Communications and Engagement Manager - Western Cape Liquor Authority

The Western Cape Liquor Authority regulates the retail sale and micro-manufacturing of liquor in the province, ensuring effective regulation in the interest of the public.

Introduction

To create awareness, increase brand exposure and manage the corporate identity of the Western Cape Liquor Authority.

Job description

Communication and Stakeholder Strategy, Policy and Procedures: 

• Assist in developing and implementing the WCLA communication-, stakeholder, marketing- and public relations strategy, policy and procedures to various target audiences
• Assist in developing community mobilization and stakeholder programmes that include education and awareness during and after licensing processes
• Developing annual communication plans aligned with the communication and stakeholder strategy and the overall WCLA Strategy
• Developing alcohol harms reduction initiatives aligned to strategic direction of the WCLA

Marketing, Communication & Public Relations Management: 

• Facilitate communication needs analysis, draft briefs for communications agency and manage the relationship with communication agency:         
• Facilitate the development, distribution and maintenance of print and electronic collateral
• Manage the implementation of mass media initiatives (social media etc.)   
• Lead marketing initiatives and branding activities
• Manage digital marketing and performance monitoring activities
• Manage all public relations activities
• Ensure up to date media contact list
• Communicate important developments and/or decisions regarding the activities of the authority to all the stakeholders
• Co-ordinate external communication activities / newsletters / radio and TV / social media:
• Draft timeous responses to media enquiries
• Draft media releases
• Conduct news interviews and electronic and print media in consultation with the CEO
• Co-ordinate press conferences
• Co-ordinate and facilitate training interventions within the organisation and externally 

Research: Media / News and research documents

• Manage the research plan and research repository for WCLA
• Monitor the media and report on relevant happenings within the industry including global trends
• Manage the process to conduct research in the retail liquor trade and micro manufacturing of liquor, as well as the mechanisms for reducing alcohol related harms
• Communicate findings of research to appropriate parties
• Collate research information for purposes of inclusion into the WCLA Annual Report and Annual Performance Plan

Internal Communication

• Lead internal communication initiatives to support and engage internal members and external stakeholders.
• Package strategic content to facilitate stakeholder engagement with strategic partners
• Align and present content for development of information booklets, pamphlets, brochures etc for sharing with the general public and others

Corporate Identity

• Assist in developing and implementing the corporate identity and image management strategy
• Manage the roll out of a perception audit
• Maintain and update WCLA website
• Maintain and update the WCLA social media accounts and monitor performance

Administration and Reporting

• Ensure that the functions SOP’s are implemented and reviewed as and when required.
• Ensure timeous and accurate collation and drafting of reports for submission to relevant committees 
• Ensure the timeous and accurate collation of all QPR performance indicators.
• Ensure the timeous submission of all quarterly performance (QPR) evidence and reporting templates.
• Facilitate and provide input to the Internal and external audit process reporting

People Management within the Unit

• Manage people development in line with organisational-wide skills development strategy within the unit 
• Manage talent within the unit and ensure talent management strategies (attraction, retention, development) are implemented 
• Implement performance management within the unit in line with Human Resources Policies and Guidelines 
• Manage grievances, discipline and terminations within the division in line with Human Resources policies and guidelines 
• Lead and direct staff within the division to be able to meet the objectives set for them 
• Build and foster a culture of good governance, customer service, honesty and integrity and world class delivery in the division 
• Implement innovative recognition and reward systems 

Promotion and practice of good corporate governance risk and compliance pertaining to HR and financial policies, legislations and regulations 

• Oversee the governance framework to ensure professional conduct by Unit employees and upholding of WCLA values and governing principles 
• Ensure good governance within the unit in line with the corporate governance guidelines and related legislation 
• Oversee risks within the Unit 
• Oversee compliance within legislation, regulations, WCLA policies and procedures within the unit 
• Ensure compliance of the unit with all audit requirements emanating from audit processes within the unit 
• Draft and submit annual, quarterly and monthly reports required or delegated

Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of research methodologies, statistical analysis, editorial management, digital management etc.
• Working knowledge and/or understanding of relevant Public Sector legislation, e.g. PFMA, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, National Liquor Act, Provincial Liquor Acts etc.
• Working knowledge or understanding of relevant industry legislation, regulations and policy documents, e.g. Western Cape Liquor Act, POPI, PAJA, PAIA.
• Knowledge of communication practices and risk associated with it.
• Knowledge of liquor regulation and alcohol harms reduction (advantageous)

Skills:

• High level of report writing skills
• Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret research and apply information to relevant material and content
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, writing, reporting and presentation skills
• Ability to function independently and within a team
• Ability to prioritize and adapt, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Minimum requirements

Minimum Educational Requirements:

• B Degree (NQF level 7) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing

Required Experience:

• At least 2-5 years' relevant experience in communication, media, public relations
• Project Management, Digital Marketing and Analytic Experience
• Community Engagement and Public Participation Experience
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

Advantegous

• Experience working in a regulatory/public service environment
• Strategic management, content creation and design
• Knowledge of liquor regulation and alcohol harms reduction