Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Director: Media Relations Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a highly experienced individual to fill the role of Director: Media Relations in Pretoria. This position is central to managing the department's public image and ensuring effective communication with the media and other government entities.

This role provides a significant opportunity for a seasoned communication professional to lead strategic media engagement, shape public perception, and support the Ministry in conveying its key messages. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining strong inter-governmental communication and media relationships.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this Director position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Communication or a relevant related field as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a middle or senior managerial level in the related field.
• Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG), to be submitted prior to appointment.
• Extensive knowledge of media and a good understanding of communication principles.
• Demonstrated strategic capability and leadership skills.
• Experience in people management and empowerment.
• Knowledge of public relations.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Understanding of media liaison and monitoring.
• Ability to conduct online research.
• Proficiency in project management and financial management (PFMA and Treasury regulations).
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Skills in strategic planning management.
• Good coordination and stakeholder liaison abilities.
• Sound research, analytical, organising, planning, and presentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A sense of responsibility and loyalty.
• Ability to work long hours.

Key Responsibilities

The Director: Media Relations will be responsible for a range of critical functions, including:

• Managing media relations and inter-governmental communications to proactively manage the reputation of the department and the Ministry.
• Overseeing media liaison functions, including briefings, public information sessions, and interviews with the media.
• Managing the drafting and issuing of media invitations and statements.
• Supervising the media monitoring and analysis function.
• Managing the legislative communication programme from a media perspective.
• Directing media research and speech writing, and managing the drafting and publishing of opinion pieces for the department.
• Managing the development and implementation of media strategies and implementation plans for the department.
• Providing effective media support to the Ministry and the department.
• Managing the drafting of forewords for Ministry and departmental reports.
• Facilitating media training workshops for departmental officials.
• Managing the implementation of the intergovernmental communication programme and intergovernmental relations.
• Participating in GCIS/GCF and other intergovernmental fora.
• Managing the Working Group 11 on communication.
• Ensuring good relations with communicators from Entities and provincial Departments.