Background

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is a statutory body established under the Communications Act, 1998 to regulate the provision of services in the communications sector in Malawi, comprising telecommunications, postal and broadcasting. MACRA is inviting suitable persons to apply for the following vacant position tenable at its Blantyre Head Office.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the Authority's corporate communication, public relations, media engagement and stakeholder communication programmes. The Communications Manager is responsible for protecting and enhancing the Authority's corporate reputation, ensuring consistent and timely communication of the Authority's mandate, regulatory decisions, programmes and initiatives and strengthening public understanding and confidence in the Authority. The position provides strategic communication advice to management, coordinates media and public relations activities, oversees digital communication platforms, manages communication campaigns and leads the Authority's response to emerging communication and reputational issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Communication Management
• Corporate Reputation and Public Relations
• Media Relations and Engagement
• Regulatory and Public Communication
• Digital Communication and Social Media Management
• Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
• Internal Communication
• Crisis and Issues Management
• Corporate Branding and Publications
• Events and Corporate Functions
• Communication Research and Intelligence
• Budget and Resource Management
• Risk, Governance and Compliance
• People Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Key performance areas

Performance will be assessed against, among others:

• Effective implementation of the Authority's communication strategy.
• Strength and consistency of the Authority's corporate image and reputation.
• Quality and effectiveness of media relations.
• Timeliness and accuracy of corporate and regulatory communication.
• Effectiveness and reach of public awareness programmes.
• Growth and engagement across digital communication platforms.
• Effective management of communication and reputational risks.
• Quality of internal communication.
• Effectiveness of crisis and issues communication.
• Quality and consistency of corporate branding and publications.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with communication services.
• Effective management of the Communications budget.
• Performance and development of staff within the Communications function.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Business Administration or a related field.
• Membership of a recognized professional body in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline is desirable.
• At least 7 years' relevant professional experience, with at least 3 years at supervisory or managerial level.
• Demonstrable experience in corporate communications, media relations, public relations, stakeholder engagement and digital communication.
• Experience in strategic communication planning and management.
• Experience in crisis communication and reputation management will be an added advantage.
• Experience working in a regulatory, public sector, telecommunications, ICT, broadcasting or other complex institutional environment will be an added advantage.

• Strategic Communication Management
• Corporate Reputation and Public Relations
• Media Relations and Engagement
• Regulatory and Public Communication
• Digital Communication and Social Media Management
• Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
• Internal Communication
• Crisis and Issues Management
• Corporate Branding and Publications
• Events and Corporate Functions
• Communication Research and Intelligence
• Budget and Resource Management
• Risk, Governance and Compliance
• People Management
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Business Administration or a related field.
• Membership of a recognized professional body in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline is desirable.
• At least 7 years' relevant professional experience, with at least 3 years at supervisory or managerial level.
• Demonstrable experience in corporate communications, media relations, public relations, stakeholder engagement and digital communication.
• Experience in strategic communication planning and management.
• Experience in crisis communication and reputation management will be an added advantage.
• Experience working in a regulatory, public sector, telecommunications, ICT, broadcasting or other complex institutional environment will be an added advantage.