View Vacancy - Communications Manager (B3) - Colombo
Main purpose of job:
To plan and deliver the public diplomacy and media activity of the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, ensuring that UK policy is communicated effectively to target audiences. In addition, you will oversee the UK’s scholarship programmes and support their alumni networks.
Roles and responsibilities:
We are looking for a dynamic, confident professional to deliver the British High Commission’s public communications objectives.
You will work with the High Commissioner and senior staff to develop and deliver an effective communications strategy for the UK in Sri Lanka. You will use that strategy to promote UK policies through effective public communications activity, working with policy officials and campaign leads in the High Commission to identify good news opportunities, and to produce impactful communications events and materials. You will work on high profile events and directly support Ministerial and senior official visits.
In addition, you will have specific responsibility for:
- Answering media inquiries, working with policy officers to ensure our lines are effective
- Producing press releases, OpEds and other comms materials – across a range of issues
- Providing advice to the High Commission teams on how to deliver key messages through appropriate channels
- Arranging media engagements (eg interviews, press briefings, coverage of High Commission events)
- Quality control of the High Commission’s social media output
The ideal candidate will be comfortable dealing with the media on a daily basis, handling enquiries and writing press lines. The ability to draft accurately at speed is essential. They will be able to network effectively, to build the relationships needed to maximise the impact and reach of our public messages. The candidate will work closely with the High Commissioner and other senior staff to shape the UK’s message, advising them on effective communications strategies and channels.
Managing our Chevening Scholarship programme, the successful candidate will play a leading role in identifying and building links with future leaders in Sri Lanka. They will take the lead in the selection process for new scholars and will work with alumni networks to help them sustain and grow their activities in Sri Lanka.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
The Communications Manager has line management responsibility for the High Commission’s Digital Communications Officer.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The job holder will be able to access a wide range of online and face-to-face training delivered in the UK and regionally. They will also have opportunities to take part in specialist training for government communicators. There are also a range of informal development opportunities including membership of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Sri Lanka, accompanying the High Commissioner on visits, and job shadowing.
Other information:
The work of a diplomatic mission can be unusual, and the subject matter can range from human rights policy to visa information campaigns, to supporting major events or visits.
Language requirements:
Language: English and Sinhala.
Level of language required: The jobholder should be fluent in written and spoken English and Sinhala. Tamil language skills would be an advantage.
Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Essential on arrival:
- Previous experience of the media in Sri Lanka, either as a journalist or working with the media.
- Solid understanding of the Sri Lankan media environment
- Familiarity with digital communications platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and ability to deliver key messages through social media
- Strong written and oral communications skills
For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.
For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 127,429 + 12% EPF + 3%ETF per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary and medical insurance coverage.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.
The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system. The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.
Working patterns:
While the standard hours are 08:00-16:30, with an hour for lunch, the nature of the job means that the job holder will be able to work flexible hours. The job holder will be required to work irregular hours from time to time to support events or visits that happen outside normal working hours
We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
Please note that applications will only be considered with (a), (b) and (c):
(a) Complete the Online Application Form
(b) Attach a detailed CV
(c) Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form
Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) and inform their current line managers.
We will accept only online applications received by midnight on 24 April 2019.
- Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. However, the status will be updated on the recruitment software which will be viewed by the applicant.
- The appointment will be subject to police and other checks including references, educational and professional.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly
This opportunity is closed to applications.
