View Vacancy - Press and Public Affairs Officer

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Communications, Press and Media

The British Embassy, Muscat has vacancy for the post of a Press and Public Affairs Officer, Grade – B3 (L).

 

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Embassy’s public profile and engaging with the Omani media.  This will include oversight of all external communications, public diplomacy campaigns, and monitoring perceptions of the UK (and the British Embassy) in Oman.  As the Press & Public Affairs Officer based in the PPA section, you will advise the wider Embassy on the local media environment, running media campaigns, placing content and liaising with local and regional media outlets. You will have a media, public relations or communications background and bring creativity, adding energy and innovation to the Embassy’s communication channels.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• To manage the Embassy’s communication channels:  To understand the UK’s policies and how these translate to the Omani context. 

• To develop vibrant communications channels to reach and influence the media and public. Organising press conferences, interviews and other functions. 

• Developing relevant press and political contacts such journalists.

• Content management: Preparing and placing content in the local media, writing press releases and blogs. Liaising with stakeholders and managing communications campaigns (and public diplomacy initiatives) in support of all Embassy sections.

• Media monitoring: Producing a daily written summary. To analyse trends and developments within the political scene and media environment.

• Maintaining a good knowledge of political events and developments (e.g. monitoring press and blogs; meeting press and other contacts regularly).

• To oversee all Embassy social media channels.

• To cover translation during the absence of the translator.

 

Competencies:

The candidate will need to demonstrate the following competencies during the interview:

• Seeing the Big Picture: Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Focussing your contribution on the activities which will meet Embassy goals and deliver the greatest value.

• 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.

• Managing a Quality Service: People, who are effective in this area plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service.

• Making Effective Decisions: It means showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well reasoned justifiable decisions.

Essential:


• Minimum two years of work experience in a relevant field (media, journalism, public relations, and communications, preferably in a bilateral or multilateral agency).
• Fluent in English and Arabic (both written and spoken, this will be tested).
• Translating complex documents.
• Candidates should be highly organised, have a track record as a team player and should be able to work in a diverse, high-performing environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build productive working relations with the Embassy’s stakeholders.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
• University-educated candidate.

Desirable:


• Knowledge of Oman’s Government and political system, culture, media environment and society.
• Internet-based social media diagnostics and video/photo editing skills.

6 July 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35
Middle East & North Africa
Oman
Muscat
British Embassy
1
OMR
1151
1 August 2017

Working Conditions and Remuneration:

The Embassy offers an attractive working environment and remuneration package for the role, including: salary of 1151 Omani Riyals per month inclusive of all allowances; recreational facilities including a swimming pool and social club.

Normal working hours are 07:30 – 14:30 Sunday to Thursday.  You will occasionally be required to attend evening functions.

The Embassy has excellent working conditions and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and social club. There is a holiday entitlement of 30 days per year (pro rated) following successful completion of a 3 month probation period. Holidays that have already been booked will be honoured. There are also national holidays determined annually by the Embassy which usually total 14 days per year.  Training will be provided as necessary.

To Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

1. A covering letter.

2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

** (Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter or motivation section in the application form. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).

 

The closing date for applications is 6 July 2017.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Telephone applications and enquiries will not be accepted.

The successful applicant's employment will only be confirmed after the completion of any security clearance/checks. The checks can take several weeks to complete and the applicant will only be employed if the UK security clearance is granted.

 

The British Embassy Muscat is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staffs recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Omani Employment Law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.