General Manager – External Communications

MTN Uganda

General Manager managing external communications and stakeholder expectations at MTN, enhancing reputation and leading strategy development. Overseeing a high-performing team and ensuring alignment with business goals.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeRoodepoort • 🇿🇦 South AfricaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the creation of the functional strategy in line with the overarching business goals
Drive effective implementation of the strategy by means of providing direction, structure, frameworks, models, plans and roadmaps
Oversee regular review of the functional strategy and roadmap to ensure its alignment with the changing dynamics of the internal and external ecosystem
Build and manage a high performing team by providing leadership, role clarity, training and career development
Source, induct and manage talent in accordance with legislative guidelines
Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working
Ensure open communication channels with staff and implement change management interventions where necessary
Provide definition of roles, responsibilities, individual goals and performance objectives for the team
Set KPIs and provide regular performance feedback through a well-defined and implemented performance review program
Develop and implement a training plan in order to build and develop skills within the team
Encourage knowledge transfer through the implementation of a knowledge transfer plan and drive continuous improvement philosophy through the knowledge transfer plan
Performance manage resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary
Actively participate in leadership team and develop skills of own team
Promote a ‘MTN centric’ and ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance
Hold strategic meetings, ensure relevant participation and provide guidance and input in the various discussions
Drive enterprise-wide conference participation framework, corporate affairs sponsorship and partnership initiatives, elicit inputs from relevant parties
Drive adequate risk mitigation and controls and elicit inputs from relevant parties
Perform evaluation baseline of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs
Drive approval process on new initiatives
Provide relevant budget for projects
Prepare proposal on change initiatives SLA, policies and procedures
Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact
Manage and provide solutions to escalations that have multiple processes / functions impact on critical path of service delivery
Review all projects initiated (internal or global)
Review and finalise objectives, targets and budgets for the External Communications function as applicable
Review key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
Develop and manage budgets
Sign-off / make decisions regarding tactical changes
Monitor performance and alignment with MTN global strategy
Report on a periodic basis to the Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer relating to progress made within the function and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
Develop and manage function’s budgets in line with business objectives
Curation of content strategy for MTN SA across the BU’s and functions
Management of publicity campaigns and determination of the appropriate platforms which will give positive publicity and PR mileage
Accountability taken of MTN’s written content by external sources and continuous evaluation of their contributions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 4-year tertiary degree (specialization in Business Communication / Public Relations / Marketing / as appropriate)
MBA or Masters (advantageous)
Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body such as South African Communications Association, Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (advantageous)
Fluent in English and language of country preferable
Minimum 5 -8 years’ experience in:
In a Public Relations/ External Communication role
Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise /FMCG
understanding of emerging markets
In managing staff
Knowledge of consumer data analytics, management, and platforms in a Techo environment
Experience in continuous improvement through the implementation of best practices
Understanding of emerging markets
Minimum 5 years of senior management experience in External Communications with specific focus on external communications, brand management, sponsorships and events
Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
Experience working in a medium to large organization
Project management experience
Telecommunications industry experience
Pan Africa multi-cultural experience
Strategy Formulator
Visualization
Decisive Problem Solver
Digital Mind-set
Innovative Value Creator
Culture and Change Champion
Leadership/Entrepreneurial approaches
Inspiring People Leader
Relationship Builder
Results Achiever
Operationally Astute
Organizational Agility
Digital Mind-set
Dealing with ambiguity and complexity
Conflict Management
Negotiation skills
Project Management
People Management
Presentation Skills
Adaptable
Complete candour
Culturally aware
Emotional Maturity
Innovation
Integrity
Leadership

Benefits

Comp & perks

Live Y’ello
Lead with Care
Can-do with Integrity
Collaborate with Agility
Serve with Respect
Act with Inclusion

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Public RelationsExternal CommunicationConsumer Data AnalyticsProject ManagementBudget ManagementChange ManagementPerformance ManagementStrategy FormulationContent StrategySponsorship Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipRelationship BuildingResults OrientationOrganizational AgilityConflict ManagementNegotiationAdaptabilityEmotional MaturityCultural AwarenessDecisive Problem Solving

Certifications

MBABusiness CommunicationPublic RelationsMarketingSouth African Communications Association MembershipExhibition and Event Association Membership