Vacant Post – SKA Mid Communications & Outreach Officer

Website ska_africa NRF/SARAO
Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 10 March 2024
The National Research Foundation (NRF) (www.nrf.ac.za) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (www.sarao.ac.za) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.
The SKA-Mid Communications & Outreach Officer will engage in a professional manner with key local stakeholders in creating an harmonious and effective relationship with the municipality and its officer, registered representative local community organisations and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
* Outreach to communities surrounding site to assist in helping create sustainable communities; Identifying areas of collaboration on CSI projects, proposal formulation of CSI and overseeing the processing and implementation thereof
* Create a database of local stakeholders including media; follow up on relationship building thereof and maintaining databases of all relevant stakeholders
* Assisting in planning of bi-annual community information meetings
* Reporting on media issues or any social issues that may arise and have an impact on SKAO activities or reputation; media engagement
* Any administrative or stakeholder activity that is required as a result of broader project events
* Contribute to and responsibly and accountably implement the SKA Observatorys engagement strategy alongside SARAO as part of the collaborative relationship, on a local site level in Carnarvon, Klerefontein and Losberg. SARAO leads the strategy.
* Outreach with visible sustainable and useful involvement in uplifting community projects as part of the CSI programme
* Plan and arrange monthly meetings with the municipality in the local areas and any other key community or local government officials alongside SARAO
* Contact point for local suppliers and stakeholders
* Support campaigns and celebrations locally including national holidays and any SKAO/SARAO co-ordinated engagements, events, conferences or exhibitions
* Responsibility and accountability for implementation and distribution of local branding requirements for merchandise and clothing internally and externally
* Monitor and report on all engagements undertaken on a regular basis
* Reporting and risk sensitivity
Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Diploma in Public Relations, Communications, or equivalent qualification.
* Valid drivers’ licence
* Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Communications or equivalent qualification (advantageous)
Experience:
* 6+ years demonstrated experience in a stakeholder engagement role: Networking, data base creation and maintenance, ability to engage with people at all levels, stakeholder mapping, strategic thinking and public speaking ability
* Computer literacy and the ability to learn at intermediate level (Microsoft Office and any other packages, PowerPoint, Excel)
* Report Writing
Knowledge:
* Small communities and the types of issues therein
* Public sector
* Local community structures and leaders (helpful but not required)
* Fluent spoken and written English and Afrikaans required
Additional Notes:
Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Administrative skills
Assisting with creating strategies for engagements
Desirable to have knowledge of videography and photography
Media liaison
Working on multiple projects and prioritising
Writing content for internal and external magazines
Competencies:
Transparent working
Excellent interpersonal skills
Negotiation skills
Conflict solution driven
Ability to engage multiple stakeholders
Available and responsive
Identify risks
Ability to prioritise
Communicate/report back to SKAO management on issues arising, their management
Form and maintain relationships that are beneficial to the SKAO in the local context
Work collaboratively internally and externally
Desirable:
Willingness and ability to undergo training
Identify potential areas of conflict and suggest solutions
Identify with the community issues
Communicate/report back to SKAO management on issues arising, and their management thereof
Additional Notes:
Organisational Values
The SKA-Mid Communications & Outreach Officer will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instill those behaviors in all SKA-Mid staff in South Africa.
SKAO’s values are:
Diversity and Inclusion
Excellence
Collaboration
Creativity and Innovation
Sustainability
SARAO’s values are:
Passion for Excellence
World-class service
People-centered
Respect
Integrity and Ethics
Accountability
Both SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring process.
Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.
Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Closing Date: 10 March 2024
The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.
The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only