Deputy Press And Public Affairs Officer, B3 at British High Commission

Main purpose of job:
The successful candidate will work within the Press and Public Affairs Team to deliver and implement a range of communications tasks to support and project the objectives of HMG in Nigeria. Duties will include, but will not be limited to, managing the BHC digital media platforms, its audio-visual material and working with a broad range of journalists to deliver HMG messages.  The successful candidate will also provide tailored communications planning support to HMG departments working on the BHC platform.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Manage the British High Commission Abuja  webpage and digital media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter
• Keep a well organised electronic library of photos and audio/visual files for use in publications, productions or for release to the media
• Photograph and record  BHC and other HMG departments’ activities as required
• Monitor digital, print and broadcast media for issues of interest to the UK mission in Nigeria
• Maintain an up-to-date database of media contacts for the BHC, including staying engaged with a broad range of international and domestic journalists
• Prepare draft news releases for the press
• Work with Abuja-based HMG departments, including British Council, DFID, UKVI to establish and implement appropriate campaign plans and to ensure that HMG communication is coordinated
• Provide briefing and media handling support to the High Commissioner and other senior officials as required

Key competences required:

• Competence 1: Delivering a Quality Service  
• Competence 2:Delivering at Pace
• Competence 3: Engaging Internationally
• Competence 4: Seeing the Big Picture

Language requirements:

• Language: English
• Level of language required: Excellent command of written and spoken English

Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Essential on arrival:

• IT literate with specific knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel programmes
• Thorough knowledge of social media, including the ability to analyse usage in order to shape BHC engagement and to focus campaigns
• Appropriate work experience in a media, marketing or public relations role
• Excellent analytical, communication and presentation skills
• 3 to 5 years experience work experience in a media, marketing or public relations role

Desirable:

• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Evidence of designing and delivering communications plans
• Photography and/or graphic design skills
• The ability to work as part of a busy, creative team, as well as willingness to provide support to team members when needs be
• Resilience, flexibility and ability to deliver quality under pressure and strict timelines

Learning and development opportunities:

• International Communication Skills Course run by the FCO in London
• There are also opportunities to learn about and implement the FCO’s communications planning guide, to ensure communication is well targeted, delivered and evaluated
• Other formal and informal learning and development opportunities accessible through the FCO will be made available
• Photo production training if required