View Vacancy - AUH/ DXB - Media Officer, Press and Public Affairs Team (EO)
The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a vacancy for a Media Officer in the Press and Public Affairs (PPA) Team, on a fixed term contract of three (3) years with the possibility of renewal.
Reporting to the Head of Communications, the jobholder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the British Embassy’s conventional media operation, in particular preparing and implementing media plans for visits and events. This will include drafting press releases and OpEds, and organising Newspaper, TV and Radio interviews. The Media Officer will also be required to monitor local and regional media and produce a daily news summary and translate media products from English to Arabic and Arabic to English where applicable.
Whilst the role may be based in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the jobholder will be required to visit both Embassies, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and to operational needs.
Duties and responsibilities:
Media Engagement
- Lead on preparing and executing media plans in support of the full range of UK Government activity in the UAE;
- Work with all UK government departments in the UAE to support and amplify key messages through traditional media (newspaper, online, TV and Radio);
- Build and maintain excellent relationships with UAE media and UK/regional/international media based in the UAE;
- Produce a daily press summary of UAE-specific reporting and local/regional reporting about the UK and regional issues;
- Identify comms opportunities for the delivery of UK priorities in the UAE;
- Managing communication plans for VIP visits and events;
- Contributing to and running specific campaigns in support of UK policies and Global Britain agenda;
- Helping to shape stories in the UAE media that have a strong UK/UAE bilateral focus;
- Providing media support across a range of high profile trade and investment events (e.g. Dubai Air Show, IDEX etc).
Other
- Provide cover for PPA team members during periods of absence including producing content for social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn).
The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.
Key behaviours required:
- Seeing the Big Picture - Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
- Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
- Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
- Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
- Fluent in English and Arabic, both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely. Able to type effectively and accurately in Arabic and English
- High-quality communications and drafting skills with strong networking and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of working either for or with media, or in a public facing communications role for at least one year.
- Knowledge of the UAE, GCC countries and wider region.
- Understanding of strategic communications.
- Ability to work seamlessly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate successfully with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Strong attention to detail. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of work.
- Resilient, decisive with a can-do attitude, and calm under pressure and with a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
- Experience of using social media and creating digital content including photographs and videos.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be available in a full time capacity.
- Applicants must be able to obtain a valid UAE police clearance certificate.
Working hours and remuneration:
The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including: 25 days of leave per annum; on-site swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities (subject to COVID-19 restrictions).
Salary is at AED 14,059 per month.
There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday, from 07:30 to 18:00. Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week (including breaks), and specific working hours for this role will be confirmed at a later time.
Whilst the role may be based in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the jobholder may be required to visit the Embassy in the other Emirate, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and to operational needs. The jobholder should be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will also be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evenings/ weekends). Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.
On the job and specialist training will be provided.
The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.
How to apply:
Interested candidates must attach 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) 2) a covering letter/ motivation essay stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and 3) examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.
Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.
Closing date for applications is at 23:55 (local time) on 19 October 2022.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Process:
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.
Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step of the recruitment process will be contacted. Assessments and/ or interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.
The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
