View Vacancy - Communications Officer

The Political Team in British Embassy in Cairo is seeking a Communications Officer grade B3 (L).

Main purpose of the job:

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative, ambitious and highly motivated individual to play a key role in the Embassy’s high-profile public diplomacy and media work. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Communications, and will work closely with the Ambassador and Embassy teams. He/she will implement the Embassy’s communications strategy through a range activities: acting as a press advisor to the Ambassador and wider Embassy, running media campaigns, placing content with press and liaising closely with local journalists, and delivering press briefings for the Embassy and senior visitors from London.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Secure the right press coverage for the UK in Egypt, including by issuing press releases, statements and op-eds, and responding to media requests.
• Maintain good relationships with all main media outlets in Egypt and develop a regional and pan-Arab network in order to increase Embassy reach. Provide advice to different Embassy teams on varieties of coverage available, opportunities for media and how incorporating press coverage into their work will help achieve objectives.
• Provide clear written and oral briefings to the Ambassador and senior colleagues on the Egyptian media landscape and developments in the Egyptian press.
• Monitor TV, online news, print media and radio to proactively identify media developments throughout the day. Provide analysis on specific policy issues and political developments for senior audiences in London.
• Arrange interviews, roundtables, and conferences, and proactively brief journalists to ensure maximum reach and impact for the Embassy.
• Create and deliver innovative media strategies to amplify key messages and campaigns, including for VIP visits and large public events.
• Advise on language, tone and delivery of content, including for media interviews.
• Additional tasks as required, including swift and accurate translation, covering for Digital Diplomacy Officer, including running the Embassy social media channels (creating content such as videos/graphics/photo editing), and supporting events. Provide communications support during crises, including acting as Field Press Officer.

Key Competencies:

• Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. 
• Seeing the Big Picture - Is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. 

• Excellent English and Arabic written and verbal communication skills;
• Wide network of press contacts;
• Excellent knowledge of the Egyptian media landscape and how to maximise reach and influence;
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including ability to work quickly, accurately, flexibly, and to tight deadlines;
• A degree from a reputable university;
• Strong organisational skills;
• A minimum of two years working in a related field.