Stakeholder Relations Manager
Listing reference: nef_000166
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 18 May 2026
Position summary
Industry: Financial Services
Job category: Public and Investor Relations
Location: Sandton
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The Stakeholder Relations Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for engaging and building strategic relationships with stakeholders involved in the development of the NEF.
Job description
Stakeholder Strategy and Governance
- Develop and implement a stakeholder management framework aligned with regulatory and governance requirements.
- Conduct stakeholder mapping and maintain an updated stakeholder database.
- Ensure all engagement activities comply with industry regulations, ethics and reputational risk frameworks.
Relationship Management
- Build and manage strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, government bodies, industry associations, institutional clients and key partners.
- Serve as the central liaison between stakeholders and internal teams (Compliance, Legal Services, Risk, Marketing and Communications as well as Funds).
- Support executives in high level stakeholder engagements through briefing notes and messaging.
- Continuously engage the NEF clients and prospective applicants and facilitate the implement of strategies to improve customer service.
- Spearhead interactions and forums for clients and entrepreneurs.
- Facilitate the implementation of high service levels in all regions in which the NEF operates.
Engagement Planning and Execution
- Coordinate stakeholder meetings, consultations and strategic events.
- Provide timely responses to stakeholder enquiries and escalate when required.
- Prepare stakeholder communication materials (reports, newsletters, presentations etc.).
Monitoring, Insights and Reporting
- Track stakeholder sentiment, policy developments, market trends and emerging regulatory risks.
- Provide monthly stakeholder engagement reports and insights for leadership and governance structures.
- Analyse feedback to anticipate risks and propose mitigation strategies.
Compliance, Quality and Policy Management
- Align stakeholder relations’ activities with internal policies, SLAs and quality standards.
- Update stakeholder relations policies and procedures as required.
- Partner with Compliance to ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks.
Executive and Strategic Support
- Provide strategic support to the leadership, including CEO, Executive Committee and the Board on stakeholder matters.
- Contribute to public affairs initiatives, industry advocacy and thought leadership efforts.
- Assist with integrated reporting inputs related to stakeholder engagement.
Minimum requirements
Experience / Skills Required
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the Stakeholder Management, with at least 3 years within the middle management level.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder relations, community engagement, or public affairs, ideally within financial services environment.
- Experience in Development Finance or Financial Services is advantageous
- Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.
- Strong understanding of protocol matters with regards to government, parliament and other key stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
- Solid understanding of stakeholder‑engagement principles and best practices.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the PFMA and National Treasury Regulations, and other related legislation
- A strategic thinker with strong knowledge of policy processes, regulatory environments, and risk‑management frameworks.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of corporate strategy implementation and monitoring
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration.
- Post graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes
- Business acumen
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent Communication and influencing skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Cognitive competencies
- Creativity/ Innovation
- Quick and measured decision making/ Judgement oriented
- Strategic thinking with a results-oriented approach
- Solution orientated and can think outside the box
Intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies
- Flexible and adaptable
- Confident
- Dynamic and energetic
- Adaptable and resilient
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Strong collaborator and team player