6 Political Advisor jobs in South Africa

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche Diagnostics, we develop solutions and services that advance human health, with a passionate team of over 37,000 individuals across 50+ countries shaping the future of healthcare.

As the Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Diagnostics in Africa, you'll lead strategic communication initiatives that inspire, engage, and influence key external stakeholders in the healthcare community across the African continent. Partnering closely with internal leaders and teams, you'll be the architect of impactful narratives, campaigns, and frameworks, translating business strategies into communication plans that contribute to healthcare transformation across the region.

By sharing Roche's powerful story with patients, customers, thought leaders, and employees, you'll take on the meaningful challenge of strengthening our reputation and creating a lasting impact on the healthcare industry in Africa.

Key Challenges

• Aligning regional goals and company objectives to deliver compelling, stakeholder-focused communication strategies in Africa's complex healthcare landscape.
• Advising senior leaders with precision, tact, and foresight to navigate high-stakes crises and issues with confidence and resilience.
• Collaborating across a matrixed, highly networked organization to influence decision-making, align global priorities, and bring transformative ideas to life.
• Managing multiple, fast-paced communication projects with grace under pressure while navigating ambiguity and continuously evolving business landscapes.
• Staying at the forefront of healthcare trends and external developments to adapt strategies proactively in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) environment.

Who You Are as Our Ideal Candidate

You are a dynamic and accomplished communications professional deeply skilled in public affairs and external stakeholder engagement, with a proven passion for navigating complex, regulated industries like healthcare.

• Strategic Partner: You possess 8-10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs with a track record of creating and executing integrated campaigns. You excel in providing sound counsel on crisis management strategies to senior leaders. Your enterprise mindset enables you to connect the dots between local and global strategies with agility and foresight.
• Effective Storyteller: With outstanding storytelling skills, you deliver messages that resonate and inspire action. You have a natural ability to simplify complex topics and articulate them with purpose and clarity.
• Trusted Advisor: Your interpersonal finesse allows you to build strong, sustainable partnerships with senior executives and external stakeholders alike. In all interactions, you balance influence, collaboration, and diplomacy.
• Organized and Agile: You excel under pressure, seamlessly prioritizing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines. Your self-motivation thrives both in collaborating and working independently within self-organized teams.
• Experienced Professional: You hold a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or government affairs (or equivalent). Fluency in English (verbal and written) and a strong grasp of healthcare/diagnostics industries are essential for this role.

What's In It for You

At Roche, we believe in empowering our people to contribute to a future shaped by innovation, compassion, and care. When you join Rochelle, you'll gain access to a world-class environment that nurtures your growth, values your contribution, and prioritizes your well-being.

• Impact: Be part of a company that's not just making products but revolutionizing healthcare and positively impacting lives every single day.
• Flexibility: Thrive in a dynamic, non-hierarchical work culture, where flexibility, autonomy, and collaboration are at the forefront.
• Development: Grow with unparalleled learning and development opportunities in a global organization committed to cultivating your career.
• Inclusivity: Experience a workplace where every voice matters, diversity is celebrated, and employees across the world come together as one Roche family.
• Purposeful Work: Contribute to shaping healthcare transformation in Africa, a region with boundless potential to make a difference.

At Roche, it's more than just work—it's about belonging to a community deeply dedicated to delivering better outcomes for society, while fostering your personal and professional aspirations.

Are you ready to be a driving force for communications and healthcare transformation in Africa? Apply today and be part of a team that's reshaping the future of health.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let's build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities
The Global Public Policy & Government Affairs team's work spans across a broad and diverse range of functions and workstreams, including government affairs and government relations; policy and issue area expertise; risk and crisis management and mitigation; outreach, coalitions, and partnerships; and corporate social responsibility. The mission of the Global Public Policy team is to prevent, manage, and mitigate political, legislative, and regulatory threats to TikTok and to promote a political, legislative, and regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation for our business.

We are looking to hire a dynamic and agile Government Relations and Public Policy Leader to define and execute our GR efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The ideal candidate must be a strategic thinker and a strong team player with the ability to exercise good judgment in a rapidly changing environment. The candidate must have a good understanding of the region's public policy challenges, political systems, institutions, and cultural landscape; and, solid networks and relationships with Sub-Saharan policy-makers, multilateral agencies, academia, and civil society stakeholders.

The SSA Government Relations and Public Policy Leader is part of the METAPSA GR team and is responsible for overseeing regional policy issues and crisis management across Sub-Saharan Africa. The role reports to the Deputy Director of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia.

The candidate must bring experience in policy assessment, risk management, and proven leadership and organizational skills. Experience in a technology company is preferred. They should be a flexible problem-solver with strong communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders. The role also requires the ability to work independently and with agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead TikTok's government relations and public policy strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring alignment with regional regulations and policy frameworks on data protection, privacy, safety, IP, content policy, and other tech-relevant issues.

• Build and maintain strategic, long-term relationships with governments, regulators, NGOs, academia, think tanks, and other key stakeholders across the region.

• Actively identify and assess emerging policy issues and political/social trends, advising internal teams on risks and opportunities.

• Develop and execute advocacy and engagement campaigns to advance TikTok's policy positions and strengthen its reputation across SSA.

• Serve as a senior external representative of TikTok, clearly communicating policy positions and helping local communities better understand the platform.

• Guide and support local teams in mitigating operational and regulatory risks.

• Manage and mentor a team of three, setting strategic priorities and ensuring high-quality execution.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading public policy, government relations, or advocacy, with a proven ability to build and manage strategic relationships with governments, regulators, and key stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of public policy issues relevant to technology (e.g., data protection, privacy, content, IP, safety) and the regulatory landscape across Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working effectively with legal, policy, communications, and product teams in complex organizations.

• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.

• Excellent judgment, persuasive communication, and advocacy skills, with the ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving environments.

• Established networks and relationships with policymakers, civil society, academia, and the technology industry across SSA.

• Master's degree in law, public policy, international relations, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the region's political systems, institutions, and cultural landscape.

• Ability to travel frequently and adapt to diverse cultural and professional environments.

About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Why Join Us
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.

We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

Posted on:

17 Sep, 2025

Application by:

19 Oct, 2025

Project status:

Expression of interest

Project title:

Just Energy Transition Facility in South Africa

Period of project:

Provisional commencement date of the contract : 1st March 2026

Duration of assignment:

60 Months

Country:

South Africa

Workplace:

Pretoria

Job code:

39007

The project aims to promote a just and sustainable energy transition in South Africa, aligned with the objectives of the Just Energy Transition Partnership. It will strengthen the policy and regulatory framework, enhance institutional capacity, and foster collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector. The action supports the establishment of a Technical Assistance Facility that will provide flexible, responsive support for implementing policy reforms and strengthening partnerships. Through these interventions, the project contributes to achieving South Africa's decarbonisation goals while ensuring economic resilience and social inclusion.

The Just Energy Transition Policy Advisor will lead the Technical Assistance Facility, ensuring its strategic direction, coordination with South African institutions, and delivery of project outputs. The role also involves providing high-level policy advice and supporting institutional strengthening for JET-IP implementation.

General professional experience:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, management, engineering, environmental studies, development studies, finance, law, or other relevant discipline. Master's degree in public policy, energy/environmental economics, political science, engineering, or a related field;
• At least 12 years of professional experience in public policy or development cooperation, with a focus on energy sector governance or sustainable development.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level).

Specific professional experience:

• Minimum 10 years of international experience in institutional capacity building in developing or transition countries;
• At least 7 years of experience in energy policy and regulatory reform, including direct work with government ministries, agencies, or energy regulators;
• Proven experience in conducting social impact assessments, worker transition plans, or designing compensation and retraining schemes;
• Familiarity with just transition approaches, preferably with experience in coal region transitions or large-scale energy sector reforms.

Barbara Muratori Barbara.-

Apply for Job

Shape the Future with GIZ

Bring your expertise in climate change policy to an international organisation driving sustainable development. Based at the GIZ offices in Hatfield, Pretoria, you will join the Climate Support Programme Phase 4 (CSP4) team, working closely with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This full-time role runs until 31 December 2026.

As a Technical Advisor: Climate Change Policy, you will provide high-level policy advice, manage technical workstreams, and guide consulting firms in delivering quality outputs. You will play a key role in supporting South Africa's climate mitigation, adaptation, and monitoring & evaluation strategies.

To apply, please submit a detailed CV (max. 2 pages, including nationality) together with a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining why you are the best suited for the role. Only complete applications will be considered.

Closing date for applications: 26 September 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be informed and must complete an assignment before the interview.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide strategic policy advice on climate change mitigation in the Energy, Industry and Transport sectors, as well as adaptation strategies and emissions monitoring
• Support DFFE and partner institutions in designing and implementing climate change projects and policies
• Oversee and ensure quality of consulting firms, including procurement processes and drafting terms of reference
• Manage technical workstreams on climate policy, institutional support, and implementation mechanisms
• Contribute to mainstreaming mitigation measures into adaptation response plans for the public and private sector
• Collaborate on adaptation-related activities within the Climate Cluster
• Plan and facilitate stakeholder consultations, ensuring strong knowledge management and dissemination
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials for German ministries with minimal supervision

Required Qualifications, Competencies and Experiences

Qualifications

• University degree in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Energy (Efficiency), Finance/Economics, Business Administration or Engineering
• Post-graduate qualification will be an advantage

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience in climate change and project management, advisory or consulting services
• Extensive knowledge of South African and international climate policy, particularly in Energy, Just Transition, Industry and Transport
• Proven experience with South Africa's UNFCCC commitments and international climate policy processes
• In-depth knowledge of GHG emission modelling, transition pathways, and environmental policy instruments (carbon tax, budgets, trading systems), including inventories
• Solid understanding of South African energy policy and the Just Transition agenda
• Experience in integrated project management, proposal development and securing donor funding
• Familiarity with South Africa's public and private sector landscape, with established networks in climate and energy

Other Competences

• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills with the ability to produce and edit complex materials
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with political awareness and solution orientation
• Proven experience in managing service providers and technically guiding expert teams
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently under pressure and within deadlines
• Passionate about climate change, sustainability and advancing the green economy

Why Work with Us?

At GIZ, we believe in diversity, respect and equal opportunity. As a signatory to the Diversity Charter, we value all employees regardless of gender, identity, origin, belief, disability, social background, age or orientation. Applications from women and historically marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.