Public Affairs Manager

LEETEND CONSULTING GROUP PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer Duty Station: Head Office, Harare Our client in the tobacco Industry is seeking to recruit a dynamic, strategic and results-oriented Public Affairs Manager to lead the organisation's public affairs, corporate communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation management functions. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in positioning the organisation as a credible, responsive and trusted regulatory institution, ensuring that its mandate, policies, decisions and programmes are effectively communicated and understood by stakeholders across the tobacco value chain. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will be responsible for: Strategic Public Affairs and Communications: Develop and implement public affairs, corporate communications and reputation management strategies aligned with the organisation's mandate, strategic objectives and regulatory environment. Executive and Institutional Communications: Prepare and coordinate high-quality speeches, policy briefs, talking points, press statements, reports, presentations and other communication materials for the Chief Executive Officer. Media and Reputation Management: Lead media relations, monitor public and media sentiment, manage emerging reputational risks and coordinate timely, accurate and strategic responses to negative publicity and public concerns. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with tobacco growers, buyers, merchants, industry associations, Government ministries, regulators, development partners, the media and other strategic stakeholders. Strategic Events and Protocol: Plan and oversee high-level corporate events, exhibitions, stakeholder engagements and local, regional and international conferences, including invitations, protocol, hosting and stakeholder coordination. Digital and Public Communications: Oversee the organisation's digital communication channels, social media platforms, publications, public awareness campaigns and dissemination of accurate, accessible and consistent institutional information. Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Communication: Articulate and defend institutional policies and decisions professionally, confidently and accurately within the applicable legislative, regulatory and public policy framework. Corporate Identity and Social Investment: Safeguard the organisation's corporate image and coordinate communication relating to corporate social investment and community engagement initiatives. Performance and Stakeholder Feedback: Establish appropriate communication performance indicators, assess stakeholder perceptions and satisfaction, and provide strategic advice to management on emerging public affairs issues. Minimum Qualifications and Experience Applicants should possess: A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Media Studies from a recognised institution. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. At least five (5) years' relevant professional experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or leadership role. Demonstrable experience in strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management. Experience in a regulatory, public-sector or complex stakeholder environment will be an added advantage. Key Competencies and Attributes The ideal candidate must demonstrate: Strong strategic leadership, sound judgement and the ability to articulate and defend institutional policies and decisions. Exceptional written, verbal, presentation and influencing skills, with excellent command of English. High-level speechwriting, editing, analytical and policy communication capabilities. Proven ability to manage stakeholder expectations, influence public perceptions and build institutional trust. Strong event planning, protocol and coordination skills, including experience with international engagements. Excellent interpersonal skills, accountability, organisational awareness, adaptability and results orientation. Professional integrity, discretion and the ability to operate effectively in a sensitive public sector and regulatory environment. Proficiency in digital communications, social media management and relevant office applications. TO APPLY Application Procedure Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit a detailed CV, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, proof of professional membership and contact details of at least three professional referees. Applications should be submitted electronically to leetendgroup@gmail.com, clearly marked: "APPLICATION - PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER" Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to reference checks, verification of qualifications and professional credentials, and appropriate due diligence, including a review of relevant public-facing and online professional presence, in accordance with applicable laws. Duties and responsibilities The successful candidate will be responsible for: Strategic Public Affairs and Communications: Develop and implement public affairs, corporate communications and reputation management strategies aligned with the organisation's mandate, strategic objectives and regulatory environment. Executive and Institutional Communications: Prepare and coordinate high-quality speeches, policy briefs, talking points, press statements, reports, presentations and other communication materials for the Chief Executive Officer. Media and Reputation Management: Lead media relations, monitor public and media sentiment, manage emerging reputational risks and coordinate timely, accurate and strategic responses to negative publicity and public concerns. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with tobacco growers, buyers, merchants, industry associations, Government ministries, regulators, development partners, the media and other strategic stakeholders. Strategic Events and Protocol: Plan and oversee high-level corporate events, exhibitions, stakeholder engagements and local, regional and international conferences, including invitations, protocol, hosting and stakeholder coordination. Digital and Public Communications: Oversee the organisation's digital communication channels, social media platforms, publications, public awareness campaigns and dissemination of accurate, accessible and consistent institutional information. Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Communication: Articulate and defend institutional policies and decisions professionally, confidently and accurately within the applicable legislative, regulatory and public policy framework. Corporate Identity and Social Investment: Safeguard the organisation's corporate image and coordinate communication relating to corporate social investment and community engagement initiatives. Performance and Stakeholder Feedback: Establish appropriate communication performance indicators, assess stakeholder perceptions and satisfaction, and provide strategic advice to management on emerging public affairs issues. How to apply Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit a detailed CV, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, proof of professional membership and contact details of at least three professional referees. Applications should be submitted electronically to leetendgroup@gmail.com, clearly marked: "APPLICATION - PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER" Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to reference checks, verification of qualifications and professional credentials, and appropriate due diligence, including a review of relevant public-facing and online professional presence, in accordance with applicable laws.