Public Affairs & Government Relations at Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc

Develop and steward Public Relations and Communications activities to inform, link, align and support SEPLAT business objectives, needs and global profiling ensuring strong brand image building, high-quality reputational management and contribution to the company’s bottom-line.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Develop multiple communication platforms for the company’s Public Relations and government relations strategies and tactics as part of the overall communication strategy
• Manage all media relations, public relations, publicity and corporate communication endeavors.
• Develop appropriate communication materials for the company’s internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to producing internal and press releases, newsletters, event communications, Sustainability Reports, Corporate research reports, Annual Reports etc
• Provide advisory functions on media intelligence periodic environmental scan reports; Coordinate media relations to support business strategic perspective
• Planning and management of communication projects, concept development, research, writing, editing, proofreading and printing.
• Manage community relations from a media perspective to promote business objectives.
• Creatively build and manage Seplat’s brand reputation and perception to drive business growth, promote government and other stakeholders’ relationship and enhance/maximize brand equity
• Work collaboratively with other departments (CSR and Investor Relations teams) to deliver press releases and events to achieve desired brand positioning and business objectives:
• Manage crisis communications: provide counsel and ensuring that all incidents are properly recorded and reported and that an investigation is carried out to establish and rectify root causes
• Oversee content development cross-functionally for messaging accuracy when and where applicable in the company.
• Coordinate liaison with the federal and state governments and their agencies to guarantee a hitch-free and harmonious mutual co-existence
• Coordinate and supervise subordinates in providing communications functions that engage, inform and motivate internal and external stakeholders
• Offer strategic input and work collaboratively with all departments to ensure business initiatives are met
• Prepare and manage department budget
• Manage/facilitate other communication initiatives as directed by senior management
• Ensure SEPLAT’s public image is on strategy and consistent.

Desired Skills and Experience

Job Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in marketing, public relations, events, media relations, corporate communications and internal communications.
• Proven ability to drive a team in attaining quality media coverage.
• Strategic thinker who can take communication global plans and transform them locally, taking into account local needs.
• Strategic pitching experience to develop story ideas to successfully attain media coverage
• Established relationships with business, government and various media platforms reporters and editors
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and quickly change gears in a dynamic, deadline-driven, high stakes environment
• Ability to work very closely with senior management
• Experience in developing communications plans and messaging strategy
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker and problem-solver
• Strong writing skills
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication and/or relevant work experience at a corporate setting or PR agency.
• Experience working in a global environment preferred
• 12-15 years communications experience

Competencies

• 12-15 years demonstrated, progressive experience in planning and executing communication events, corporate PR and media relations experience for a global brand preferred
• Excellent business acumen and broad experience/understanding of all facets of media; government structure and relationship management
• PR firm management experience required.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Skill in writing for a variety of audiences and channels
• Strong editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to translate complex ideas and concepts into language easily understood by non-specialists.
• Strong multi-tasking, analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds
• Team player. Flexible. Results-oriented, service-oriented and with a passion for creativity and innovation.