View Vacancy - Head of Communications
Main purpose of job:
The Head of Communications, Karachi, will cover the whole breadth of communications – including planning a strategic approach to communications at the British Deputy High Commission, proactively devising communication activity and taking photos and videos at events for social media. As the sole, lead communicator in Karachi, the role must pro-actively drive communications for the mission, independently produce and manage communications and develop strong relations with Karachi-based media to promote positive, accurate reporting about the UK, and commentary on the key themes of the Integrated Delivery Plan.
Roles and responsibilities :
Working with both the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi and the communications department in Islamabad, to be the Karachi-based Head of Communications for the Deputy High Commission in Karachi, covering communications in Sindh and Balochistan.
The role includes:
- To be the Urdu spokesperson to the media and the lead in public diplomacy in the Deputy High Commission
- Lead and manage all communications activity at the Deputy High Commission in Karachi, working in conjunction with colleagues in Karachi and Islamabad, including handling sensitive issues, promoting events at the Deputy High Commission, and showcasing UK-Pakistan trade relations.
- Act as press secretary – including proactively devising and executing communications activity such as speeches, visits and events – for the Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, the Deputy Head of Mission in Karachi and any senior staff visiting Karachi.
- Act as the leading contact for Karachi-based media, setting up meetings for colleagues and maintaining a strong relationship
- Produce high quality communications materials for the Deputy High Commission in both English and Urdu. This should include drafting speeches, press release and articles.
- To develop a strong understanding of HMG policy in relation to Pakistan and provide media analysis to policy colleagues.
- Provide media analysis to inform policy development on Pakistan
In coordination with Islamabad communications department, oversee media engagement in Islamabad including sensitive issues, crisis communications and international media engagement.
Education: Graduation Degree.
Experience: 5+ years of enriched experience of the Pakistani media landscape.
Language requirements:
Language: English and Urdu
Level of language required: Fluent
Salary Package:
For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.
For other than BHC candidates, salary will be PKR 217,516 per month.
The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.
Around half of our work force is women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
Learning and development opportunities:
There may be an opportunity to attend the week-long International Comms Skills course in London or the wider region.
To Apply:
Please note that the applications without (a), (b) and (c) will not be considered:
(a) Complete the Online Application Form.
(b) Attach a detailed CV.
(c) Complete the Motivation section in the online application form (no more than 600 words) setting out why you are the suitable person for this role. Your statement should include clear examples of how you meet the key competences.
Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) else the application will not be considered
We will accept only online applications by 29th October 2017midnight.
- Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.
- The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, educational and professional.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.
This opportunity is closed to applications.