Head of External Communication

The Head of External Communication will work with the Global Head of Corporate Affairs & ESG to build and execute innovative and effective external communication strategies that contribute to business success and elevate the position of Puma Energy with key stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a strategic solution provider as well as an operational enabler. Confident influencer, the ideal candidate will be able to communicate complex issues in a dynamic landscape and have experience with financial communications, issue and crisis communications management, executive communications and thought leadership. They will also have experience managing digital channels, specifically websites and social channels.

• Undertake the external communication strategy for Puma with the goal of growing our visibility across key audiences (stakeholder mapping, audience analysis, etc.)
• Initiate, maintain, build and strengthen relationships with key contacts in media, community, academia, government, NGOs and the private sector through communications programs that create measurable value for the business, protect and enhance our brand, engage and influence stakeholders, and prevent and remove barriers
• Provide subject matter expertise, content and coaching to senior management to serve as effective spokespeople provide support and guidance for managing incident and crisis response

• Manage content creation and editorial calendar for Company media outlets and key events, including researching, developing, writing and editing across mediums, message development and creative message management
• Forge relationships with key stakeholders, including teams internal and external to the department, to ensure delivery of commitments
• Supervise coordination for Communication teams, internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure consistency of communication and public affairs strategies to all key audiences

• University degree qualifications in a subject relevant to Corporate Affairs or Business Marketing

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in a corporate /external relations or communication roles - required
• Ideally experience in oil and gas, retail or high risk sectors
• Experience in global, fast paced and commercially focused organization - required
• Experience in global organizations operating in Africa and emerging markets
• Experience working in international environments with diverse and remote teams - required
• Excellent command of the English language (native level) required, additional languages would be an asset
• Experience in Employee communication, Engagement branding and Marketing would be an asset

• Strong external communication skills, excellent storyteller, writer and editor
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels
• Ability to work successfully in a matrixed organization

• Internal – Corporate Affairs, Finance, HSE, Compliance, Procurement, Country GM’s and Heads of lines of business
• External – Sustainability ratings agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, ESG Investors, Financial Institutions, External Corporate Affairs Organizations, events/conference organizers, media, and agencies