Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs Consultant

Role overview

We are seeking an experienced stakeholder relations and public affairs consultant to support high-level advisory and implementation services for Rito Group’s clients. This consultant will work closely with executive teams to help navigate the intersection of public perception, policy, and stakeholder priorities. The role requires strong research acumen, strategic narrative development skills, and a proven track record in managing stakeholder relations across diverse sectors.

This is a fixed-term contract position, reporting directly to the Group CEO, and is ideal for a proactive, politically aware communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.

Key responsibilities

• Public affairs and stakeholder advisory
• Provide strategic advisory support on stakeholder communication, engagement, and policy positioning.
• Support clients in building, managing, and maintaining trusted relationships with key stakeholders across government, civil society, media, business, and communities.
• Identify and analyse macro trends, risks, and emerging issues that may impact clients' operating environments and reputation.
• Develop issue and risk mitigation strategies, including stakeholder engagement plans, influence strategies, and positioning tactics.

Research and insights

• Conduct in-depth stakeholder mapping, perception analysis, and policy environment research.
• Deliver intelligence reports that guide client decisions and influence strategy.
• Provide regular insights into legislative, regulatory, and socio-political developments relevant to clients’ sectors.

Narrative development and messaging

• Craft compelling, values-driven narratives, talking points, and positioning statements tailored to stakeholder audiences.
• Align client messaging with broader social, political, and economic conversations to enhance credibility and influence.
• Translate complex information into simple, persuasive messaging for engagement across public and private platforms.

Strategic influence

• Identify opportunities to shape public discourse and positively influence stakeholder perceptions.
• Support clients in aligning corporate social investment, ESG, and stakeholder engagement efforts with broader national or sectoral priorities.
• Assist with the planning of roundtables, stakeholder dialogues, and policy engagements as needed.

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Political Science, Strategic Communications, Public Policy, or related field (postgraduate qualification preferred).
• Seven-plus years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or strategic advisory, working with public and/or private sector clients.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, narrative development, and stakeholder relationship management.
• Strong understanding of the South African public affairs and socio-political landscape.
• Experience advising executives or senior leadership teams on strategic communications and reputation management.

Key skills and attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and political acumen.
• Ability to develop strategic positioning and influence strategies.
• Skilled communicator—both written and verbal—with the ability to engage high-level audiences.
• Resilient, agile, and diplomatic under pressure.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Contract details

• Fixed-term contract (duration dependent on client project cycles).
• Hybrid working structure with periodic in-person engagements.
• May require travel for stakeholder meetings, roundtables, or events.

To Apply:
Email your CV and a short cover letter to acirfa.puorgotir@ofni with the subject line: Public Affairs Consultant Application – [Your Name]

Company Description

About Rito Group

Rito Group is an integrated communications consultancy committed to co-creating purpose-driven solutions for public and private sector clients. We support organisations with strategic stakeholder engagement, public affairs, media relations, and reputation management. Our approach is rooted in deep insight, contextual awareness, and proactive influence.

Posted on 28 Mar 11:48, Closing date 30 Apr