Vacancy 2017 : Corporate Editor at National Research Foundation

About the Position

Corporate Editor Position

The National Research Foundation (NRF) 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 science , engineering, social science and humanities.

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the NRF seeks to appoint a suitably qualified individual for the position of Corporate Editor.

Key responsibilities:

Providing strategic and conceptual input into the NRF/SAASTA/ integrated implementation of science engagement;

Managing and taking ownership of SAASTA’s corporate publications such as the publications to celebrate special events, corporate brochures, banners, stationery, etc.

Managing and taking ownership of NRF Programme 2 (Science Engagement) quarterly science engagement electronic newsletter and annual highlights report;

Maintaining these resources in accordance with their relevance and usage;

Ensuring that SAASTA and the science awareness/engagement activities of the NRF are profiled in the media and among stakeholders; ensuring that there is improved and frequent reporting of science engagement achievements;

Implementing the NRF/SAASTA branding strategy;

Overseeing all internal communication;

Ensuring excellent information flow on the SAASTA intranet, website and social media profiles;

Providing an editorial service for the organization;

Maintaining positive stakeholder relationships with key SAASTA communication and branding partners.

Minimum qualification required:

An honors qualification in communication or journalism. A background of working in the science sector and/or a science qualification will be beneficial.

Minimum work experience required:

At least six years’ work experience in a relevant communication environment that included:

Writing, editing and production of corporate publications of high quality;

Use of various digital platforms including social media and website

Stakeholder and network management skills with media, government, business, higher education sectors and SET professional associations. Strong networks in the science engagement sector will be beneficial;

Proven Project management skills/experience;

Financial and people management skills.

Required abilities:

Excellent communication, writing and editing, and presentation skills;

Ability to conceptualize, implement, monitor and evaluate corporate communication projects and strategic plans;

Ability to manage the SAASTA Corporate Communication budget in line with PFMA;

Advanced computer proficiency;

Ability to produce material of an excellent quality and standard – attention to detail;

Ability and willing to work well under pressure within tight time frames;

Good interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.

Previous experience in a science and research environment (university, science council etc.) will be an added advantage.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress. Correspondence will only be conducted with shortlisted candidates.

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:

Ability

• align corporate communication with strategic marketing objectives
• communicate effectively in writing
• develop a corporate identity
• use various digital platforms

Experience

• stakeholder management
• brand management

Knowledge

• media management
• writing, editing and production of corporate publications