Manager: Communications And Advocacy Jobs

Objective:

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity and an oversight body for the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity develops, fosters, and maintains an integrated and transparent national framework for recognizing learning achievements. This ensures that South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are comparable internationally, are of acceptable quality, enhance the quality of education and training, and support access, mobility, and progression in education, training, and career paths.

SAQA seeks to appoint a Manager: Communications and Advocacy to manage and coordinate internal and external communications across various channels and audiences. Reporting to the Senior Manager: Communications and Advocacy, this position will represent SAQA on government and stakeholder platforms to promote the SAQA and NQF brand.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognized qualification at NQF Level 7.
• A relevant NQF Level 8 qualification will be an advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Six years of relevant work experience, including three years in a supervisory role.
• International experience, experience in the education sector, or an understanding of comparative education will be an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong media and report writing skills.
• Networking and public speaking skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to conduct stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.
• Business acumen.
• Resilience, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Good knowledge of the education sector’s legislative and regulatory environment.
• People management skills.

Key Performance Areas:

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal and external communication strategies.
• Provide strategic advice and expertise to SAQA leadership on communication, branding, marketing, advertising, and media opportunities.
• Develop and execute SAQA’s branding strategy.
• Oversee SAQA’s digital marketing strategy.
• Oversee plans for consistent messaging on digital channels and best practices to collect data, derive insights, and support SAQA’s content strategy and digital communications.
• Manage and coordinate SAQA’s media events program.
• Manage the creation of innovative creative content optimized for search engines.
• Oversee the management of events both internally and externally.
• Develop, implement, and manage the customer feedback index.
• Develop and manage the unit’s budget.
• Oversee the development and implementation of internal communication policies, procedures, and processes.
• Collaborate with counterparts and other stakeholders nationally and internationally to develop shared communication plans.
• Manage media and stakeholder perceptions of SAQA by facilitating timely responses to media queries.
• Network with stakeholders.
• Lead, guide, and develop employees in the Communications and Advocacy unit.

Deadline: 19th November 2025