View Vacancy - Communications Manager

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 in Kuwait is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Communications Manager.

 

Purpose of the job:

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Embassy’s public profile and engaging with the Kuwaiti media.  This will include oversight of all external communications, public diplomacy campaigns, and monitoring perceptions of the UK (and the British Embassy) in Kuwait. You will need to understand and explain UK government policy and be able to present this to a local audience.  As the Communications Manager, based in the Political Section, you will advise the wider Embassy on the local media environment, running media campaigns, placing content, managing the Social Media Officer / Translator, 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.

 

Main Responsibilities:

• To manage the Embassy’s Communication channels:  To understand the UK’s policies and how these translate to the Kuwaiti context.  To develop vibrant communications channels to reach and influence the media and public. Organising press conferences, interviews and other functions. Acting as Arabic spokesperson as required.

• 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 (and oral update) of news relevant to the work and policies of the Embassy. To produce a weekly digest report of key articles / academic papers on Kuwaiti politics. To analyse trends and developments within the political scene and media environment.

• Developing relevant press and political contacts such as MPs, journalists, researchers, think-tanks. Maintaining a good knowledge of political events and developments (e.g. monitoring press and blogs; attending Diwaniyas, and meeting press and political contacts regularly). Advise Ambassador and team on key contacts. Attending key events within and on behalf of the Embassy.

• To oversee all Embassy social media channels, including line management of A2(L) Social Media Officer & Translator, and covering translation during their absences.

 

Key Competencies and Required Skills:

• Leading and Communicating – It’s about showing pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity and enthusiasm.

• Seeing the big picture – 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

• Managing a quality service –This area is about valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.

• Changing & Improving - It’s about being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in smarter and, more focused ways.

• Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.

• 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.

Essential:
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in a relevant field (media, journalism, public relations, communications, preferably in a bilateral or multilateral agency)
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic (this will be tested)
• 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 project implementers and wider stakeholders.
• Candidates need to confidently brief the senior management team within the Embassy and in London.
• Candidates should be numerate, with experience of working with financial information.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
• University-educated candidate.

Desirable:
• Knowledge of Kuwait’s Government and political system, culture, media environment and society;
• Internet-based social media diagnostics and video/photo editing skills or experience
Translation skills/experience

8 May 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
37
Middle East & North Africa
Kuwait
Kuwait
British Embassy
1
KWD
687
1 June 2017

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The position is full-time, at 37 hours a week with considerations of flexibility depending on circumstances. We are looking for someone who can start by end of May 2017 depending on the outcome of the security clearance.

Pay is on the Embassy B3 (L) scale, starting at 687KD per month depending on candidate’s skills and experience. The package also includes a good level of health insurance and an engaging working environment. We offer opportunities to develop professional skills through our Learning & Development offer. Leave entitlement is 25 days plus 14 public holidays.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

• Are legally resident in Kuwait;

• Complete local security checks.

 

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 above should be submitted in a doc (word) file format, MS Office 1997 – 2003.

 

The closing date for applications is 8 May 2017.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment will be contacted.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

Staffs recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Kuwait labour law.

The British Embassy Kuwait is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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.