View Vacancy - Senior Communications Officer (DEU21.509)
The British Embassy in Berlin is a large overseas mission in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) network, with a considerable number of official visitors including Royals and senior ministers. We are looking for a Senior Communications Officer.
This role is at the heart of the UK’s diplomatic network in Germany, working on a wide variety of issues, from visits by the Royal Family to joint action at the UN. Reporting to the head of the communications team, the jobholder will manage at least one colleague and be part of a wider Public Diplomacy Section, responsible for all external messaging and campaigns for the embassy in Berlin as well as the consulates in Düsseldorf and Munich. Our overarching goal is to enhance the UK’s reputation in Germany and encourage closer cooperation between our two countries. The jobholder will need to work closely with the Ambassador and the Foreign Office in London to develop engaging content and provide advice on handling German media.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with Embassy colleagues and partners (e.g. British Council, Visit Britain), design and deliver innovative and engaging public diplomacy campaigns which promote the UK’s brand in Germany and encourage closer cooperation between our countries. Collect audience insight, build external partnerships, manage public-facing events and evaluate our impact in support of these campaigns.
- Develop a network of media contacts, in person and through senior staff in the Germany network and visiting VIPs, in support of delivery of these campaigns. Provide media handling and logistical support for media engagements as required.
- Contribute to the embassy network’s social media presence, providing engaging and innovative content, which showcases activity by the Germany Network.
- Line manage one Communications Officer, supporting delivery of their own communications output and enabling them to develop their skills and widen their experiences.
- Contribute to Embassy communications during a crisis, and to wider work of the Germany Network in accordance with the grading and core competencies of the job.
- Participate actively in our corporate agenda, helping to build an inclusive and developmental culture within the team and wider Network, consistent with our values of Compassion, Acting Professionally and Respecting Everyone.
- Excellent oral and written English and German (to at least level C2 CEFR);
- Strategic comms planning, including using a range of methods and data to collect audience insight and evaluate activity;
- Content creation for social media, ideally including some photo/video shooting and editing skills;
- Media skills: classic media handling, drafting press releases, briefings, statements, interview, social media and opinion pieces placement;
- Organizational skills: press conferences, background briefings, events;
- Experience in communications, journalism or a related field;
- Experience of planning and executing communication campaigns, drafting social media posts, and conducting digital campaigns is essential;
- Ability to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives;
- Knowledge about media landscape in Germany is essential preferably with some engagement with government communications;
- Availability to travel across Germany and occasionally work in the evenings or on weekends, including in the case of a crisis affecting UK nationals in Germany.
- Knowledge of and contacts in German media (broadcast and print);
- Filming and editing skills for videos and infographics;
- Photography skills;
- Line management experience;
- Knowledge of and interest in UK politics and culture.
This is a full-time fixed-term position for a contract period of two years, which may be extended by mutual agreement.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Our Learning & Development environment:
The British Embassy has a strong ethos of Learning & Development, including our Learning & Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all staff.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the British Embassy’s positive working environment.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
*Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C2 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; can express fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
