The role is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership and performance of the Communications Business Unit. The position exists to manage the reputation of the AGSA and enhance its image and brand, the stakeholder strategy to support the strategic aspirations of the AGSA. Drive and manage institutional co-operation within the AGSA and through its interface with stakeholders. Lead the marketing efforts to enhance the brand and position the AGSA as leader in South Africa and as an employer of choice. Position the institution as an organisation that upholds and reflects the mandate with all its stakeholders, in particular its employees, the public sector and all other relevant stakeholders. Promote and manage knowledge exchange through knowledge and information management programme.

• Lead the formulation and delivery of the AGSA communication and stakeholder strategy
• Contribute to the formulation and implement organizational strategic initiatives
• Promote and manage institutional cooperation within the AGSA and its stakeholder
• Lead stakeholder management and promotion of partnerships with strategic stakeholders
• Lead the strategic interface with parliament and its interrelated structures
• Provide strategic guidance to BUs and leaders in their interface with stakeholders
• Manage and review institutional co-operation activities within AGSA
• Drive the development and implementation of the long-term Information and Knowledge Management Strategy
• Provide strategic support to AG on engagements with stakeholders, international and domestic public appearances Manage the public appearances of the AG, DAG and other leaders
• Provide strategic leadership on internal and external communication the entire media landscape i.e., brand, marketing, digital, language and content development.
• Manage and establish systems and processes for the management of PAIA requests and initiatives 

• Create, implement and measure the external communications and stakeholder strategy and programme to promote and protect the image and reputation of the AGSA
• Develop and execute a media communication plan including strategic messaging of the AGSA and proactive communication
• Design and implement a reputation management programme, identifying key stakeholders and developing a stakeholder engagement programme
• Design and implement a marketing strategy to enhance the AGSA brand
• Develop high quality content for various stakeholder groups
• Quality assure all AGSA communication products and materials
• Create, manage, quality assure and measure the success of the content of the AGSA website
• Develop and lead engagement strategy with parliament and provide guidance to ABUs in their engagements with legislatures and councils
• Produce speeches, speaker notes, briefing notes and presentations for leaders in their engagements with external stakeholder and guide on consistency of messages
• Manage and establish strategic partnerships with stakeholders that are mutually beneficial to the AGSA
• Develop a digital strategy of the AGSA to enhance the digital presence of the organization
• Lead and deliver service excellence that is in keeping with the AGSA brand
• Negotiate agreements with 3rd party service providers to ensure lowest cost and highest quality of service
• Plan, co-ordinate and manage all events of the AGSA at Local, Provincial
• Lead the improvement of our media and digital presence
• Develop an understanding and awareness of the internal communications needs within and across the AGSA and its provincial offices
• Design, implement and co-ordinate all internal communication initiatives delivering timely and effective communications across the AGSA
• Provide regular communications for all staff through a variety of channels ensuring ease of access to communications, clarity and consistency of messages
• Promote knowledge exchange in the AGSA and employee engagement
• Manage and develop platforms for information and knowledge management of the AGSA
• Manage the archival of digital records of the AGSA in line with the legislative requirements
• Lead and manage policy and systems for smooth processing of PAIA and POPIA requests
• Lead and encourage employee engagement through hosting exciting events that promote employee involvement  
• Develop and maintain a calendar of events and implement a system that enables long-term planning and effective event management for the AGSA’s events
• Identify and implement new internal communication channels to improve the awareness of the AGSA business and thereby support its objectives
• Manage the production of all publications, promotional and exhibition mate
• Lead and manage public enquiries and develop advisory notes and sensitivity notes to provide early warning and advisory on matters arising in the environment and ensure adequate systems to manage response that protect and enhance the reputation of the AGSA
• Provide comprehensive environmental scan and consistent reports that includes media and stakeholder issues
• Drive the knowledge and information architecture that facilitates the sharing of information internally and where appropriate with external stakeholders 

• Drive the implementation of the Business Unit and organizational stakeholder engagement plan in line with the AGSA Accountability Ecosystem Policy Framework
• Lead and support the DAG in his stakeholder management efforts
• Lead and support the AGSA influence strategy and engagements
• Lead the reporting and monitoring and provide guidance on the influence goal initiatives and ensure adequate application of the framework
• Lead and develop strategic relationships with parliament including influencing engagements on audit outcomes that can influence a culture change
• Establish and manage a strategic relationship with the NCOP that can promote accountability a national, provincial and local government level
• Develop and lead in collaboration with ABUs thought leadership programme that promote the work of the AGSA
• Leverage the AGSA reputation and thought-leadership in auditing to influence auditing profession and public finance management so that to enhance the status as employer of choice
• Initiate and ensure implementation of all collaborative agreement with relevant institutions
• Engage with the stakeholders as per the engagement plan which includes consideration for political sensitivity, complexity and seniority.
• Conduct research on the level of satisfaction with both internal and external clients
• Engage with external clients to identify areas of service delivery improvement
• Create a platform for clients to evaluate the organisation performance
• Introduce innovative ideas to gather information about client’s level of satisfaction
• Develop relations with all ABUs to ensure free flow of information for management of media enquiries, PAIA and POIA processes and for influence alignment
• Identify new stakeholders and introduce them to ABUs and outline the business imperative that mobilises them to be active participats in the accountability ecosystem
• Lead the engagements with stakeholders to ensure that our stakeholders are moved from being aware of our insights to taking action to realise systemic change. 

• Develop and facilitate implementation of culture plan that promotes employee wellness and encourage productivity
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of BU transformation strategies.
• Drive Vision achievement/ organisation alignment through impact- driven strategic conversations with internal staff on an on-going basis.
• Implement and drive a strong ethical culture, champion awareness also deal with ethical breaches in a decisive manner
• Create an inclusive culture and greater cooperation in which all individuals can contribute and perform
• Contribute to the AGSA realizing the people strategy strategic aspirations
• Monitor and track team performance and talent

• Accountable for sustainability and profitability of the BU
• Develop the BU BSC and direct the implementation of the BU operational strategies and plans
• Development and effective management of the BU budget and performance targets
• Revenue and expenditure management and control (monitor BU budget)
• Ensures that BU deliverables are executed economically, efficiently

• Perform and/or manage other projects, tasks and assignments delegated by the DAG not stipulated in the role profile description as and when required

Formal Education

This position requires post graduate qualification (NQF 8) in Communication/ Marketing/ Public Relations. A master’s will be an added advantage. Registration with a Relevant Professional body will be an added advantage

 

Experience

Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience in public relations and marketing, of which at least 8 years should have been at a senior management/ executive level. Proven track record and experience in communications, content development, marketing campaigns, stakeholder management and internal communication as an added advantage. In-depth understanding of the public sector is a requirement