SPECIALIST: STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS
SPECIALIST: STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS
Closing Date: January 20, 2026
All Inclusive Salary Package: R706 152 – R822 237 per annum
Benefits: All-inclusive remuneration package of R706 152 – R822 237 per annum. The successful candidate may structure the total package for a 13th cheque. The employer’s contribution towards Housing, Medical Aid, and Pension is included in the total package.
Contract Type: Permanent
Objective: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory public entity, an oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act, No. 67 of 2008. The entity is charged with developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements, ensuring that:
• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.
SAQA seeks to appoint a Specialist: Stakeholder Relations to build, maintain and improve relations between the organisation and its stakeholders, including the media. Reporting to the Manager: Communications & Advocacy, this position seeks to improve awareness, stakeholder and media relations as well as understanding the value of SAQA and the NQF.
• South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable.
• The country’s qualifications are of acceptable quality.
• The quality of education and training is enhanced.
• Access, mobility and progression within education, training and career paths are realised.
SAQA seeks to appoint a Specialist: Stakeholder Relations to build, maintain and improve relations between the organisation and its stakeholders, including the media. Reporting to the Manager: Communications & Advocacy, this position seeks to improve awareness, stakeholder and media relations as well as understanding the value of SAQA and the NQF.
Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications
- An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent.
- A relevant NQF level 8 qualification will be an advantage.
Minimum Experience
- Three years’ relevant working experience within a stakeholder and media relations role.
- Experience and exposure in the Education sector will be an advantage.
Knowledge, skills and competencies
- Networking skills.
- Professionalism.
- Knowledge of the media landscape locally and internationally.
- Innovation and creativity.
- Report and media writing.
- Facilitation and presentation.
- Knowledge management.
- Understanding of the newsroom setup.
- Written and verbal communication.
- Policy interpretation and implementation.
- Project management.
- Social media.
- Client service.
- Resilience, attention to detail and sound judgement.
- Good knowledge of the Education sector legislative.
Key performance areas:
- Conceptualise, plan and execute campaigns.
- Prepare media statements, advisories and invitations regularly.
- Plan and execute media conference and other related events.
- Collaborate with other units regarding content provisions and message development.
- Collaborate with NQF partners and key government departments on issues of common interest.
- Inform the media about development in the NQF landscape.
- Regularly network with the media and develop a solid media database.
- Facilitate the development and implementation of stakeholder relations strategy.
- Facilitate and implement internal communication plans, procedure, and processes.
- Scan the education landscape and identify relevant individuals and agencies for SAQA to collaborate.
SAQA will verify credit and criminal records as well as qualifications.
SAQA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post and will only communicate with short listed candidates.