View Vacancy - Tunis - Communications Manager B3(L)

The British Embassy in Tunis currently has a vacancy for a Communications Manager to start as soon as possible.

This is a job at the heart of the Embassy, giving the jobholder an opportunity to play an active role in the development and delivery of government media campaigns in addition to exposure to multiple strands of diplomatic work.

You will coordinate with other parts of the Embassy to help deliver British Government messages to all parts of Tunisian government, business, and general population. Whether it is amplifying messages from visiting British VIPs, supporting the Ambassador’s communication strategy, running our increasingly important social media platform, or delivering media campaigns, the work you undertake will make a difference. The role may also involve some travel throughout Tunisia to accompany the Ambassador to media meetings, as well as some evening or weekend work around major events and visits, for which time off in lieu will be offered.

The work is high-pressured and fast-paced but you will be at the centre of things which will in turn be rewarding and fascinating.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Communications Manager will:

• Prepare and deliver media plans for VIP visits and key events in Tunisia and systematically evaluate activities;
• Manage the relationship with the local media and maintain a central contacts list;
• Manage the Embassy’s digital platform, using the website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to engage with Tunisian opinion formers and influencer;
• Maintain a core media script;
• Keep the local press informed of Embassy initiatives, UK policies, etc. (e.g., by producing  English and French/ Arabic press releases/ notices);
• Handle media enquiries;
• Be a member of the Embassy’s crisis committee;
• Contribute towards (and in some cases lead on) the planning and delivery of communication campaigns in Tunisia;
• Monitor the media to stay informed of local developments, alerting colleagues and writing reports as necessary;
• Provide ad-hoc translation and cover within the team, as necessary; and
• Monitor the section’s budgetary spend.

Key competencies required

• Seeing the big picture - Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs, and focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet the organisation’s goals and deliver the greatest value.
• Collaborating and partnering - Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. It requires working collaboratively, sharing information, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
• Managing a quality service - Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. It involves effective planning, organising, and managing time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service.
• Making effective decisions - Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing, and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well reasoned justifiable decisions.

• At least two years of professional experience in communication or journalism.
• Knowledge and understanding of how media functions on national or local levels.
• High standard of spoken and written English (IELTS score of at least 7 or equivalent).
• Bilingual level of spoken and written French and Arabic.
• Knowledge of social media management and digital communication.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Tunisia’s media scene.
• An interest in domestic and international politics and current affairs.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications and basic editing of photographs and videos.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.