MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To undertake communications and public relations activities of the BQA, track and analyse their performance to meet the branding and communications of the Authority, under the supervision of the Communications and Public Relations Manager.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Branding
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Social Media Management
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication, Public Relations and Branding Policies, Strategies
- Initiates the review and development of communication and branding policies, strategies and plans that are aligned to the corporate, vision, mission and values of the BQA and recommends them to Manager Communications and Public Relations for review and approval
- Provides input into divisional budgets and plans
- Undertakes approved communication, public relations and branding activities under the direction of the Manager Communications and PR
- Keeps abreast of trends in communication and public relations with a view to identifying and recommending innovative interventions for improvement BQA communications and submits to Manager Communications and Public Relations
Communications
- Collects data on BQA communication and PR impact, using approved measuring techniques and tools, as input to the Communications and PR strategy, programme and branding development
- Generates ideas relating the implementation of BQA communications, public relations and branding plans and processes and presents same to Communications and PR Manager for consideration
- Provides inputs to the drafting of official speeches and submits to the Manager – Communications and PR, for review and inclusion in the draft speech.
- Recommends content for Communications and PR for inclusion in the BQA website, and up-dates and maintains the website in conjunction with the IT Division
- Liaises closely with external service providers, verifies that their services and products meet BQA standards, specifications and deadlines, and brings variances/deviations to the attention of both the service provider and Manager – Communications and PR.
- Proof-reads materials and participates in the pre-publication / production editing of BQA materials
- Supervises and works closely with events management consultants to ensure planned events are a success.
Public Relations
- Promotes a positive public image of BQA through initiating and organising effective stakeholder involvement initiatives.
- Drafts responses to general correspondence relating to BQA’s marketing and communications activities for the Manager’s approval.
- Monitors public perceptions of BQA through various activities such as tracking media coverage and reviewing newspapers, magazines and media reports, and keeps up to date records
- Reports any critical issues to Manager – Communications and PR, with appropriate recommendations.
- Contributes towards formulation of crisis management communications plans as required, and implements approved plan
Media Relations
- Monitors and reviews media relations strategy effectiveness and make appropriate recommendations for improvement to the Manager – Communications
- Undertakes research and benchmarking of media relations practices in Botswana and internationally and contributes towards the development of the media relations policies and interventions.
- Serves as assistant spokesperson with media and other key external audiences, with the approval of the Manager, Communications and PR
Branding
- Initiates and communicates branding and re-branding concepts to Manager -Communications and PR
- Supervises external specialists in the application of the brand identity and corporate standards of BQA
- Develops various activities to promote the BQA brand through various platforms.
- Undertakes periodic brand perception audits, and advises the Manager; Communications and PR on findings, with appropriate recommendations
Corporate Social Responsibility
- Identifies just causes and develops corporate social responsibility programmes for approval by the Manager, Communications and PR.
- Executes the approved BQA social responsibility programmes, including liaison with the general public in the planning and execution of same
- Assists in managing and the implementation of approved corporate social responsibility programmes and budgets to enhance BQA’ good corporate citizenship.
- Ensures that preparations and arrangements are made for appropriate BQA officials to attend and/or participate in key social functions and national social responsibility activities
Social Media Management
- Assists in managing BQA’s online presence by developing and implementing social media strategy
- Manage day-to-day handling of all social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube, adapting content to suit different channels and audiences
- Create and/or coordinate original and engaging multimedia content across multiple social platforms
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
- Minimum of a Degree in Communication/PR/Marketing from a recognised institution or any other equivalent qualification acceptable to BQA
Experience:
- At least 5 years post qualification experience in public relations, communication, media, advertising or marketing role.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Knowledge of the Botswana Education and Training sector
- Knowledge of design of communications and marketing materials, media and public relations, and the use of websites to promote and disseminate information
- Computer literate, and knowledge of systems and applications in the specific area of work
COMPETENCIES
- Creativity, innovation, flexibility and analytical thinking
- Service oriented and Customer Orientation
- Results oriented and performance driven
- Decisiveness and Assertiveness
- Communication, influence, impact
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Cooperation and Team work
- Integrity
- Emotional Intelligence