Public Diplomacy and Information Officer

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

The Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria works to promote Irish interests in South Africa and across our region of accreditation, including Mauritius, Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Our work includes engagement with the Irish community, promotion of Irish trade, investment and cultural interests, and fostering strong bilateral relationships. We also provide a range of key consular services.

The Embassy of Ireland is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking person with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to fill a full-time Public Diplomacy and Information Officer position.

The responsibilities of the Public Diplomacy Officer encompass a broad mandate that transcends core press and media operations. While core functions include the communications programming on an annual basis, in addition the officer plays a key role in the Embassy’s cultural and sports diplomacy portfolios. This involves managing localized initiatives under the Department’s Culture Unit guidelines and executing specific actions within Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy to amplify the nation’s reputation and visibility abroad. To this end, the officer will also work with and support the Regional Arts and Culture Coordinator in the Embassy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following:

• Devise and execute imaginative public diplomacy campaigns and projects in support of key Embassy priorities and programmes;
• Develop a network of media and PR contacts, and engage proactively with media to secure coverage for the Embassy in print and broadcast media;
• Strengthen the Embassy’s knowledge on topics of interest, including relevant political, economic and development issues, through monitoring and analysis of media coverage and communications of findings to Embassy teams;
• Day-to-day management and engagement analysis of the Embassy’s social media channels and website;
• Keep up-to-date with media coverage and discussions of political developments and of priority issues under the Embassy Strategy in South Africa and the region;
• Provide event management support for key Embassy events;
• Develop an Embassy events schedule in consultation with Embassy teams to plan a series of events to further the Embassy’s objectives and raise awareness of priority issues;
• Co-ordinate logistical and operational arrangements for the successful delivery of the events schedule;
• Report on events and media engagements undertaken and their impact;
• Support Embassy teams (consular, development, political, trade and economic, and systems and operations) in the identification of public diplomacy and outreach opportunities and in the design and delivery of appropriate web and social media content;
• Engage on a regional basis with the Regional Arts & Culture Officer based in Embassy Pretoria. Further engagement with HQ Comms Unit in Dublin and facilitation of coordination network of Communications Officers across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In addition to the above, the Public Diplomacy and Information Officer may be required to carry out other functions subject to the business needs of the Embassy, including periodic out of hours and weekend cover for the Embassy’s consular duty service.

Essential Requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• A relevant primary degree;
• Candidates must be fluent in English;
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a communications role;
• Strong basic IT skills;
• Strong results focus;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (including computer literacy);
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently (self-starter) and as part of a team;
• Ability to collate and distil large amounts of information, summarising findings to be used for management decisions and planning;
• A proven ability to build relationships and maintain a network of contacts across media sector, academic, funding agency, industry and public-sector communities;
• Flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness showing strong organisational skills, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks;
• Solutions-oriented, and committed to delivering results, including by adapting approach if necessary;
• All applicants must have a permanent legal right to reside and work in South Africa.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in a related field;
• Experience of working for an Embassy or INGO;
• Experience in executing social media campaigns and in event management;
• Experience in advocacy and policy influencing;
• A good understanding of the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Embassy and previous experience in a diplomatic mission is desirable, but not essential.

Terms and Conditions:

• Primary work location: Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria;
• Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week, with standard office hours from 8am to 16.30pm. Occasional late working or attendance at work-related events outside of working hours is required. Occasional travel is required;
• The Salary for the position is ZAR 625,541.52 per annum (Base Point of the relevant Salary Scale). Salaries are paid direct to bank account; therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account; • Start date: 1 October 2026;
• Benefits: Medical Aid.

How to apply

CVs and cover letters should be sent via e-mail only to recruitment.pretoria@dfa.ie with the subject line Public Diplomacy and Information Officer. Applications must be received by 16h30 hrs. (Local time) on 31 July 2026. (No applications will be accepted after this deadline) Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Selection Process:

• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;
• A skills and/or language test may be included in the recruitment process;
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; and
• A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff:

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland Pretoria is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity

We wish you all the best with your applications