Press and Public Affairs Officer at British High Commission

Job ref.:24/19 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 24 months
Start Date: 1st August, 2019.
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)

Main Purpose of Job

• This is an exciting role helping to deliver through communications a renewed UK partnership with Africa on a range of shared interests.  The role is based in Lagos, contributing to the larger communications team based in Abuja.
• Reporting to the Head of Communications in Abuja, the successful candidate will work within the Communications Team as the Lago- based Press and Public Affairs Officer.  
• The main objectives are to deliver and implement a range of communications tasks to support and project the objectives of the British government in Nigeria.
• Duties will include, but will not be limited to, designing text and audio-visual material for use on the British High Commission media channels, and working with a broad range of media stakeholders to deliver UK messages.  
• The successful candidate will also provide tailored communications planning support to British government departments working on the High Commission platform.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work with Lagos based British government departments, including British Council, DFID, DIT, UKVI to establish and implement appropriate campaign plans ensuring cross-government communication is coordinated both within Lagos and across the network
• Monitor digital, print and broadcast media for issues of interest to the UK mission in Nigeria
• Effectively manage media relationships acting as the first point of contact for interviews and media requests including drafting news releases and press lines
• Provide media support to the Deputy British High Commissioner and British High Commissioner on visits to Lagos and the South West.
• Create graphics to communicate messages that inspire, inform and engage audiences on the BHC digital channels.
• Photograph and record British Deputy High Commission and other government departments’ activities as required

Job Requirements
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Thorough knowledge of social media, including the ability design strategy and analyse usage in order to shape BHC engagement and to focus campaigns
• Appropriate work experience in a media, marketing, advertising or public relations role
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication and presentation skills
• 1 to 3 years’ experience work experience in a media, advertising, marketing or public relations role
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Strong collaborative skills including professional and confident communication with external stakeholders and team members
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Evidence of substantial post-high school study – either an undergraduate degree or a recognised professional qualification of similar standing

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Evidence of designing and delivering communications plans
• The ability to work as part of a busy, creative team, as well as willingness to provide support to team members when needs be
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Resilience, flexibility and ability to deliver quality under pressure and strict timelines
• Project or event management/experience

Required competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace

Remuneration
Starting monthly salary: NGN 514,764.63

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• International Communications
• Digital Communications

Working patterns:

• There may be opportunities for flexible working patterns, and if required, should be discussed with the hiring manager.