SANGONeT
Sangonet (Southern African NGO Network) is a well-established non-profit organization that uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in South Africa. Two key career roles within Sangonet are Social Work and Communications Officer, both vital to the organization’s mission of empowering civil society through digital and development initiatives.
In this job post, we will explore the responsibilities, salaries, requirements, and application process for these positions at Sangonet.
Social Worker at Sangonet: Job Overview
A Social Worker at Sangonet plays a key role in providing direct support and services to vulnerable communities, often working through partner NGOs to ensure that societal challenges such as poverty, healthcare, education, and social injustice are addressed.
Social Worker Responsibilities
- Community engagement: Working closely with communities and NGOs to identify challenges, needs, and opportunities for support.
- Case management: Providing social support services, managing cases related to health, education, or family welfare.
- Advocacy: Advocating for individuals and communities by ensuring they have access to necessary services, rights, and resources.
- Training and capacity building: Developing and delivering workshops or training sessions for communities or NGOs on issues like mental health, gender equality, or child protection.
- Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with NGOs to deliver services, support outreach programs, and promote social development initiatives.
- Reporting and documentation: Maintaining accurate records of cases, interventions, and services provided, and preparing reports for stakeholders and donors.
Communications Officer at Sangonet: Job Overview
A Communications Officer at Sangonet is responsible for managing the organization’s public relations, developing content, and executing communication strategies to promote its mission and engage with stakeholders.
This role involves creating and managing communication platforms, including NGO Pulse, to ensure Sangonet’s message reaches its target audience effectively.
Communications Officer Responsibilities
- Content creation: Writing and editing content for various platforms, including websites, newsletters, social media, and press releases.
- Digital marketing: Managing digital platforms such as NGO Pulse, and running email marketing campaigns to promote Sangonet’s services and initiatives.
- Social media management: Developing and executing social media strategies to increase engagement, grow the online community, and raise awareness of NGO activities.
- Brand management: Ensuring that Sangonet’s brand and messaging are consistent across all communication channels.
- Event promotion: Coordinating the promotion of events, such as workshops, conferences, and campaigns, to increase visibility and participation.
- Media relations: Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure coverage of Sangonet’s work and initiatives.
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborating with NGOs, donors, and civil society partners to ensure the successful delivery of communication strategies.
Salaries for Social Workers and Communications Officers at Sangonet
The salary ranges for these roles at Sangonet vary depending on experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Below are estimated salary ranges for each position:
- Social Worker: R180,000 – R350,000 per year
The salary range may vary depending on the level of experience, location, and scope of the social work involved. - Communications Officer: R180,000 – R350,000 per year
Communications Officers with more experience, particularly in managing large campaigns or platforms like NGO Pulse, may earn salaries on the higher end of this range.
Educational Requirements for Social Workers and Communications Officers at Sangonet
Both roles require specific educational qualifications and experience, depending on the level of responsibility.
Social Worker Requirements
- Degree or diploma in Social Work from an accredited institution.
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
- Experience: 2–5 years of experience in social work, preferably within the non-profit or development sector.
- Skills: Strong communication, empathy, case management, and advocacy skills are essential for this role.
- Specialized knowledge: Expertise in areas such as child protection, mental health, or community development is highly valuable.
Communications Officer Requirements
- Diploma or degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
- Experience: 2–4 years of experience in communications, digital marketing, or public relations, ideally within the non-profit sector.
- Skills: Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills are critical. Proficiency in digital marketing tools (e.g., SEO, Google Analytics) and social media management is also required.
- Media relations experience: The ability to build and maintain media contacts and manage press coverage.
Skills That Boost Your Chances
In addition to formal qualifications, certain skills can significantly enhance your application for both Social Work and Communications Officer roles at Sangonet.
Key Skills for Social Workers
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity: The ability to relate to and work with diverse communities facing various social challenges.
- Problem-solving: Creativity and resourcefulness in addressing community issues, finding solutions, and accessing services.
- Advocacy and networking: Establishing relationships with NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate service delivery.
- Report writing: Strong documentation skills to maintain accurate case files and prepare reports for donors and stakeholders.
Key Skills for Communications Officers
- Content creation: Proficiency in creating engaging and informative content across multiple platforms (websites, newsletters, social media).
- Digital marketing expertise: Knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and social media marketing to boost the visibility of Sangonet’s platforms and campaigns.
- Brand storytelling: The ability to craft compelling stories that reflect Sangonet’s mission and impact, capturing the attention of NGOs, donors, and the public.
- Event promotion: Skills in coordinating and promoting events, ensuring high levels of participation and engagement.
Experience and Training Needed
Social Worker Experience
- Direct social work experience: At least 2–5 years in social work, with practical experience in case management, advocacy, and community outreach.
- Specialized training: Training in fields such as trauma counseling, child welfare, or community development can be highly beneficial.
Communications Officer Experience
- Communications or public relations experience: At least 2–4 years of experience in communications, with a strong background in digital marketing, content creation, or media relations.
- Training: Additional training in SEO, social media management, or content marketing can enhance your application. Certificates in Google Analytics or digital marketing are valuable assets.
How to Apply for Social Work or Communications Officer Jobs at Sangonet
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit Sangonet’s Website: Check the Sangonet website or NGO Pulse for current job listings.
- Search for Available Positions: Look for Social Worker or Communications Officer job openings that match your skills and experience.
- Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight your social work or communications experience. In your cover letter, explain your interest in Sangonet and how your background aligns with their mission.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the application instructions provided on the job listing, which usually involves submitting your documents through email or an online portal.
- Follow Up: If you do not hear back within a few weeks, follow up with the HR department to inquire about your application status.