• In close consultation with the Group Head of Marketing and the Branding team:
• Develop a vision, strategy and framework for the Bank’s Corporate Communications function that aligns to group, business and Marketing strategies and external best practice
• Develop communication strategies appropriate for sensitive and confidential materials to be communicated to internal and external audiences
• Establish and manage priority channels for all internal and external communications
• Set up a Crisis Communication plan and governance process that provides a framework for managing crisis communications and ensure this is communicated to relevant stakeholders
• Monitor implementation of Corporate Communications plans within each country and continually seek opportunities for the function to add value, drive growth and increase efficiencies
• Draft corporate communications policies and procedures for the bank and ensure these are properly maintained, updated and communicated
• Manage the application of local and global corporate identity standards internally and externally in all communications

 
Management of Internal Communications

• Establish an internal communications strategy in support of operational and strategic initiatives
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and ensure their needs have been thoroughly understood
• Manage delivery of internal media communications activities through ongoing consultation, guidance, writing and editing, as well as co-ordinating external suppliers and subject matter experts

 
Management of External Communications

• Establish an external communications strategy in support of operational and strategic initiatives
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and ensure their needs have been thoroughly understood
• Manage delivery of external media communications activities through ongoing consultation, guidance, writing and editing, as well as co-ordinating external suppliers, subject matter experts and relevant media where required
• Write / maintain close oversight of the production of media and press releases, and work with media houses in this regard

 
Public Relations

• Develop, manage and monitor PR strategies and campaigns aligned to Corporate Communications strategy
• Write / manage the production of press and media releases
• Deal with enquiries from the public, press and related organisations

 
Media and Reputation Management

• Make quick decisions in terms of reputation management in the media, particularly in relation to negative publicity
• Display incisive judgement and insight in being able to (i) develop appropriate messages, (ii) ascertain how messages will be received by different audiences and (iii) know which communication channel(s) to use
• Develop a Crisis Communication Plan and ensure it is widely communicated and understood within the organization
• Develop communication strategy plan to support all CSI initiatives in line with brand values and business objectives

 
Digital Communications   

• Develop a digital communications strategy to convey the right messages to the targeted audiences using the right channels
• Develop, maintain and communicate social media policy and protocols
• Ensure that website is relevant, accurate and up to date

 
Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the business to draft internal and external communications, displaying abilities to craft influential messages for different stakeholders and channels
• Build relationships with key industry media
• Demonstrate excellent abilities to listen, advise, influence, negotiate and make presentations at all levels
• Build relationships with group and industry counterparts to share knowledge and lessons learnt and leverage opportunities
• Stay abreast of current and upcoming regulatory changes to be able to manage the impact thereof

 
Budget Management

• Develop, review, forecast and track Corporate Communications budget across all relevant areas
• Manage adherence to budget and take corrective action where needed
• Identify and implement cost savings and other financial efficiencies where appropriate

 
Team Leadership, Management and Mentoring

• Take full responsibility for performance management of all direct reports, focusing on all aspects of sound people management
• On-the-job training, coaching & mentoring
• Motivate, delegate and empower appropriately, enabling direct reports to take responsibility and display appropriate creativity and initiative
• Work closely with the team to define their performance objectives and grow their skills where needed

 
 
Education & Experience Required:

• Relevant Bachelors’ degree (e.g. BA, BA Journalism or B Comm Marketing)
• 10+ years’ corporate communications experience, preferably within financial services
• Sound business experience within a banking environment.
• Must be able to demonstrate proven ability in designing, developing and implementing internal and external communications.

 
Skills / Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication, influencing, negotiation and presentation skills
• Excellent internal and external stakeholder relationship management and networking skills
• Judgement and decision-making skills
• Able to lead and manage a diverse team and ensure they engage with relevant stakeholders at appropriate levels
• Strategic thinking and implementation skills
• Able to work under pressure
• Analytical and attentive to detail with an ability to cut to the core
• Change management skills
• Able to work independently and in a team

 
Technical Pre-requisite

• Strong internal and external communications knowledge
• Understanding of communication protocols
• Strong relationships with media agencies and/or media houses
• Public relations skills
• Expertise in writing press releases
• Budget management skills
• Experience of working in Africa