Deputy Press and Public Affairs Officer at British High Commission

Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Full-time
Working hours per week: 37.5
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media

Main Purpose of Job

• This is a 6 month role providing maternity leave cover working as the digital media lead within the Communications Team.
• The main objectives are 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, designing text and audio-visual material for use on the BHC media channels, and working with a broad range of media stakeholders 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
• Design, implement, monitor and assess impact-driven cross HMG communications strategy that include effective positioning, stakeholder engagement and advocacy to create and leverage communications opportunities;
• Initiate and maintain effective relationships with key constituencies (i.e. donors, civil society, academia, business, government agencies, etc.) to identify opportunities for possible strategic partnerships and to strengthen the UK Government overall effectiveness and image;
• Monitor and analyze current events and opinion in the media and with CSOs to identify and flag topics of interest or reputational risk related to the UK Government in Nigeria; and
• Ensure up to date content and quality assurance on the UK in Nigeria digital platforms including the website and social media platforms.

Essential Qualifications 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
• 3 to 5 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

Desirable Qualifications 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, Managing a Quality Service

Starting monthly Salary
N610,536

Application Start Date
1st February, 2018.