Advertiser: Department of Home Affairs
REF NO: HRMC 50 / 14 / 1
5 years contract
Branch Communication Services
SALARY: An all-inclusive salary package of R1 201 713 to R1 353 732 per annum, structured as follows: Basic salary - 70% of package; State contribution to the Government Employee Pension Fund - 13% of basic salary. The remaining flexible portion may be structured in terms of the applicable remuneration rules. (Level 15)
CENTRE: Head Office, Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A 3-year Degree in Public Relations Management and / or a Grade 12 Certificate with 9 years’ experience, of which 3 years at Chief Director level or 5 years at Director level A post graduate Degree in the relevant field would be an advantage Extensive experience in a Senior Management position Sound knowledge and understanding of the application of Government Communication Information System Guidelines Knowledge of communication structures and principles In-depth experience in communication policy / strategy development An innate understanding of the workings of Government and Home Affairs in particular An understanding of all relevant human resource legislative frameworks, regulations and prescripts A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively Outstanding communication skills (verbal written and presentation) Good liaison skills at all levels Computer literacy.
DUTIES: The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following specific tasks: Ensure the development and implementation of communication strategic objectives Ensure effective external communication and liaison services are in place Manage various strategic projects and programmes identified to meet short, medium and long term objectives Guide EXCO on the prioritisation of communication initiatives and key messages Ensure the effective communication of the Department’s strategy Manage the overall performance of the unit and Branch Ensure effective provision of strategic direction and leadership support regarding cluster participation, parliamentary matters and international relations to the Minister, Director-General and delegates of the Department. Give effective strategic direction and leadership regarding communication services to ensure high quality media liaison, Development and implementation of top-notch marketing strategy, as well as corporate communication matters affecting the Ministry and the Department. Provide guidance on the development of norms, standards, practices and tools. Establish and maintain appropriate systems and policies. Ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting and allocation of resource. Ensure effective management of external contractors and suppliers. Ensure good governance, as well as compliance with all audit requirements Ensure effective management of compliance with legislation, regulations, Departmental policies and procedures Represent the Branch and Department at strategic, management and other government forums Ensure the development of quality risk management frameworks, standards and practices Draft or delegate and submit reports.
ENQUIRIES: Mr Hlongwane, Tel No: (012) 406 4235
NOTE: A unique opportunity has become available for a dyed-in-the wool communication expert-a self-confident, creative strategist who is more than capable of communicating the vision of the Department clearly S / he will play a vital role in the development of the Department’s communication strategy, and will therefore need to be a visionary with considerable experience in public relations, and communications management or journalism.
The Department of Home Affairs is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender, disability) through the filling of positions. Candidates whose appointment / transfer / promotion will further the objective of representivity will receive preference.
APPLICATIONS: Quoting the relevant reference number, direct your CV (including at least 3 contactable references), certified copies of qualifications, ID and drivers licence, together with a completed Z83 application form which can be downloaded from our website, by the closing date to: recruitment@dha.gov.za or Head Office: The Director General: Department of Home Affairs, Postal Address: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001, Physical Address: 232 Cnr Johannes Ramokhoase (Proes) and Thabo Sehume (Andries) Street, Pretoria, 0002
Applications must be sent in time to the correct address as indicated at the bottom of the circular, to reach the address on or before the closing date.
Applications send to a wrong address and / or received after the closing date or those that do not comply with the requirements, will not be taken into consideration. In the event of hand-delivery of applications, applicants must sign an application register as proof of application.
Closing date: 31 July 2014
NOTE: Applications must be submitted on the Application for Employment Form (Z83), obtainable from any Public Service department or at www.gov.za and should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV, including the details of at least three contactable referees (should be people who recently worked with the applicant) and certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s licence. It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of foreign qualifications to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualifications Authority. Where a valid driver’s licence is a requirement, applicants must attach certified copies of such licences. If no contact is made within three months of the closing date, please accept that the application was unsuccessful. Successful candidates will be required to enter into a performance agreement and be subjected to security clearance procedures. Successful candidates may be required to undergo a competency assessment. Candidates who possess a tertiary qualification, as well as those who promote representivity (especially People with Disability), are encouraged to apply.
Interview Hints and Tips
Arrive on time for the interview. Plan your trip and leave early if you have to or if you are unfamiliar with the area. Give yourself enough time to find the building as well as parking. You also need keep your diary open after the interview. Your interview might be running longer than anticipated.
Remember to take a few extra copies of your CV with you. One copy is for you should you have to refresh your memory. The other copies are for the interviewer and anyone else sitting in on the interview. You only need to produce these if there is a need for them.
Be careful not to over- or under-dress for an interview. The golden rule is to look professional and smart even if everyone else at the company is wearing jeans. Speak to your employment agency for guidance with specific acompanies.
Women:
- More conservative outfit and coordinate all the colours
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too muck make-up and perfume
- Nails must be neat and clean
Men:
- Conservative suit with a white long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie (no cartoon characters)
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too much aftershave
- Nails must be neat and clean
The interviewer will be judging the effect of your appearance on customers as well as staff. Your "look" must project the fact that you are the perfect '"fit" for that specific position and company.
Get rid of chewing gum and check your overall appearance before walking into the organisation's premises.
Switch your cellphone off once the interviewer knows that you have arrived for the interview - never, ever take a call during an interview. If there is a medical emergency in your family and your phone needs to be on then inform the interviewer and ask for permission to leave your phone on. In most cases the person will agree to it.
Remember to take a file with pen paper with you to the interview. This will assist you in making notes and to write down questions you might want to ask later.
The interview starts when the first question is asked. Right? Wrong. The interview starts the minute you arrive at the company and you will be under scrutiny by everyone who knows that interviews are being held. Be friendly with cleaning staff, secretaries and everyone else you encounter on your way to the interview. This will make you feel more positive as well as leave positive people in your wake. The last thing you need is for a staff member to mention how rude you were before the interview. Or for the secretaries to tell the manager that you had an attitude with them and you thought you were important!
Studies have shown that most interviewers make up their mind within the first few minutes. You therefore need to greet your interviewer by making comfortable eye contact, shaking hands firmly and introducing yourself in a confident manner.
Make a connection and build a relationship with the interviewer. Remember that they are already happy with your CV and now wants to check you out. Your attitude will be more important than most of your answers.
Only sit down when offered a chair.
If you are offered any coffee or tea you have three choices: Coffee, tea or nothing. Do not go and ask for something not offered - the organisation might not have it on the premises and the interviewer could feel embarrassed.
Keep an eye on your body language and avoid fidgeting, biting your nails, playing with your car keys, etc.