View Vacancy - Healthcare & Communications Advisor (ESP18.357)

The British Embassy in Madrid is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are seeking to recruit a Healthcare & Communications Advisor to join the Department of Health & Social Care’s local Healthcare Team.

Main Purpose of Job:

The role of the Healthcare and Communications Advisor is:

• To support the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) in the research and implementation of new policy by providing on-the-ground analysis, insight and impact assessment;
• To lead on creating, developing and implementing the DHSC EEA communications strategy, narrative and official lines, working closely with colleagues across the DHSC and FCO to ensure consistent, timely and accurate messaging;
• To create and maintain a network of knowledgeable and influential external and internal stakeholders, to help inform the team´s work and progress objectives;
• To lead on frontline operations, ensuring operational performance measures are achieved, and the team’s casework is delivered effectively and in line with DHSC and Consular guidance;
• To contribute to the team´s Country Business Plan, supporting other areas of work and responding flexibly to changing priorities;

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy Support and Impact Assessment

• Research and report on local/practical framework for potential new DHSC policy areas, providing on-the-ground insight and impact assessment to inform DHSC policy-making;
• Engage with colleagues across HMG to gain wider understanding and impact of policy changes;
• Engage with external stakeholders where appropriate to gauge perception on policy areas or potential policy changes;

Communications and Engagement

• Devise and lead on the delivery of EU-wide comms with a focus on digital communications through partner organisations;
• Support the team in identifying key customer messages through casework trends and policy analysis;
• Create interesting, pertinent and high quality content for traditional and digital comms work (blog entries, infographics, social media posts, tweets, videos, press releases, presentations etc.);
• Monitor and update websites (Gov.uk & Healthcareinspain.eu);
• Ensure positive impact from all FCO/DHSC events, visits and other public engagement activities across the region, by creating appropriate content, providing briefing material and participating where appropriate;

Project Work

• Lead/support as appropriate on DHSC projects, e.g. EEA Oxygen Process;
• Identify opportunities for new projects which help expand on current DHSC objectives;
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery of project work and maximise outcome;

 Casework

• Identify and lead on complex or high-profile casework referred by the public or escalated internally;
• Liaise with UK and local EEA healthcare authorities to support and resolve vulnerable cases, maintaining excellent working relationships in order to do so;
• Quality control advice given through best practice meetings and updating of the ‘Knowledge Base’;
• Act as point of contact for troubleshooting and resolution of any issues related to current frontline service provision, including IT issues;
• Lead on MP letters and complaints, ensuring accurate and timely responses are produced and logged;

Budget and Stats

• Produce mid-year and annual reports covering operations, communications, policy and website analytics;
• Produce mid-year and annual budget reports with recommendations, and provide planning/forecasting docs as required;
• Monitor team’s budget to ensure funds are being spent where agreed, in line with DHSC spending guidance, and source any extra funding/resources as required;

• EU Reciprocal healthcare policy – in-depth knowledge of EU Regulation 883/2004 on the Coordination of Social Security, and its implementing Regulation 987/2009;
• In-depth knowledge of Spanish and French social security policy and any inconsistencies in comparison to EU policy;
• Knowledge of residency rights and requirements in UK and across the EU;
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Eu Exit issues;
• Digital and traditional communications expertise;
• Data analysis and reporting;
• Stakeholder management and engagement skills;
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Strong oral/written communication skills;
• The ability to complete work to a high standard under pressure;
• The ability to manage competing demands and priorities effectively;
• Budget Management;
• Expert use of Microsoft Office package, Sharepoint, WordPress, Bitly, Piktochart and Google Analytics;
• Fluency in written and spoken English, Spanish and French;
• Executing communication strategies;
• HMG/public sector experience;
• Excellent customer service experience;