Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) is a state enterprise organisation. It draws its mandate from the BQA Act No.24 of 2013. Its main objectives are to provide for and maintain a National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) and to coordinate the Education, Training and Skills Development Quality Assurance System.
BQA invites applications from qualified candidates to fill the following positions: COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Main Purpose of the Job
To undertake communications and public relations activities of the BQA, track and analyse their performance to meet the branding and communications of the Authority, under the supervision of the Communications and Public Relations Manager.
Main Duties:
Communication, Public Relations and Branding Policies and Strategies
a) Initiates the review and development of communication and branding policies, strategies and plans that are aligned to the corporate, vision, mission and values of the BQA and recommends them to Manager Communications and Public Relations for review and approval.
b) Provides input into divisional budgets and plans.
c) Undertakes approved communication, public relations and branding activities under the direction of the Manager Communications and PR.
d) Keeps abreast of trends in communication and public relations with a view to identifying and recommending innovative interventions for improvement BQA communications and submits to Manager Communications and Public Relations.
Communications
a) Collects data on BQA communication and PR impact, using approved measuring techniques and tools, as input to the Communications and PR strategy, programme and branding development.
b) Generates ideas relating the implementation of BQA communications, public relations and branding plans and processes and presents same to Communications and PR Manager for consideration.
c) Provides inputs to the drafting of official speeches and submits to the Manager – Communications R PR, for review and inclusion in the draft speech.
d) Recommends content for Communications and PR for inclusion in the BQA website, and up-dates and maintains the website in conjunction with the IT Division.
e) Liaises closely with external service providers, verifies that their services and products meet BQA standards, specifications, deadlines, and brings variances/deviations to the attention of both the service provider and Manager – Communications and PR.
f) Proof-reads materials and participates in the pre-publication / production editing of BQA materials. g) Executes the approved BQA social responsibility programmes, including liaison with the general public in the planning and execution of same.
h) Supervises and works closely with events management consultants to ensure planned events are a success
Public Relations
a) Promotes a positive public image of BQA through initiating and organising effective stakeholder involvement initiatives.
b) Drafts responses to general correspondence relating to BQA’s marketing and communications activities for the Manager’s approval.
c) Monitors public perceptions of BQA through various activities such as tracking media coverage and reviewing newspapers, magazines and media reports, and keeps up to date records.
d) Reports any critical issues to Manager – Communications and PR, with appropriate recommendations.
e) Contributes towards formulation of crisis management communications plans as required and implements approved plan.
Media Relations
a) Monitors and reviews media relations strategy effectiveness and make appropriate recommendations for improvement to the Manager – Communications.
b) Undertakes research and benchmarking of media relations practices in Botswana and internationally, and contributes towards the development of the media relations policies and interventions.
c) Serves as assistant spokesperson with media and other key external audiences, with the approval of the Manager – Communications and PR.
Branding
a) Initiates and communicates branding and re-branding concepts to Manager -Communications and PR. b) Supervises external specialists in the application of the brand identity and corporate standards of BQA.
c) Develops various activities to promote the BQA brand through various platforms.
d) Undertakes periodic brand perception audits and advises the Manager – Communications and PR on findings, with appropriate recommendations.
Safety, Health, Environment and Quality
a) Reviews and ensures the alignment of the unit’s policies, systems and processes with SHE legislation and protocols and BQA quality management systems.
b) Adheres to safe work procedures to ensure safety of self and others.
c) Promptly undertakes corrective and preventative measures to address items arising from SHEQ audits and risk assessments.
Education:
• Minimum of a Degree in Creative Multi-Media or related.
• At least 5 years post qualification experience in public relations, communication, media, advertising or marketing role.
• organizational skills, Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Technical Skills
• Knowledge of the Botswana Education and Training sector.
• Knowledge of design of communications and marketing materials, media and public relations, photography, videography and the use of websites to promote and disseminate information.
• Computer literate, and knowledge of systems and applications in the specific area of work.
Competencies
• Creativity, innovation, flexibility and analytical thinking.
• Service oriented and Customer Orientation.
• Results oriented and performance driven.
• Decisiveness and Assertiveness.
• Communication, influence, impact.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Cooperation and Team-work.
• Integrity.
• Emotional Intelligence
The following information applies to all these positions:
Remuneration
BQA offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities and challenges of the job. Contract
These two positions are Permanent and Pensionable.
Applications with CVs, list of Referees and any additional certified copies of certificates and copies of Omang should be forwarded on or before Thursday 02 March 2023 to: recruitment@bqa.org.bw