View Vacancy - NZA - Public Affairs Officer, A2
Working as part of the Political and Communications teams, the Public Affairs Officer supports the delivery of the British Government’s work in New Zealand by providing advice and support in Auckland aligned to policy priorities.
This role encompasses traditional political networking skills and analysis and reporting of political issues. The role also includes communications and media duties, events management and some digital communication.
Working closely with the rest of the Political and Communications team based in the British High Commission in Wellington and the team in the Consulate-General, the job holder will need to be able to work independently, whilst operating as part of a wider – but remote - team. Strategic thinking combined with creative ideas, and good planning and self-management are all intrinsic parts of this job. The role requires the job holder to harness a wide range of traditional and new media tools to get our communications messages out, and engage closely with policy leads across the Network.
The jobholder reports to the Senior Political Officer (SPO) and is responsible for providing support to the SPO’s analysis of New Zealand domestic policy issues as they relate to Auckland. This includes recommending action to the SPO that ensures UK interests are protected and enhanced on issues affecting UK policy and/or UK-New Zealand relations.
The jobholder will identify opportunities for engagement in Auckland by senior diplomatic staff and provide support to the High Commissioner and Deputy on their visits to Auckland, as well as co-ordination for political inward visits from the UK to Auckland, including the organisation of programmes, logistics and briefing material for visiting Foreign Office ministers and officials.
The jobholder will be expected to develop and manage a network of contacts in Auckland including local government, core government agencies, policymakers, and political opinion-makers.
The job holder will have the opportunity to support other members of the Political team on the delivery of specific domestic policy portfolios including education, justice, health and social policies. The jobholder will be expected to take the lead for the development and delivery the Auckland branch of the High Commission’s future Leaders network.
Influence external stakeholders and organise events in support of HMG priorities
- Identify appropriate opportunities for senior diplomatic staff to engage with and influence civic and political leaders in Auckland
- Identify opportunities to publicise Britain in and around Auckland and subsequently work with senior staff to deliver these opportunities. This work might include maintaining a watch on forthcoming speeches, seminars and conferences where the UK might benefit from being present
- Develop visit programmes in Auckland for the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner
- Develop a deep network of contacts around Auckland to support the delivery of Country Business Plan objectives.
Press activity and responses
- Working under the direction of the Communications Manager in Wellington, draft and adapt press releases for NZ Media
- Work with the Digital Communications Manager on publicising BHC and BCG events
- Respond to straight forward media enquiries , liaising with the Communications Manager in Wellington and\or the SPO to respond where appropriate
- Develop a network of contacts among Auckland based media
- Publish news stories for the BHC’s Gov.UK site.
- A minimum of three years relevant work experience
- An aptitude for political and policy analysis
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A sound understanding of the New Zealand system of government
- Strong relationship management skills
- Prior visits management experience
Salary is up to $59,737 per annum (paid monthly) dependent on qualifications and experience, plus up to 5% superannuation subsidy on a $ for $ basis. The role offers great learning and development opportunities, through formal training, on-the-job learning and taking on new challenges.
Appointment is subject to achieving a clean New Zealand Police records search and UK security clearance.
Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
The British Government supports flexible working practices.
Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in New Zealand. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Candidates must have or be able to obtain work authorisation for New Zealand in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the High Commission is 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 (NZDT), 18 May 2018.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
