View Vacancy - Political, 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 High Commission in Port of Spain is seeking a dynamic self starter for the position of Political, Press and Public Affairs Officer (Grade B3), on a two year renewable contract basis. This is a demanding representational role that involves contributing to the delivery and public presentation of UK activity in Trinidad and Tobago. The successful candidate will: deliver the High Commission’s communications strategy and proactively manage all traditional and social media communications; provide high quality analytical reporting on local politics and the UK effort; inform and deliver on the UK’s human rights policy; prepare briefing for and manage the delivery of VIP and naval ships’ visits; engage with local civil society and international colleagues, representing the High Commission at high level events and meetings; and manage the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship Scheme for Trinidad and Tobago.




Roles and Responsibilities


Policy/Political/Visits

  • Provide high quality analytical reporting on local developments and on UK activity in Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on internal politics, security, human rights and anti-corruption.
  • Co-ordinate the British High Commission’s (BHC’s) effort to deliver UK policy on human rights, including working closely with civil society, academia and government institutions.
  • Engage internationally, representing the BHC at high level events and meetings.
  • Prepare briefings for and lead on programmes for official and VIP visits. 

Communications

  • Deliver the BHC’s communications strategy and run multimedia profile raising campaigns to boost the BHC’s profile and ensure the UK Government’s messages are covered in a positive way.
  • Build relationships with the local media and proactively lead all traditional and social media communications for the BHC, including drafting and placing high quality OpEds and press releases.
  • Provide weekly media monitoring reports for internal and London colleagues.

Chevening Scholarships

  • Administer the local Chevening Scholarship Scheme, including advertising and promotion, short listing, interviewing and managing pre-departure arrangements.
  • Support the development of the Trinidad & Tobago Chevening Alumni Association as an active force for good, and spot opportunities for members to support the delivery of UK objectives.



  • A minimum of a first degree.
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a demanding communications, media or similar role.
  • Strong project management experience.
  • A thorough understanding of local politics and interest in international human rights issues.
  • Demonstrated networking skills, including the  ability to build relationships in government, private and third sectors.
  • Demonstrated communications skills, including the ability to draft high quality media releases and political analysis at pace.
  • The ability to work on his/her own initiative and to work well with others.
  • A high standard of integrity and confidentiality demonstrated by a proven track record of excellence in a  position of trust.
9 May 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time
39
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Trinidad and Tobago
Port Of Spain
British High Commission
1
TTD
174,837
3 July 2017

This position is being offered on a two year renewable contract basis. The annual salary is TT$174,837 with eligibility for an annual performance related bonus. In addition, the High Commission offers an attractive range of benefits including: generous annual leave entitlement from year one, with additional leave offered for academic study and volunteer activities; health insurance extending to immediate family; a collegiate working environment in which every member of staff is highly valued; strong recognition for achievement, including through monthly and annual awards; and, among others, use of the High Commission’s excellent recreational facility.


Candidates must have independent status to work and reside in Trinidad and Tobago. This requires the individual to be a citizen, have permanent residence, or be in possession of a valid work permit. Candidates must also be willing to attend occasional out of hours events.


Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Service according to Trinidad and Tobago employment law.

Resume and a cover letter should be submitted by 9 May 2017.  Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work and reside in Trinidad and Tobago.  Internal candidates must address their line manager before submitting their application.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by 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.