Responsibilities

Key Deliverables


The GM: External Communication will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:


Strategy Development and Implementation


Lead the creation of the functional strategy in line with the overarching business goals
Drive effective implementation of the strategy by means of providing direction, structure, frameworks, models, plans and roadmaps
Oversee regular review of the functional strategy and roadmap to ensure its alignment with the changing dynamics of the internal and external ecosystem


Staff Leadership and Management


Build and manage a high performing team by providing leadership, role clarity, training and career development 
Source, induct and manage talent in accordance with legislative guidelines
Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working
Ensure open communication channels with staff and implement change management interventions where necessary
Provide definition of roles, responsibilities, individual goals and performance objectives for the team
Set KPIs and provide regular performance feedback through a well-defined and implemented performance review program
Develop and implement a training plan in order to build and develop skills within the team
Encourage knowledge transfer through the implementation of a knowledge transfer plan and drive continuous improvement philosophy through the knowledge transfer plan
Performance manage resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary
Actively participate in leadership team and develop skills of own team
Promote a ‘MTN centric’ and ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance


Governance 

Strategic Meetings


Hold strategic meetings, ensure relevant participation and provide guidance and input in the various discussions 
Drive enterprise-wide conference participation framework, corporate affairs sponsorship and partnership initiatives, elicit inputs from relevant parties
Drive adequate risk mitigation and controls and elicit inputs from relevant parties
Perform evaluation baseline of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs
Drive approval process on new initiatives
Provide relevant budget for projects 
Prepare proposal on change initiatives SLA, policies and procedures


 Escalations


Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact
Manage and provide solutions to escalations that have multiple processes / functions impact on critical path of service delivery
Manage and provide solutions through stakeholder consultation where relevant


Function Tactical


Review all projects initiated (internal or global)
Review and finalise objectives, targets and budgets for the External Communications function as applicable
Review key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
Develop and manage budgets 
Sign-off / make decisions regarding tactical changes
Chair tactical meetings


 Performance


Monitor performance and alignment with MTN global strategy
Ensure alignment between the various stakeholders and customers
SLA approval and exception performance review 


Reporting


Report on a periodic basis to the Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer relating to progress made within the function and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
Report on an ad hoc basis on specific projects, as required


Budgets


Develop and manage function’s budgets in line with business objectives
Develop and manage project initiative budgets in line with business objectives
Ensure that the cost of operations are reduced, in line with a least cost operating strategy stemming from the business drivers


Planning and Operations Leadership 


Curation of content strategy for MTN SA across the BU’s and functions
Identification of key strategic issues and conceptualisation of content that is appropriate for both internal and external stakeholders to positively promote the MTN Brand and Reputation 
Consolidation of Opco-wide content, generated by MTN Communication Champions who are guided to be ambassadors of the Brand in story telling
Management of publicity campaigns and determination of the appropriate platforms which will give positive publicity and PR mileage
Usage of key topical media conversations to build online presence that links back to ESG
Management of communication mediums and content tailoring, including portal websites, media platforms, social media, presentations, and speeches
Relevant updated MTN SA company profile, which is always ready for the different platforms
Accountability taken of MTN’s written content by external sources and continuous evaluation of their contributions
Proactive issue monitoring management of various channels and platforms 
Strategic usage of channels for proactive reputational communication opportunities through “news jacking”
Key advisory role, to exco with the Chief CA & Sustainability, in CRISIS MANAGEMENT


Continuous Improvement


Keep abreast of international best practice, technologies and industry trends.
Proactively research relevant best practice and processes, recommending translation of these in the strategic framework of the unit.
Maintain an understanding of related systems in order to develop integrated systems and processes.
Keep up to date with new products and services and their impact on MTNSA
Understand and take cognisance of emerging markets and plan accordingly


People & Culture Management


Provide technical, procedural and policy guidance to staff, colleagues , partners and vendors
Attract, develop and retain appropriate talent. Build talent by identifying and developing new leaders for the respective environment
Create and implement personal development plans
Define the divisional KPAs and KPIs that will be cascaded down to each area
Manage Performance and identify training needs. Coach and guide subordinates
Enable and model healthy employee relations and collaborative teamwork
Manage diversity, develop, and embed an Employment Equity plan for the business area
Contribute to building a culture  of continuous evaluation and improvement. Drive a culture of high performance, accountability and consequence management
Act as an ambassador for the Consumer team by living the Brand values and vital behaviours and changing and influencing employees’ behaviour
Make the environment the best place to work. Foster professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the organization. Build the Company’s brand to be the employer of first choice


Qualifications

Education:


Minimum of 4-year tertiary degree (specialization in Business Communication / Public Relations / Marketing / as appropriate)
MBA or Masters (advantageous)
Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body such as South African Communications Association, Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (advantageous)  
Fluent in English and language of country preferable


Experience:


Minimum 5 -8 years’ experience in: 
In a Public Relations/ External Communication role 
Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise /FMCG 
understanding of emerging markets 
In managing staff
Knowledge of consumer data analytics, management, and platforms in a Techo environment
Experience in continuous improvement through the implementation of best practices
Understanding of emerging markets
Minimum 5 years of senior management experience in External Communications with specific focus on external communications, brand management, sponsorships and events
Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
Experience working in a medium to large organization 
Project management experience
Telecommunications industry experience 
Pan Africa multi-cultural experience


Competencies:

Functional Knowledge: 


Project Management
Engagement Program Design
External Branding and Design
External Communication 
Workforce Segmentation and Profiling
Leadership Influence 
Visual/Verbal design
Event/Project Management
Experience Management
Digital Platforms
Editorial and content writing
Reporting 
Global Working and Collaboration
Organisational considerations


 Skills


Strategy Formulator
Visualization
Decisive Problem Solver
Digital Mind-set
Innovative Value Creator
Culture and Change Champion
Leadership/Entrepreneurial approaches
Inspiring People Leader
Relationship Builder
Results Achiever
Operationally Astute
Organizational Agility 
Digital Mind-set
Dealing with ambiguity and complexity
Conflict Management
Negotiation skills
Project Management
People Management
Presentation Skills


Behavioural Qualities


Adaptable
Complete candour
Culturally aware 
Emotional Maturity
Innovation 
Integrity
Leadership


Responsibility towards: 


Key external stakeholders:  Investors, Media, Social Media, design company, third party technical teams other external contractors


Key internal stakeholders:    


MTN SA Business Leaders and Line Managers
Opco – Corporate Services & External Communication teams


Apply Before 10/08/2025