Website South African Airways (SAA)
South African Airways (SAA) began operations on 1 February 1934. SAA, is a leading carrier in Africa, serving regional destinations between Johannesburg and six African destinations – Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Mauritius and 2 domestic routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban… read more. SAA is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAAs core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical (SAAT), a world class maintenance facility and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAAT has particularly been successful in the delivery of high-quality maintenance services such as major airframe checks; engine overhaul; mechanical components; avionics and line maintenance. From its first flight in 1934, SAA have welcomed the world to South Africa by showing off the warm generous heart of the country. The airline has more than 88 years of excellence and innovation to draw on.
Job Purpose
The role is responsible for protecting and enhancing SAA’s brand and reputation globally, while overseeing CSR and Sustainability, Communications, Government Relations and Stakeholder Management. The role develops strategies and policies aligned with industry regulations and the corporate plan, and monitors political, economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and business influences to anticipate challenges, and advance opportunities through key stakeholder collaboration, including bilateral government relations. In addition, the role shapes policy, regulations, and directs philanthropic, ethical, legal, and economic responsibilities, while managing the internal and external communications plan.
Principal Accountabilities
Develop and oversee Communications, Stakeholder Management and CSR, policies and strategies in line with industry regulations, governance, and legal requirements
Lead the development and implementation of the Corporate Affairs strategy aligned with the corporate strategy
Serve as a company spokesperson, and manage media responses and correspondence Ensure the effective management of the Corporate Affairs function, including budget management and cost containment
Safeguard and enhance the reputation of the Airline by handling conversations in a meaningful content-rich way
Lead, direct and manage the delivery of the Airline’s internal and external communication plan
Develop, review and approve all communication materials for press, television/radio, social media and internal platforms
Develop and execute Crisis Communications Strategy and Plan and Strategy when required
Develop & manage any contracted PR/Communications agencies to ensure cost-effective, high impact exposure
Lead message development on significant corporate issues, spanning key business areas such as legal, finance, government, labour, industry and commercial
Establish and maintain relationships with government officials and regulatory agencies to influence legislation or regulations impacting the Airline’s operations
Leverage media, traditional and non-traditional opportunities, and third-party relationships to address and mitigate reputation risks from operational problems, labour disputes and financial issues
Ensure consistent messaging across the different channels, stakeholder groups and geographies in which the Airline operates and ensure that messaging is aligned with strategy and regulations
Ensure effective implementation and communication of CSR initiatives both internally and externally
Prepare and present written testimony, briefs, issue papers and responses to parliamentary questions
Evaluate and benchmark the Corporate Affairs portfolio of services and provide feedback to management about risks, opportunities and emerging issues
Working with the Commercial team, cultivate positive & supportive relationships with airports, tourism boards, community leaders & Government, airlines, Star Alliance & commercial partners working with the Airline on joint initiatives
Leads and align change management with the vision and strategic direction of the Airline
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism / Communications / Public Relations or related field at NQF level 7
10 – 15 years’ experience in a Corporate Affairs role of which 3 years is at a management level
Experience in a Corporate Communication (Internal and External) function
Experience in the media industry (media spokesperson and media writing) will be an advantage
Experience in reporting at executive level, board, shareholder and Government Stakeholders or institutions
Experience in managing and developing a corporate image and public relations programme
Experience in developing and implementing CSR strategies and framework
Knowledge and Skills
Understanding of organisational behaviour
Digital communication
Social media channels
Geographical and Socio-political landscape
Internal and external stakeholder engagement
Media Relations
Public Policy
Regulatory andIndustry knowledge
Knowledge of the airline & travel industry
Advance understanding of CSR frameworks
Desktop publishing software knowledge an advantage
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet applications, presentation software
Commercial acumen
Strong communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
Negotiation skills
Reputation management
Crisis management
Organising and prioritising skills
Analytical skills
Ability to speak well under pressure on camera and audio media
Attributes
Leads with purpose
Manages team performance
Manages transformation & change initiatives
Drives innovation
Sells/ translates the vision
Leverages Team Diversity
Role models behaviours and values
Resilience under pressure and within tight deadlines
Adaptability
Proactive
Ethical and professional
Influential
Results orientated
Apply via company website ( https://www.flysaa.com/ ) or
flysaa.erecruit.co