Communication Admin Jobs

Overall Job Purpose

The Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) manages payment system environments. These include designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting services for the National Payment System (NPS) of South Africa. PASA supports its members and the payments industry, contributing to the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the global financial system.

The Communication Specialist will create, oversee, and drive internal and external communication programs for PASA. This will use various channels like the PASA website, social media, project communications, conferences, events, and other methods. All efforts will align with PASA’s communication strategy. This includes public relations, media relations, and being the guardian of the PASA brand and corporate identity.

The role will also ensure planned communications are delivered on time and effectively.

Key Stakeholder Management

• Internal: PASA functional areas, Executive Committee (ExCo), and employees.
• External: PASA structures and members, South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), payment system operators (PSOs), South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), media, media agencies, service providers, and forums interested in the payments industry.

Core Responsibilities

1. Managing Public Relations and Media Liaison

• Assist with media engagements and press releases. Assess and manage media requests, draft responses to written queries, and support interviews.
• Draft media releases or articles and manage their distribution.
• Track and report on scheduled and ad hoc media communications. Monitor external media mentions of PASA or key projects.
• Work with project teams to keep an updated repository of media FAQs for major PASA projects and topics.
• Prepare holding statements for risk and crisis situations.

2. Managing PASA’s Social Media Platforms

• Maintain and grow PASA’s social media presence by spotting new opportunities and trends.
• Guide executive management and subject matter experts in creating relevant content, like articles and thought leadership pieces, for social media and publications.
• Create and manage social media content as needed, using various channels.
• Monitor, manage, and report on social media activities related to PASA, stakeholders, and key topics or projects.
• Support PASA events with drafted and executed social media activities.

3. PASA Brand Management and Profiling

• Help maintain and build the PASA brand by assessing, securing, and managing external communication and profiling opportunities.
• Coordinate PASA’s participation in external campaigns and events. Assess opportunities and prepare for them.
• Oversee the PASA website to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Serve as the owner of the PASA brand and corporate identity.

4. Supporting Internal, Project, and Industry Communication and Education

• Provide communication expertise for internal and external plans and strategies when needed.
• Ensure PASA communications meet the needs of those who commission them and follow brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with change management and communication specialists for input on industry campaigns.
• Assess timelines, narratives, and materials for campaigns. Create a unified view and ensure alignment.
• Make sure all campaigns align with PASA’s communication strategy, principles, and guidelines.
• Attend and represent PASA at key project and industry events as required.

5. Other External Communication Support

• Support communication outputs through writing, editing, proofreading, and including graphic design per PASA branding guidelines.
• Act as custodian of formal external communication templates and guidelines, including letterheads and presentation templates.
• Ensure all PASA employees know about and can access the latest templates and guidelines.
• Manage the PASA Language and Style Guide. Ensure employees are aware of it and follow it.
• Implement a clear communications review process within agreed timelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders for consistent messaging in the industry.
• Provide relevant reports on the communication function as needed internally and externally.

Role and Person Specification

Preferred Education and Experience

• At least 8-10 years of hands-on experience in communication or public relations, ideally in payments or banking.
• An undergraduate degree in communication, journalism, marketing, or public relations.
• Completion of the PASA Certificate in Foundational Payments is an advantage.

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience in collaborative environments and achieving results through teamwork.
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic communication plans for complex projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing, copywriting, and presentations.
• Excellent command of English.
• Expert knowledge of news media, media relations, digital media, social media, and other channels, with proven ability to use them effectively.
• Proven ability to build internal and external partnerships for communication and stakeholder management.