View Vacancy - NZW - Communications Officer, Wellington, A2(L)

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)
Economic and Prosperity

The bilateral relationship with New Zealand is a priority for the UK. Managing our public messaging is a key part of that relationship, and is at the heart of our work as the UK in NZ team. 2020 is an exciting time for the UK, as we shape a new trading relationship with NZ and drive towards an ambitious and transformative COP at a crucial moment for climate change action. And we are doing so in the context of the global COVID crisis.

At the British High Commission in Wellington, our work covers the full range of UK government interests – political, trade, defence, science, economics, visas and consular policy. We operate in a fascinating, fast-paced environment, working closely with New Zealand on a wide range of issues that reinforce our shared values. Our Wellington-based Comms Team supports the whole UK in NZ network, and works closely with colleagues in smaller missions across the Pacific region.

Good planning and self-management are all part of this fast-paced job. Working to the Communications Manager and as part of the joint Political and Communications Team, you will support UK in NZ campaigns covering the full range of our work. You will need to build your relationships across the UK team to understand colleagues’ work and how your role supports that, feeding back on public perceptions of the UK through media monitoring and reporting. You will advise on the most appropriate channels to use, whether social or traditional media, public events, or working through others to promote our message.

You will work alongside another Communications Officer focused on Trade, and be jointly responsible for the day to day management and use of social media channels and evaluation of our engagement. You will ensure our message remains consistent, clear and relevant to the New Zealand audience.

You will lead our event management, working closely with policy leads, the High Commissioner’s Residence team and colleagues at the British Council to design and deliver events tailored to specific policy priorities and maximise their impact through public messaging when appropriate. You will also be responsible for our podcast series, spotting opportunities for potential subjects, planning, recording and uploading our content.

Your external relationships will also be important, as will your understanding of the NZ media landscape. As the potential for international travel evolves, you will support the Communications Manager and Political Team with Ministerial and senior visits to NZ.

You will join a vibrant and friendly High Commission team which welcomes challenge and takes a collaborative approach to shared challenges. The role will offer the ability to work flexibly. The incumbent has been recently promoted within the High Commission.

The diversity of our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. The British High Commission is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We aspire to reflect the bicultural nature of New Zealand. 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, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Campaigns – 40%

  • Work with the Head of Political and Communications and the wider Team to understand overarching policy objectives.
  • Work with the Communications Manager to deliver UK in NZ campaigns across multiple channels (digital, TV, radio, print, events).
  • Stay attuned to emerging issues that affect the UK in NZ, formulating responses in coordination with relevant sections/departments.
  • Evaluate and report on UKinNZ public campaigns to inform future approach

Event Management – 20%

  • Plan and deliver a variety of events tailored to policy objectives. Develop and deliver associated comms plans where relevant.

Digital – 30 %

  • Planning and production of digital media (podcasts, video, live-streams) 

Web editing for GOV.UK Media monitoring – 10%

  • Monitor local and global media and to provide timely, relevant reporting on UK coverage and public perceptions of the UK or UK priorities.
  • Knowledge of the NZ media landscape, including familiarity with digital and social media, and willingness to learn new skills
  • Interest in, and understanding of, NZ and UK political landscapes
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to treat others with respect and courtesy regardless of work pressures
  • Able to work effectively and supportively with colleagues, both individually and in teams
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Flexibility to meet the demands of a varied work schedule and contribute to the wider work of the British High Commission
  • Experience managing budgets
  • Experience of developing and delivering events
10 July 2020
Administrative Officer (AO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Asia Pacific
New Zealand
Wellington
British High Commission
1
NZD
NZ$5,208
10 August 2020

The British High Commission is committed to learning and development for all staff, placing a strong emphasis on both personal and team development.


This job itself offers huge scope for personal and professional development, covering the full range of the UK’s public messaging in New Zealand, with reach across the Pacific to our regional network. In addition, a wide range of Learning & Development opportunities are available, with access to specialist courses and training, our annual L&D camp and some international travel (COVID-permitting), including to the UK. We would recommend early completion of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office International Communications Skills course.

Normal office hours are 8.45am to 5.00pm. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop a pattern of working that works best for you and the wider team. The BHC supports flexible working, including some working from home. There will be a requirement for occasional and limited out-of-hours work around major events and visits.

Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000 and gaining and maintaining Posts security clearance requirements.

Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and candidates with current local work permit . Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Staff recruited locally by the High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local New Zealand employment law. 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process.  To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

For more information on the work of the British High Commission, visit our website - http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand.

All applications must be received before 23:55 (NZD10 July 2020.

Applications must address experience against the role responsibilities in the cover letter and also include a current CV.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

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.