Strategy and Implementation - Develop, implement and review (as required) a robust and time-relevant ATNS Corporate Affairs and communications (internal and external) strategy and value proposition aligned to the overall business strategy.  Provide strategic support to the CEO, Board and ATNS business and other thought leaders in the development, implementation, and management of the Corporate Affairs strategy that is aligned with the vision, culture and business strategy of ATNS.  Design and implement the Corporate Affairs and Communication function’s operating model and framework, including governance and service management capabilities, along with the service catalogue and service level agreements.   Manage and own the implementation of the Corporate Affairs and Communication strategy - strategy post formulation by translating strategic deliverables into measurable goals and objectives to ensure achievement of the objectives.  Drive timeous delivery of the required Corporate Affairs and Communication strategic projects/initiatives, within budget, and to the required standards.   Collaborate and provide inputs to the Customer Solutions department in the development of the corporate brand and identity designs and policies to ensure seamless alignment internally and externally.   Develop a Corporate Affairs and Communication risk management plan and ensure proactive mitigation of the risks.  Identification of key strategic, social, political, economic, and societal issues that might impact ATNS’s Corporate image and development of action plans to address them.  Conduct continuous environmental scanning to identify issues that might impact corporate positioning and develop response strategies.  analyse trends and metrics in partnership with ATNS leadership so as to develop Corporate Affairs and Communications solutions i.e. policies, processes, guidelines and programs, that are aligned to the business needs and strategies.

Government Affairs - Develop, drive & coordinate government affairs strategies of the organisation.  Drive and manage governmental affairs at the National and Regional level.   Create the strategy and drive Corporate Affairs stakeholder managementDevelop relationships with key decision makers and other stakeholders to advance ATNS’ policy goals.  Enhance the visibility and reputation of ATNS with all relevant stakeholders and position the organisation as a leader in their field.  Monitor the policy and political environment for salient and emerging issues and timely and regularly inform the CEO and leadership team.  Identify opportunities and threats in the legislative process to advance or defend identified ATNS’ policy objectives.  Active engagement in trade associations to create a better business climate for ATNS.

External & Internal Communications - Lead activities in the areas of public and media relations, media advocacy, executive communications, editorial services, and publications.  Develop and maintain a positive corporate image by protecting and developing a reputable corporate identity and brand for ATNS. Raise the organisation's profile through the development of the requisite communication strategies to support its corporate reputation, strategic initiatives, marketed products, and pipeline programs.  Develop and execute communication strategies to raise awareness of ATNS’ scientific activities, products and services, seizing relevant opportunities to enhance the organization's image.  Lead and manage protocol management framework relating to engagement of internal and external stakeholders i.e. government relations, public affairs, and local communities.  Support the CEO, Board and ATNS leadership team with internal communications efforts/ initiatives to ensure aligned and focused internal communications to all employees. Provide support to the Customer Solutions department, by drafting communication plans relating to innovative customer solutions, products and services available to the market. Assume full responsibility for external communications and ensure full compliance with corporate communications and disclosure rules. .Develop and implement the stakeholder engagement plan and conduct stakeholder mapping and analyse their varying needs. Provide dedicated and expert communications counsel and insights to local leadership on positioning and messaging in building awareness, understanding, and support for the company's strategic goals and priorities among multiple stakeholders. Oversee the development of the materials for the Board, CEO and other executives as needed i.e. presentations, and speeches.  Develops communications forums and facilitate engagements to raise the visibility and credibility of ATNS internally and externally.

Media Relations & Issue Management - Design and lead the implementation of a media and public relations strategy for ATNS. Establish and leverage media network to improve and protect the organisation’s reputation in media.  Proactively build and maintain a media network to monitor and pro-actively manage developments that could enhance or threaten ATNS reputation in the media.  Develop and manage media crisis strategic plans.  Scan the media platforms for any news/ stories about the organisation and facilitate development and activation of the required response.  Identifies the most appropriate media for running marketing campaigns for the organisations products and services.  Drive media coverage around key milestones, leveraging multiple channels such as general media, industry press, and social media (including local company website(s)) to increase visibility and reach target audiences.  Ensure positive coverage of ATNS’ drive and vision to be a leader in the field.  Manage crisis communications and issue appropriate statements on behalf of the CEO and management.  Identify and address issues that may impact ATNS’ reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.  Provide real-time support and guidance to the Leadership Team on crisis/issues management.

Finance and Costs Management - Lead the development, utilisation and management of the budget for the Corporate Affairs and Communications function.  Ensure effective leadership in the management of operational costs to enable efficient utilisation of financial resources. Ensure compliance with the financial policies and procedures in the utilisation of the approved budget.  Ensure accountability and reporting on all costs incurred against the approved budget. 

People Management  - Ensure the availability of skilled and competent staff for the Corporate Affairs and Communications function to meet the current and future needs of the department.  Promote high levels of discipline and performance standards to achieve the function's performance targets and strategies.  Manage performance outputs of the function’s team through the implementation of the organisation’s performance management system. Drive employee engagement and retention within the Corporate Affairs and Communications function. Model the behaviour that is consistent with the company values and culture.

  Corporate Social Investment - Formulation and management of the company’s Corporate Identity. Establisment and management of the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) function. Formulate the company’s corporate identity as approved by EXCO and the Board to guide and communicate, and company activities and to facilitate the management of of its image and reputation. Develop and maintain a positive corporate image by proctecting and developing a reputable corporate identity and brand for ATNS in collaboration with Customer Soulitions. Define the company corporate identity in terms of a visual statement anbput the brand to clients, employees and all other relevant stakeholders, namely the company logo, slogan colours, décor and stationer, amongst others.

          Minimum Qualifications

• Tertiary Quaifcation in public relations, media studies, journalism and corporate communications, and social sciences that covers communications related modules or related business qualification.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business management or related field.
• Master’s degree or Senior Leadership development program is advantageous.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 8 years' experience in managing public relations/ corporate affairs and communication in a complex business environment, of which at least 5 years should have been at a management level. 
• Public sector experience advantageous