Advocacy and Communication Officer

Eswatini
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Location:
Eswatini

On behalf of our client, the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), we invite suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the positions of Advocacy and Communication Officer.

Job Purpose 

This role is responsible for developing and implementing the Council’s advocacy, branding, and communication strategies to enhance public awareness and strengthen the Council’s visibility and reputation. The role strategically engages stakeholders, manages media relations including providing counsel to the Board on crisis communication and ensures proactive dissemination of information to effectively position the Council’s brand. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. .

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement advocacy, branding, and communication strategies to promote the Council’s mandate and strengthen public awareness of its services.
  • Manage the Council’s corporate identity, media relations, website, and digital communication platforms to ensure consistent branding and accurate public information.
  • Coordinate public awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and corporate events that enhance the visibility of the Council’s work.
  • Produce and coordinate communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, publications, advocacy briefs, and annual reports.
  • Monitor media coverage and public sentiment relating to the Council, advising management on communication strategy, reputation management, and media crisis response.
  • Coordinate stakeholder engagement and advocacy initiatives with government institutions, professional bodies, industry stakeholders, and regional or international organisations.
  • Facilitate the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with local professional bodies and key industry players to strengthen collaboration.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO in establishing and maintaining strategic relationships that advance the Council’s mandate.
  • Serve as the primary media liaison for the Council, managing media engagements, enquiries, and public statements.
  • Lead the development and implementation of corporate communication policies, procedures, and related frameworks to ensure consistent, effective, and compliant communication across the Council.
  • Maintain a comprehensive communication and advocacy risk register and develop proactive mitigation strategies to safeguard the Council’s reputation.
  • Support internal communication, contribute to policy development, and oversee the implementation of communication systems in alignment with the Data Protection Act, 2022.
  • Develop and maintain the departmental budget for advocacy and communications in accordance with corporate strategy.
  • Undertake any other duties assigned by the Chief Executive Officer to support the Council’s strategic objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strategic Communication and Advocacy
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
  • Media Relations and Public Affairs Management
  • Content Development and Digital Communication
  • Research, Policy Communication and Analytical Skills
  • Professional Integrity and Strategic Judgment

Qualifications and Experience 

  • Honours / Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, Marketing, or a related field.
  • Membership in a recognized professional communications body such as Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) is an added advantage.
  • Master’s degree in Corporate Communications, Public Policy, or related field is advantageous.
  • A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience in communications, advocacy, media relations, or public relations.
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
  • Valid Driver’s License.

Written applications accompanied by certified copies of academic certificates must be submitted together with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae. All applications will be acknowledged.

Closing date for applications is 18 March 2026. Only emailed applications will be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted. Should you not receive further correspondence within one month of the closing date, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.  

The position for which you are applying for must be clearly specified in the subject line. 

Please apply in writing to the Recruitment Manager