View Vacancy - Head of Media - C4, Islamabad/ Karachi/ Lahore

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

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to SAAD.Recruit@fcdo.gov.uk  if you have any further questions.

This is a fixed term position for a period of 2 years. It can be based in either of the following locations: Islamabad/ Karachi/ Lahore.

Main purpose of the job:

To work with a great team to deliver communications that can effect change and influence some of the biggest global issues of today.

The Head of News will shape and lead the Pakistan Network’s engagement with the Pakistani media – including building trust and strong relationships with the diverse and vibrant range of print and broadcast media channels (national and regional) in Pakistan, proving first rate media analysis, devising and implementing strong narratives on UK priorities in Pakistan, and balancing reactive media approach in a fast changing global context with the delivery of proactive and insight led communication with the media. 

The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of the media landscape in Pakistan, be digitally savvy, work well under pressure including in crisis situations, be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Roles and responsibilities:

You will have an interest in foreign affairs and know about some of the top global issues on the agenda at the moment. The ideal candidate will have a communication/PR background with specialist expertise and skills with proven track record of working in or with the media.   You should have an expert level understanding of the media environment we live and work in (in UK and Pakistan). 

You will need to be a strong networker and be able to build strong collaborative relationships with the Pakistani media. This means being a good listener and deal with challenge in a positive way, being supportive and helpful,  working out where there are areas of common objectives, and being able to put across strong arguments and narratives. 

You will need to be creative and curious, confident enough to share your ideas, and perceptive enough to encourage others to share theirs too.  We encourage a fun and creative atmosphere where we can turn thoughts into ideas and ideas into action. This is key to give us the leading edge when we are looking at how we can make the most difference.

You will be up to speed with Communication Professional standards, as well as having an eye for emerging communications trends and be someone who can translate these into innovative press engagement.  You will be enthusiastic and proactive in your approach so being able to spot thematic links, take decisions based on sound evidence, and show initiative to ensure that communications is factored in right from the very start as policy is being developed.   

The ideal candidate should be a good team player and loves being part of a nice but busy team. This means you’re committed, can be counted on to get the job done and are inclusive and respectful of other people’s opinions. You will be able to prioritise work and be flexible when needed for example helping out during crises. A big part of the role includes reaching out and developing good working relationships with a variety of partners – both in the private and public sector. You may be required to monitor and manage financial resources such as a budget.

You will enjoy delivering through virtual teams and empowering others, enabling staff to deliver their very best. There is the potential to take on further line management responsibilities in the future. You will be an active listener, understand motivations of different staff, able to have honest and open conversations, and help nurture talent.

On a day to day basis you will:

  • Lead and manage all press activity for the Pakistan Network, including handling sensitive issues, promoting campaigns and supporting visits.
  • Act as the leading contact for Karachi-based media, maintaining strong relationship with our media partners.
  • Produce high quality communications materials for the Pakistan Network in both English and Urdu. This should include drafting speeches, press release and articles.
  • Provide insight led media analysis and help develop a strong understanding of HMG policy in relation to Pakistan and provide media analysis to policy colleagues.
  • As part of the Pakistan communications network, oversee media and press engagement especially in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, including on crisis communications and international media engagement.
  • Be able to lead press briefings and press conferences. The role may require you to be speak on behalf of the British High Commission for broadcast and print media.
  • Be able to advise senior management on implications and ramifications of different options being taken.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

1xB3 staff. Countersign 1 x A2

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

What we offer:

We want to attract the best diverse talent to join the @UKinPakistan team, and in return are committed to ensuring that all of our staff are able to be their very best and flourish.  We’re committed to supporting staff aspirations and goals.  

Our strong L&D offer includes access to training provided in house; shadowing and mentoring opportunities; access to funds for professional qualifications; regular masterclasses from experts (including from private and public sector); and opportunities to get involved in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office corporate agenda across our global network.   

There are regular opportunities to travel overseas including to present at conferences on strategic communications, and to support capability building of the global network through visits to Posts. 

We are a supportive and fun team to work in. We hold regular team lunches, back each other up during busy teams,  and celebrate our achievements and lessons learned together. 

You will get to work on real world issues which means that no day can be the same; and you will get to see the difference that effective communications can make first hand.

Language requirements: 

Language: English and Urdu

Level of language required: Fluent

Other skills / experience / qualifications: 

  • Knowledge/experience of the Pakistani media landscape.
  • 3-7 years of relevant experience.
  • Excellent PR and/or communication skills including experience of working in a press office or journalistic skills.
  • Ability to develop or customise stories for national and International audiences.
  • Ability to represent the organisation in high-profile and high-pressured external environments.
  • Exercise a high degree of independent judgement in dealings with internal and external clients and organisations.
  • Strong understanding of how the news media can be used to influence change.
  • Knowledge of international affairs.
Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace
10 May 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
41
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Pakistan
Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore
British High Commission
1
PKR
PKR 265,224 per month
1 July 2021

Salary details:

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be ­­­­­­PKR 265,224 per month.

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work force is women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

To Apply: 

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

A.    Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Motivation and Competency 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 also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 10th May 2021 (latest by 23:55 hours PKT).  

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount. 

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.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, 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.

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.