View Vacancy - Head of Political and Media, British High Commission Belmopan

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:

To lead on day to day political and economic work for the High Commission, covering a wide range of themes, and to lead the High Commission’s communications strategy, strengthening and amplifying the UK’s work in Belize and supporting bilateral relations.

This is a key, multi-hatted role that involves leading a small team and flexibility to adapt to different priorities.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Monitor political developments and provide analysis and reporting on a wide range of themes in Belize. This includes on domestic politics, human rights including diversity and inclusion, the economic and financial situation, Covid-19, biodiversity and climate change, security, and foreign policy including regionally with CARICOM.
  • Develop and maintain a network of contacts in Government, other diplomatic missions, civil society, academia, the media and wider stakeholders.
  • Report on Belize’s positions and lobby in support of UK Government interests;
  • Provide briefing on a wide range of themes, adapted to different formats.
  • Identify opportunities for building on UK-Belize shared interests, partnering and technical assistance as means of delivering UK Government and High Commission objectives.
  • Lead on communications for the High Commission – monitor press, broadcast and online reporting, develop and implement an effective communications strategy, write press releases and support the team in delivering engaging social media.
  • Arrange programmes for visitors and play a key role in delivering High Commission events.
  • Review and update travel advice for British Nationals visiting Belize.
  • Line manage the Projects and Communications Officer and ensure that our programme and project work supports FCDO priorities. This includes the Chevening Scholarship programme and regional programmes that include Belize.
  • Contribute to the running of the High Commission, including as a member of the Senior Management Team.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Advanced

Essential on arrival:  

  • Previous experience in political and/or economic analysis;
  • Exposure to handling media and press;
  • University educated;
  • Proven ability to develop relationships with stakeholders;
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
  • Effective communication skills;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • A good general understanding of the political and economic landscape in Belize.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Belize.

  • Knowledge of economics;
  • Previous experience of managing projects;
  • Spanish speaker (basic level).
Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
9 August 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Belize
Belmopan
British High Commission
1
BZD $4,872.42
19 September 2022

The High Commission is committed to Learning and Development and there is a range of training on offer for the successful applicant to support their work in the High Commission. 

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities.

Working Patterns: 

This position will be in-person at the BHC office in Belmopan.  

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.