Grade Level: L4
Location: Islamabad
Last date to apply: 5 November 2024
Who is Head of External & Policy Communications?
Head of External & Policy Communications is responsible for driving communication strategies that enhance the organization's reputation, brand image, and public perception, and overseeing communication strategies that involve external stakeholders such as the media, government bodies, industry organizations, and the public and driving policy outcomes.
This role involves managing all external communications channels and activities, including media relations, public relations, social media, corporate branding, and stakeholder engagement.
The role reports directly to the Head of Communications & Sustainability.
What does Head of External & Policy Communications do?
Strategic Communication Planning:
- Devise comprehensive external communication strategies aligned with the organization's goals and objectives
- Identify key messages and narratives to effectively communicate the organization's mission, values, and initiatives to external stakeholders
- Work closely with Regulatory and Corporate affairs functions for formalizing priority communication requirements of the company
- Assist CEO secretariat for all corporate communications requirements
Media Relations:
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to secure positive media coverage
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization and manage media inquiries and interviews
Public Relations:
- Devise and implement press releases, media kits, and other materials to announce company news, product launches, and events.
- Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to proactively address any issues or crises that may arise.
Social Media Management:
- Devise policy related content for social media strategies to engage with audiences, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to digital platforms.
- Monitor social media channels for mentions, trends, and conversations related to the organization, and work in coordination with social media team to respond promptly as needed.
Corporate Branding:
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the organization's brand identity, including visual elements, messaging, and tone of voice.
- Ensure brand consistency across all external communication channels and materials.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identify and prioritize key external stakeholders, including customers, partners, investors, regulators, and community members.
- Devise communication plans to engage with stakeholders and foster positive relationships.
Crisis Communication:
- Devise & implement crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively respond to emergencies, controversies, or reputational threats.
- Lead crisis communication efforts to mitigate risks and protect the organization's reputation.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing communication activities, lobbying practices, and political contributions.
- Uphold ethical standards and best practices in all external communication and advocacy efforts.
Policy Communication:
- Translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling messages for various audiences, including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Advocacy:
- Advocate for the organization's interests by engaging with policymakers, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, effectively communicating the organization's positions and influencing policy decisions.
Team Management:
- Lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities to ensure the timely and successful execution of communication initiatives.
Jazz is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support, and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Requirements
What are we looking for and what does it require to be Head of External & Policy Communication?
Preferably but not limited to:
- A degree in Journalism, Media, Communication, PR, Business management or other relevant disciplines
- Minimum 12 years’ of work experience, out of which at least 5 years’ experience related to corporate communications & sustainability in a senior role or direct journalism
- Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal and communications skills.
- A deep understanding of industry best communication practices
- Must have worked in a similar/ equivalent role in a large / reputable organization.
- Digital communications experience would be advantageous
- Must have good working knowledge of media relations, internal and external comms.
- Believes in teamwork and ethical business practices
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities need to be strong
- Decision making ability as response time is critical in this role
- Multitasking in a fast-paced environment
- Responding quickly and professionally under pressure
Benefits
Why Join Jazz?
As one of the leading employers in the country, Jazz epitomizes the philosophy that each Jazz employee is passionately living a better every day inspired and enabled by visionary leadership, a unique professional culture, a flourishing lifestyle, and continuous learning and development.
Our core values include qualities essential for a positive organizational culture - truthfully guiding entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets, harnessing professional and interpersonal collaboration, and fostering across-the-board customer-obsession.
As one of the largest private sector organizations in Pakistan, our objective is to continue to change the lives of our 70 million customers for the better. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to be part of something transformative, someone who can play a critical role in driving our success. Together, we can empower millions more with the tools necessary to progress in an increasingly digital economy.
