IEC Communications Internship has become available for graduates in possession of Communications or Media Studies Degrees or related.
Reference Number: NAT/2021/582
Job Title: INTERN – Media Relations
Division: Communications
Business Unit: Communications
Job Type: 24 months’ Contract
Location: National Office (Centurion)
Closing Date: 14 May 2021
Job Description
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for appointment to the Internship programme of the Electoral Commission, a state institution established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The Electoral Commission is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. It is the Commission’s intention to promote equity through meeting its numerical targets as contained. Persons must not have been an intern or worked before. Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Key Performance Areas:
- Assist the Communications Department with strategic communication and public relations, specifically with media relations related tasks, including helping in drafting responses to media inquiries, key messages and sourcing content for media briefings and interviews by the Spokesperson;
- Assist in developing stories and content for digital platforms including the website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram related to the issues highlighted above;
- Assist with drafting and editing any publications (e.g. fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, or correspondences) for internal and external sources related to the issues highlighted above;
- Assist with the planning, preparation and implementation of campaigns and public events such as exhibitions, media workshops and others related to the business of the Electoral Commission during an election period;
- Assist with monitoring media to determine trends and to inform communications efforts;
- Proactively contribute ideas for projects and media stories that will help to promote communications and build narrative on the work of the Electoral Commission;
Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.
Basic Requirements:
Applicants wishing to apply for IEC Communications Internship must be in possession of Matric/ N3 and a tertiary qualification (Diploma/ Degree) in Communications, with a specialisation in media relations (a post-graduate qualification will be an added advantage).
To qualify for this internship with the Electoral Commission’s Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
- Applicants at the time of application must have completed a tertiary degree or national diploma or equivalent, or higher, in the field of Communications.
- Proficient in standard word processing and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint or similar.
Have demonstrated some interest in electoral democracy and the work of the Electoral Commission by being a registered voter.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting.
- Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in a national environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
- Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style.
- Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Planning & Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
NB! Applicants must be 35 years of age or below and must not have been an intern or worked before to qualify for this programme.
The Electoral Commission reserves the right to terminate the contract of an employee convicted of a serious criminal offence(s). It will also be incumbent upon all recruits to declare any offences, as well as the fact that s/he does not have a high political profile and has not been politically active for a political party or held political office for at least the past five years. Failure to declare as required, may result in summary termination of service. The criteria will be applicable to all recruits and they must comply with these criteria prior to confirmation of appointment.
The Electoral Commission will only correspond with successful candidates and interviews will be conducted with short-listed candidates on a date and time specified by the Interview Panel. The Electoral Commission is under no obligation to fill the positions after advertising it. Although advertised, it may be withdrawn, re-advertised or filled by way of deployment, should it be considered in the interest of service delivery. Applicants for the above position should not have a high party political profile. Applications must in all cases be accompanied by a recent, updated comprehensive curriculum vitae as well as a copy of driver’s license and identity document. Failure to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Please note, all applications must include:
- A covering letter containing the following information:
- Title of your Communications degree or diploma.
- Graduation date (When did you graduate from the programme?)
- List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
- List your top three areas of interest and please explain how your interests, skills and knowledge match either the strategic support or the analytics track.
- Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
- A recent, updated comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Copies of matric certificate and tertiary qualifications.
- Copy of identity document.
- Copy of driver’s license.
Failure to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
Please note…
- Applicants for the above position/s should not have a high party political profile.
- All successful permanent candidates will be required to enter into performance contracts.
- Should applicants be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
- All applications for IEC Communications Internship must include:
- a covering letter with a recent, updated comprehensive curriculum vitae;
- a copy of all qualification documents;
- a copy of identity document; and
- a copy of driver’s licence (if required).
- Failure to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered.
- Please note that recommended candidates will undergo risk assessments, including inter alia the verification of curricula vitae, all qualifications, criminal and credit assessments and appointments will only be made upon positive verification thereof.
- A probation period of twelve months will be applicable to permanent employees.
- The Electoral Commission will only correspond with short-listed candidates.
- The Electoral Commission is under no obligation to fill the position/s and reserves the right not to make any appointment in the above post/s. Although advertised, positions may thus either be withdrawn, re-advertised or filled by way of transfer or deployment, should it be considered in the interest of service delivery.
How to Apply
To apply for IEC Communications Internship opportunity, click on the APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP button below. CLICK HERE for more opportunities brought forth you by STUF News
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