View Vacancy - Head of Media Team (FRA18.761)
The British Embassy in Paris is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s France Network (including offices in Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseilles and representation to international organisations in Paris (OECD and UNESCO) and Strasbourg (CoE).
The British Embassy is currently looking for Head of Media Team to play a leading role in our communications work and in building Franco-British relations at an important, and fascinating, time in both countries.
Specifically this means working across the Embassy – and the wider France Network - to help set direction for our communications effort, and then setting a high standard of service delivery within the team of communications officers that you will lead. You will be able to formulate and land key messages with a range of media across France, through building relationships, mitigating risks and evaluating success. You will analyse French media coverage of important issues affecting British interests, and use this to recommend media handling approaches, including advising senior officials and Ministers. And you will work creatively to maximise the understanding, links and connections between the UK and France
The ideal candidate will have a real appetite for current affairs, as well as enthusiasm to work across multiple different spheres, including culture, science and technology, business and defence. You will be a compelling advocate and leader, be comfortable working on a wide range of complex issues, show excellent team-working skills, and be motivated to make a real contribution to cross-Channel relations.
Roles and responsibilities:
Media Strategy: With colleagues to lead the design of the Embassy’s media strategy, identifying clear objectives and prioritizing in how to achieve them. Incorporating both traditional and digital tools to maximize impact, and measuring it.
Building bilateral media relations: Supporting factual and positive coverage of the UK by building an excellent network in Paris and the regions, and leading the team to deliver. Support and advise the Ambassador, Senior Leadership Team and other colleagues on the French media and engagement, contributing to individual projects and the overall bilateral relationship. Support engagement between the French media and British VIPs including Ministers. Prepare talking points, speeches and other interventions involving representatives of the embassy and FCO.
Media Reporting: Follow and analyse French media coverage of UK issues, with reporting showing real added-value which can be harnessed in the elaboration of key messages, the communications strategy, and policy work at the Embassy and in London.
Management: Set direction for a team of staff, focusing on their professional development so that the Embassy has the right mix of skills to deliver a world-class service. Carry out line management and leadership duties on time and to a high standard.
Digital communications: To deliver a world-class set of digital content, individually and through the team, measuring impact and adapting strategy and content as a result.
Fluent English and French (both written and spoken);
Excellent knowledge of the French media;
Track record of delivering positive media coverage;
Proficient in French and English with excellent writing skills including the ability to summarize long articles and draft speaking notes;
Excellent networking skills;
Sophisticated understanding of social media and proficient user of the main channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Good knowledge of the UK media;
Track record in managing a team;
Experience in project management;
Experience of crisis communications;
- Confident in digital content creation.
This is a full-time and permanent contract.
All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20 ), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.
Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:
- Your application must be sent in English only.
- Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.
Must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Local 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.
