View Vacancy - COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMMES OFFICER for the Port Louis post (04/23 PL)

This is an exciting opportunity at the heart of the British High Commission’s Political & Programmes Section. The job holder will lead on communications activity at the British High Commission, including organising external events, establishing and managing stakeholder relations, and developing and managing innovative social media activities.  The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and able strategist who can calibrate the right messages, identify the correct audiences, and shape communications through a range of communication channels.

The job holder will also work closely with the Head of Political & Programmes on planning and delivery of the High Commission’s development projects.  This involves collaboration with project implementing partners and stakeholders to help manage and monitor projects, and ensure UK funds are spent in a cost effective and timely manner. The successful candidate will have programme management experience.

Roles and responsibilities:

Communications - 60%

• Design and deliver an innovative and engaging communications strategy. Collect audience insight, and evaluate our impact.
• Lead management of social media activity for the British High Commission and the High Commissioner, developing engaging and original content.
• Produce speeches for public events, managing media relations as required.
•  Organise external events, including official functions at the British High Commission Residence, roundtable events, and cultural visits across Mauritius.
• Provide daily monitoring and reporting on news developments for the High Commission and (where necessary) FCDO network.
• Manage content on online platforms relating to the High Commission.
• Develop and manage relationships with key partner organisations and the media to facilitate our public diplomacy efforts.
• Draft formal diplomatic communications and advise on Protocol.

Projects - 30%

• Work with the Head of Political & Programmes Section to deliver UK bilateral aid programmes and projects in Mauritius.
• Manage day-to-day project management tasks, including in relation to monitoring and reporting, finance, and risk.
• Establish and manage relations with implementing partners, holding them to account on the effective use of UK taxpayer funds.
• Ensure project deadlines are met and activities represent good value for money.

 Wider duties – 10%

• Support the Political & Programmes Section on wider priorities, and contribute to reporting within the FCDO network as required.
• Act as corporate and systems support on IT issues for the British High Commission, in the absence of the IT manager. 

Essential on arrival:

• Bachelor’s Degree or above from an internationally accredited university;
• Experience working on communications, public relations, and/or stakeholder management;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Proven programme/project management experience;
• Strong team player, at ease working in a fast-paced environment, and managing evolving and competing priorities;
• Good analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently with initiative and sound judgement within deadlines.