View Vacancy - Press & Political Officer (03/18 WHK)
Main purpose of job:
This position requires the successful candidate to lead an efficient, professional and results-focused public diplomacy, press and political reporting service for the British High Commission, Windhoek. The candidate must have experience of the local media sector, press handling and communications work, and be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English to promote UK interests in Namibia. Experience of political reporting would be an advantage.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Act as the main point of contact in the High Commission for all media inquiries, monitor the local press on a daily basis and compile press reviews, and proactively devise and lead all media campaigns, including drafting and placement of press releases;
- Build and maintain contacts in the local media, government, opposition, civil society, other embassies and relevant institutions to ensure the British High Commission is fully informed of political and social developments in Namibia;
- Manage the High Commission’s public diplomacy strategy to promote UK interests in Namibia, build public awareness of UK support to Namibia, and enhance the reputation of Her Majesty’s Government in Namibia;
- Deliver the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship programme in Namibia. This would include efficiently administering the programme and marketing it to attract the best candidates as well as working with Partners to extend the reach of the Chevening programme in Namibia.
- A high level of written and spoken English
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and analytical skills
- Knowledge of the local media and political scene
- Experience of organising and leading public diplomacy campaigns and press work;
- Entrepreneurial flair to come up with imaginative solutions and drive to deliver results to tight deadlines and within set budgets.
- A self-starter who can work flexibly on his /her own initiative or with others as part of a team when necessary, and capable of deciding your own work priorities to ensure success.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: High level of written and spoken English
- Knowledge of the institutions of government and structure of the political, civil society and media sectors in Namibia.
- Event and information management skills.
- Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
- Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
- The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Windhoek are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Namibia.
- All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
- The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
1. Obtain the relevant permit
2. Pay fees for the permit
3. Make arrangements to relocate
4. Meet the costs to relocation
The British High Commission do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
- 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.
- 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 Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
This opportunity is closed to applications.