Communications Advisor - P+ Strengthening Participation in the Energy Transition

1. ABOUT THE POSITION

The P+ project is looking to fill a Communications Advisor position, to support results-oriented project implementation, impact communication and public relations.

The successful applicant will combine strong writing and conceptualisation skills with an affinity for data storytelling, a creative mind to develop new and engaging outreach formats, and proven experience in implementing these in cooperation with service providers.

By joining the GIZ energy cluster team in the Pretoria office, you will:

• play a key role in communicating the outcomes of the P+ project across all outputs and to a variety of audiences;
• be responsible for creating communications content in various formats in coordination with the project team;
• ensure that corporate communication guidelines are adhered to.

You will work in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will enjoy autonomy and the opportunity to leverage your expertise in communications for the just energy transition.

2. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As Communications Advisor for the P+ project your key responsibilities are:

Strategic Tasks

• Lead the development, design, coordination, implementation and monitoring of internal and external communication activities and products;
• Develop, update and implement the project’s communication strategy by setting measurable objectives, aligning content with the team through regular updates, and engaging target groups to ensure it remains current;
• Lead and/or support the planning and organisation of internal and external events;
• Ensure the consistency of corporate identity application in all communication activities as per the German Development Cooperation and GIZ Communication Activities requirements;
• Ensure the development and regular update of suitable communication instruments for the project (e.g., factsheets, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, info sheets, etc.);
• Draft and design content for various platforms, including social media, press releases, articles, studies and reports for mass media etc.;
• Lead the technical and administrative coordination with communications service providers, such as consultants, agencies, trainers, writers;
• Lead the development of new engaging digital communication formats.

Media and Public Relations:

• Perform quality assurance for all project communications and products;
• Coordinate any press and media activities for the project, and in-line with company policies;
• Establish and maintain contacts with relevant national, regional and international media representatives and communicators;
• Ensure adequate visibility of the P+ project at various events, such as conferences, fairs, or partner workshops.

Overarching Tasks

• Contribute to and/or support the regular collection, verification and evaluation of results data as a basis for impact communication;
• Initiate, brief, coordinate and manage relevant service providers supporting the work of the Communications Advisor, including drafting ToR for services, managing contracting/commissioning processes, briefing and managing suppliers, securing deliverables on time, on budget and on quality etc.;
• Support regular and ad-hoc reporting to commissioning parties and partners;
• Contribute to various data-based knowledge management activities within the GIZ energy cluster;
• Identify opportunities to support the communications and outreach work of project partners, augmenting capacity, aligning strategy and providing advisory support if/as needed.

Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed in the course of the project’s implementation and needs.

The Communications Advisor is expected to work with a high degree of independence, and in close collaboration with the Head of Project given the strategic nature of the advisory support they lead.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPRERIENCES

Qualifications:

• University degree in the field of communication or media studies, journalism or another relevant discipline related to digital communication or public relations;

Professional Experience:

• Academic qualification(s) should be enhanced with at least 2 years relevant work experience in the field of (political) communication or public relations;
• Proven experience in content development, writing, editorial work and graphic design (work samples will be requested);
• Proficiency in design and video production with good know-how of applications such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro;
• Proven experience in maintenance of social media, SEO and/or SEM qualifications would be advantageous;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.);
• Experience in knowledge management is an asset. If not already proven, or the willingness to develop competence in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) approaches is expected;
• Good contacts to regional media are an asset;
• Passion for the topic, interculturally sensitive approach, political intuition, communications skills as well as the ability to cooperate in an international context;
• Ability to work as part of a small team, independently, and in a structured, methodical manner;
• Excellent writing, verbal and presentation skills;
• Fluency in English.

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The position will be based at GIZ Hatfield, Pretoria.
• The position is full time and comprises a fixed term of employment. The position is for the duration of the project until the 30th of June 2028.
• At GIZ, you will be offered global network and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect, and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us.
• GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued - regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.
• GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. Applications from persons with disabilities are most welcome.

5. APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a

• Cover/Motivation Letter in PDF format (max. 2 pages) clearly stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value added they will bring to the project and their salary range expectation.
• A detailed CV (max.3 pages) in PDF format.
• Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of SA ID).

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “Application for Communications Advisor - P+ Strengthening Participation in the Energy Transition” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

The deadline for applications is 20th of June 2025.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates and meets requirements will be considered

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!