Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has announced an opportunity for an External Communications and Public Relations Specialist, to join its Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability team.
Job Description
Legal and Public Affairs – Communication and Sustainability Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Key Purpose:
The External Communications and PR Specialist will drive CCBSA’s reputation and visibility by delivering strategic, high-impact communication initiatives across media, digital platforms, and external stakeholder networks.
The role exists to position CCBSA as a trusted industry leader through proactive media engagement, compelling content creation, effective campaign execution, and strong reputation management.
This specialist will play a vital part in safeguarding and elevating the company’s public image, supporting crisis communication efforts, and ensuring consistent, aligned messaging that strengthens CCBSA’s brand presence across all external touchpoints.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply via the link
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Key Outputs and Accountabilities include, but not limited to:
Strategic Communication & PR Execution
- Develop and implement an annual external communications and PR plan in alignment with the PACS strategy.
- Prepare and distribute press releases, media advisories, Q&A documents, and opinion pieces for external audiences.
- Coordinate proactive media outreach to position CCBSA as a thought leader in the beverage and FMCG sectors.
- Media & Reputation Management
- Serve as a key media contact, ensuring accurate and timely responses to media queries.
- Manage CCBSA’s media monitoring and reporting to assess impact and identify risks/opportunities.
- Prepare media briefings, talking points, and speech notes for company spokespeople.
Campaigns & Events
- Support the design and delivery of high-impact PR campaigns for sustainability, community, and corporate initiatives.
- Coordinate logistics, messaging, and media coverage for external events, sponsorships, and community programmes.
- Work with marketing to ensure external messaging consistency across campaigns.
Crisis Communication Support
- Assist in developing crisis communication responses and protocols.
- Manage external communication channels during crises to ensure factual, consistent, and timely information release.
Content Creation & Digital Communication
- Produce engaging content for CCBSA’s website, LinkedIn, and other digital channels to showcase corporate achievements.
- Collaborate with the Internal Communications Specialist to align messaging across internal and external platforms.
Measurement & Reporting
- Track, measure, and report on the reach, sentiment, and effectiveness of external communication initiatives.
- Provide regular feedback to the Country Lead: Communications on media coverage trends, risks, and opportunities.
Skills, Experience & Education
Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (essential).
- Postgraduate qualification in Strategic Communication, Corporate Affairs, or Business Management (advantageous).
Experience
- 5–8 years of experience in external communications, corporate affairs, or public relations in a corporate or agency environment.
- Proven track record in media relations and managing corporate PR campaigns.
- Experience in crisis communications and issue management.
- FMCG, beverage, or related industry experience advantageous.
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (including business writing, speech writing, and media release drafting).
- Proficiency in media monitoring tools and analytics platforms.
- Understanding of digital and social media best practices for corporate communications.
- Project management and campaign coordination skills.
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and content management systems.
- Knowledge of The Coca-Cola Company’s brand guidelines (advantageous).
Closing date: 3 March 2026
