The successful incumbent will be expected to perform the following responsibilities:- 
■ Arrange and attend Press Conferences: Create and implement a plan of strategic external communications directed towards SALGA’s stakeholders and the general public. This includes: Schedule and or coordinate press releases, editorials, website content, Local Government analysis briefing notes; contacting members of the press, delivering prepared remarks, and handling press questions regarding an organization’s activities; 
■ Manage Public Information: Responsible for getting information about the organization out to the public and controlling the flow of that information; Work closely with brand managers and Public Relations professionals to craft statements and press releases, ensuring that information is relevant and timely; 
■ Present the SALGA’s message: Sharing SALGA’s or brand’s message; Work with Marketing and Communication personnel to craft a narrative and ensure that public statements are in line with the SALGA’s goals and objectives; 
■ Minimise Negative Publicity: Responsible for damage control following negative publicity or media coverage; 
Liaise with the to the public to clear up confusion, answer questions, and attempt to change the narrative by focusing on the SALGA’s positive accomplishments; Clear up any false or misleading coverage of the organization. 
■ Corporate Governance and Risk management: Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area of responsibility/ professional discipline; Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures; Identify and mitigate organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline 
■ Stakeholder Relations: Within the scope of area of accountability lead the building and maintenance of relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. 
■ Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement monitoring and evaluation in own area of accountability in line with the SALGA-wide M&E framework and mechanism to determine baseline of performance and impact.
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Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must submit a curriculum vitae in application for this position to Email: hr@salga.org.za
 
Closing Date: 15 January 2021 
 
(Please quote the relevant reference number in the subject line) 
 
NOTE: Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representatively in terms of race, gender and disability within the organisation through the filling of posts. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant position.