View Vacancy - Media Liaison and Engagement Officer, Communications Department, 13/18 PTA

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

Main purpose of job:

Work within a dynamic Communications Team in Pretoria as the deputy to the Head of Communications to protect and enhance the reputation of the UK in South Africa through traditional, specialised and new media.  

You will manage a digital manager, develop and manage communications plans in support of the UK in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho Communication Strategy. 

Wide engagement on all strands of work and objectives of the UK in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland in collaboration with different departments and policy teams.


Roles and responsibilities:

  • Work with Head of Communications and policy officers in various areas to identify opportunities to promote UK policy and the work they do by developing and managing communications plans incorporating all aspects of communication including innovative digital, traditional media and public diplomacy content in a variety of sectors.
  • Work in particular with the digital manager to maximise engagement on social and new media channels, producing content (including videos) for use in the digital space;
  • Build and maintain a network of relationships with South African based in South Africa including management of a comprehensive media contacts database;  
  • Support the Head of Communications in providing consultancy , digital and media handling advice to colleagues;
  • Write and place press releases and arrange interviews with senior leaders as required;
  • Support and draft media scripts, working with policy officers and London Press Office and Communications colleagues for use by staff and visitors;
  • Assist in communications management and promotion of visits by senior officials, ministers and others;
  • Manage the ‘Media Pretoria’ mailbox for media enquiries;
  • Support to team members as required.

Resources managed:

  • Line Management of Digital Communications Manager
  • Management of subscriptions and budget for subscriptions to maximise monitoring ability and value for money
  • Media/Journalism/Communications qualification

Language requirements:

  • Excellent spoken and written English communication skills required.
  • Proficiency in additional South African languages would be an advantage
Strong digital skills and experience in developing content including digital, press releases and articles, layout capabilities, media experience and photography
3 April 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
Africa
South Africa
Pretoria
British High Commission
1
ZAR
R19 997.31
1 June 2018
  • The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
  • Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
  • Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
  • Working hours per week of 36.5

  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Pretoria are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
  • All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
  • If you don’t already hold a valid SA Police Clearance Certificate, we recommend that you apply for the certificate at the time of your application.
  • Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
  • Complete the application form in full as the information provided will be used for screening purposes.
  • Check your application before you submit, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.
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.