View Vacancy - Communications Officer, Syria Office Beirut

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 Beirut has a vacancy for the position of Communications Officer – Syria Office Beirut, Grade – B3 (L).

Main purpose of job:

Are you a communications specialist? Are you an expert at social media? Are you able to evaluate our work to see if our communications is effective in highlighting our policies?

In this exciting and rewarding opportunity at the British Embassy in Beirut, you will work on one of the British Government’s highest priority policy areas in the Middle-East.  Based in the UK’s Syria Office, you will use and develop your existing skills to project and raise the profile of the UK’s policy on Syria, including on social media. Working with policy colleagues to highlight our work on the political track, human rights, gender and much more, no two days will be the same.  This is a fast-paced environment, collaborative environment where you will work closely with colleagues in London and the region.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • You will be responsible for producing fast-paced media and communications on a constantly evolving conflict, improving the reach and impact of the UK’s messages, and helping to influence global opinion.
  • With direction from your manager based in London and colleagues from across the network, you will maintain the UK Government’s main digital platforms for Syria.  Using your knowledge, you will create effective communication campaigns that helps to give a platform to Syrian voices, mobilise social and mainstream media and promote UK policy.
  • As an expert on social media, you will ensure that there are regular and strategic updates to our social media channels, working with staff in London, across the Syria Overseas Network and our partners across the UK Government to highlight UK objectives through developing campaigns. You will be responsible for developing and designing a rich calendar of dual-language (English and Arabic) social-first digital content, tracking and reporting back on the performance and impact of our communications.
  • As part of your role, you will be expected to produce evaluations on our work, analyse the social media landscape and keep track of current trends and influencers on Syria.
  • This role will require you to ensure our communications support the whole spectrum of the UK’s Syria policy, from shining the spotlight on human rights abuses, and raising understanding of the UK’s support for a political solution to the conflict, to pressing for humanitarian access and promoting the UK Government’s Chevening scholarship programme to Syrians.
  • You will be working closely with the UK Government’s communications teams based in London and the regional media hub in Dubai, providing guidance and advice on the Syrian media landscape and audiences, and supporting the UK’s Special Representative for Syria, raising his profile when he is in the region. This will include supporting him on digital communications, arranging interviews with the media and ensuring he is well briefed on media developments.
  • You will also work closely with British government colleagues across the network, including those working on wider UK Government priorities such as counter-terrorism, sexual and gender-based violence, UK Aid and more.

Key Competences required for the job:

  • 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.
  • Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. For all staff, it is about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
  • Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It is about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
  • 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:

  • Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic (both spoken and written)
  • Excellent social media skills particularly Facebook and Twitter
  • Excellent communications skills (planning, implementation and evaluation)
  • Resilience and ability to work under pressure and on own initiative
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Keen team player, able to work with colleagues in multiple locations, including being remotely managed
  • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skill with a strong client based approach
  • Minimum 3 years of work experience working in an international organisation on communications

Desirable:

  • We are keen to encourage applications from a range of nationalities, including Syrians
  • Degree in media or communications
20 October 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
12 months
Middle East & North Africa
Lebanon
Beirut
British Embassy
1
USD
2759
20 November 2019

Working Hours and Remuneration:

Conditioned working hours are 40 hours gross per week. The Embassy is committed to ensuring that you are able to maintain a suitable work-life balance. Leave entitlement is 20 days (on pro rata basis) plus 14 public holidays. 

Some flexibility in working hours will be permitted subject to negotiation and agreement. The successful candidate will be required to attend set weekly meetings and some internal and external events possibly after working hours.

The embassy offers an attractive working environment and a competitive remuneration package of $ 2,759 monthly for this role in line with local labour law (including transport, family, education allowances, and medical insurance coverage).

This is a Full Time, Fixed Term position for 12 months with possibility of extension. The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 days probationary period. 

You will have the opportunity to attend the FCO’s 5-day international communication course and to learn how to edit and subtitle videos.  You will benefit from the Embassy’s learning and development programme and well as skills learnt through the FCO’s world class Diplomatic Academy.  Some of your training will be based in locations outside of Lebanon, e.g in London, Dubai etc.

Eligibility:

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

  • Receive the appropriate level of security clearance;
  • Have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Lebanon. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility.

Application Process:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online. 

  1. An updated Curriculum Vitae
  2. Please provide examples of performance in each competency on the motivation section of the online application form.
  3. A covering letter stating why you feel you have the necessary skills to perform well in the above role.

*** (Applications that do not include the above information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Beirut Time) on 20 October 2019.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Interviews will be held at the British Embassy Beirut Office. Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted. 

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed 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 and reference checks.

 

The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Lebanon employment 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.