Location: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
Project: Africa-Europe Partnership for Culture
Position: Communication Officer in Johannesburg
Start date: 01.05.2025
Type of employment: Full-time (40 hours/week)
limited term until: 31.01.2028
Deadline for applications: 09.04.2025
Email address for applications: Philina.wittke@goethe.de
The Goethe-Institut Johannesburg is looking for a Communication Officer from 1 May 2025 until 31 January 2028, 40 working hours per week. The position is connected to the availability of funds from the European Union.
The Goethe-Institut is launching two projects under the umbrella of the AFRICA-EUROPE PARTNERSHIPS FOR CULTURE (2025-2028) scheme, funded by the European Union which promotes cultural integration and dialogue between all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as between Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.
A) The Sub-Saharan African component of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture program promotes cultural integration and dialogue between all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. The topic of the Sub-Saharan African component is “Arts and Cultural Spaces”. With that, the project aims to explore the structure and context of Arts and Cultural Spaces on the continent by connecting spaces, artists and other relevant stakeholders through mobility and co-creation grants.
B) The Southern African component of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture program promotes cultural integration and dialogue between all countries in Southern Africa, as well as between Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union. The topic of the Southern African component is “Heritage Narratives”. With that, the project aims to explore cultural heritage narratives in/from Southern Africa by making them come alive through various media: guided tours, texts, music, film, video games, visual arts, dance and others; thus providing new frameworks of relations and references.
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a worldwide reach. We promote the study of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in Germany. The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg steers the work in the countries south of the Sahara. A particular focus of the activities in this region is strengthening the pan-African dialogue and promoting mobile access to information and education.
Through our programs, we encourage intercultural dialogue and cultural participation, we strengthen the development of civil society structures and value exchange. All over the world, we connect people, ideas and cultural innovations. In doing so, we value diversity, equity and inclusion. Further information can be found at www.goethe.de/johannesburg.
MAIN TASKS
- The Communication Officer (= Knowledge Sharing Officer) is responsible for the design and coordination of the outreach activities of the projects
- She/He has the lead responsibility for the design and implementation of outreach activities
- She/He ensures the visibility of the project in line with the Communication and Visibility Handbook for EU External Action and sensitive political situations in SSA
- She/He ensures the visibility of the project in line with the Communication and Visibility rules and regulations of the Goethe-Institut
- She/He coordinates the communication channels and schedules with/between all work packages and all relevant institutes in the region as well as with partners and contracting authorities
- She/He disseminates project information via social media channels, taking into account data protection and the security of applicants and grant recipients
- She/He supports the translation of relevant information in the sub-regions of Sub-Sahara Africa
- She/He develops activities to gain the active support of EU Member State representatives /embassies and professional organizations for the successful implementation of the activities
- She/He supports the organization of project events such as opening or closing events
- She/He works closely with the project team manager and project management
PROFILE
- University degree, especially in communication, marketing, social sciences, cultural management or equivalent knowledge and skills
- Solid track record in communication (minimum 2 years) in the creative industries
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, German and French; or willingness to learn German
- High proficiency in relevant programmes and applications
- Willingness and ability to work under pressure
- Willingness and ability to work in a team
- Ability to travel national and internationally
- Work permit for South Africa
What makes you stand out:
- Relevant experience working on large-scale cultural projects, preferably in EU contexts
- Relevant experience in communication and marketing, especially of cultural projects
- Relevant experience in designing (social) media campaigns
- Attention to detail
What we offer you:
- A modern ambience in the heart of Johannesburg and a friendly and committed team.
- Remuneration and social benefits are based on the remuneration scheme of the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg. We offer remuneration according to appropriateness and local custom.
- Equal opportunities and inclusion are important to us.
- Only complete applications will be considered.
Application procedure
Please send your CV, copies of certificates, diplomas and any other documents attesting to your experience and a short motivation letter by email to Philina.wittke@goethe.de by 9 April 2025 at the latest.
Please do not consider your application successful if you have not received a reply by 20 April 2025.
Please state clearly in the subject line “Application: Communication Officer”.
Please also enclose the following declaration of consent with your application: ‘I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes of the admission procedure at the Goethe-Institut.’
Visa and entry requirements:
Due to South African labour law, we can only accept applications from residents of South Africa or persons with a South African work permit or a work visa. Therefore, if you are a foreign national, please provide your work permit with the application.
Do you have any questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact Philina Wittke at the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg at Philina.wittke@goethe.de
