This is a present position, which will become vacant as from 1 January 2026. It is a full-time one-year contract position, renewable dependent on satisfactory performance and available funding.  In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the incumbent will include:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the Centre’s overall communication strategy, including its media engagement strategy, to increase the visibility of the Centre and its activities;
• Provide guidance on communications, advocacy and marketing to the Centre and its staff;
• Manage the Centre’s Communications and Advocacy team members;
• Ensure that all materials (online or printed) adhere to the highest professional standards;
• Conceptualise, develop, design, improve and maintain the Centre online platforms;
• Update various platforms with new and updated content (including photographs, videos, graphics, blog posts, open access journals, book covers, publications, podcasts and infographics);
• Conceptualise, develop, design and maintain e-learning platforms, document databases, information products, publications, and online application forms for Centre programmes, projects and events;
• Work with various staff members on the development of massive open online courses (MOOCs);
• Manage and ensure quality control of all the Centre's social media channels (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn), including analysis of performance of social media through various metrics;
• Work with other Centre staff members on social media campaigns;
• Work with other Centre staff members on the annual advocacy campaign;
• Develop, organise and publicise online events in collaboration with various stakeholders;
• Work with various staff members on press statements, opinion pieces and media events;
• Liaison with national and international media;
• Provide IT support, and general communications and technology guidance to staff.

Minimum Requirements:

• Honours degree in communications/marketing/multimedia/public relations or related field;
• A total of 5 years’ experience in management of communications, marketing, media relations and publications, and in the management of teams.
• Website design and maintenance

Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes):

Knowledge

• Internal and external communications trends in universities and / or NGOs
• Public relations, communications and marketing in the university environment
• Publishing, journalism, trends, printing
• Internet trends of website and market requirements
• Event management
• African human rights system and its related organisational structures
• Understanding messaging for different platforms and audiences 

Technical Competencies

• Social media management
• Computer skills
• Project management skills;
• Language skills  
• Writing skills
• Photography
• Website management
• Graphic design / Publications
• Technical savvy in general, with strong computer skills
• English competence
• Other AU language
• Visual skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work with different people, with different backgrounds and with different requirements;
• Ability to distinguish trends and to apply it
• Creative thinker
• Attention to detail
• Background and ability to take good quality photos; operational skills of photographic programmes and editing programmes; management of all photographs
• Interpersonal skills; skill of building image of the Centre, the Faculty and the University; ability to treat all people with respect; organisational/programme development; being a team player in a non-discriminatory environment
• Organisational skills may be internal communication methods; general communication with possible visitors; sharing: information: website; publications
• Planning of event; organisational skills; budget control; insight into market trends; ability to organise events for 10 to 500 people
• Interpersonal skills; organisational skills; enthusiasm; creativity; self-starter
• Be able to work under pressure and on numerous projects at once; going beyond the scope of the position to assist on a cross-cutting level

Added advantages and preferences

• Master’s degree in communications and/or a human rights related field;
• Competence in an AU language other than English (in particular, French or Portuguese)
• Experience of working in a field related to human rights, particularly in an African context;
• Experience of working with advocacy and campaigns, particularly in an African context;
• Experience of working in a university and/or NGO, particularly in an African context;
• Drivers License

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.  Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za (follow the link: Careers@UP), quoting the applicable reference number.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• A letter of motivation, indicating how the applicant meets the minimum requirements and required competences; 
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
• Examples of the applicant’s recent work relevant to the position.

CLOSING DATE: 31 October 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Contact person, Jeanette Schoeman, email: jeanette.schoeman@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and contact person, Prof LN Murungi, nkatha.murungi@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not have heard from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups.

Candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised.