View Vacancy - NZW - Communications Manager, B3(L)

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

The Communications Manager leads on the day-to-day delivery of the New Zealand Network’s Communications Strategy, acts as Press Officer to the High Commissioner and any senior visitors; manages UKinNZ digital output, and engages on events as appropriate. 

The Communications Manager will bring together traditional and digital media activity, to ensure clarity and consistency of message, and a proactive approach, including operational editorials and interviews for digital, print and broadcast media.  The Communications Manager will deliver professional and effective activities and campaigns generating measurable, high impact engagement with NZ audiences.

The Communications Manager will manage the work of the Communications Team, working closely with the Senior Political Officer on tasking the A2 staffer based in Auckland. The Communications Manager will also be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Communications budgets.

Main duties of the role include:

Strategic Communications: 

  • Design and deliver activities in support of the New Zealand networks Communications Strategy across multiple channels (digital, TV, radio, print, events), in line with UKinNZ objectives, and building a campaigning approach to our public diplomacy – with a sustained focus on key themes identified within the Communications Strategy;
  • Work in partnership with senior management teams across Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) and British Council to develop effective long term strategies to communicate HMG messages across the full range of channels within New Zealand.  Identify opportunities for proactive engagement and public diplomacy, through close working with High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner and policy leads.

Press Officer

  • Lead on logistics, briefing and preparation for media engagement by High Commissioner, senior leaders, and senior visitors, including on visits to the regions.  Develop and deliver communication plans for incoming visitors.  Ensure clear – shared – expectations and no surprises; provide on the day support and advice; use relationships with media to ensure proper follow up /post interview management, and amplification as necessary. 
  • Build and maintain strong personal relationships with key media figures, influencers and Press Officers in NZ Ministerial offices – and use these to:

            a) Enhance the UK’s profile;
            b) Deliver on our objectives, and
            c) Manage bad news stories. 

Make sufficient use of traditional media tools – e.g.: operational editorials, press releases, off-the-record briefing. 

Digital

  • Lead the development of innovative, forward looking digital communications, including: social media, podcasts, blogs and video in support of the Communications Strategy, central Foreign and Commonwealth Office communications priorities, and to project United Kingdom soft power. 
  • Support the development of a digital channel for Homewood and Income Generation activities.

Events

  • Ensure communications consideration of all UKinNZ events and engagements et

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following key skills and experience:

  • Experience of strategic communications, including public facing campaigns, using a variety of tools.
  • Experience in managing digital communications programmes is essential.  Knowledge of the NZ digital media landscape, including excellent understanding of current digital media tools, channels, and influencers is essential.
  • Working knowledge of consumer marketing, sales promotion campaigns, and the public relations and marketing industries is essential. Familiarity with government policy and social issues would be useful. 
  • Experience in delivering promotional events is desirable but not essential.
  • Excellent IT skills, including standard Microsoft Office programmes and familiarity with latest digital tools.
  • Solid understanding and experience of the more traditional media tools – operational editorials, press releases etc.
16 November 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Asia Pacific
New Zealand
Wellington
British High Commission
1
NZD
$80,449pa based on full time employment
7 January 2019

      

The salary is up to NZD$80,449 per annum (paid out monthly) dependent on skills and experience plus up to 5% superannuation subsidy on a $ for $ basis. 

The British Government supports flexible working practices negotiable with your line manager.

Appointment is subject to achieving and maintaining a clean New Zealand Police records check and UK security clearance. 

Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in New Zealand. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Candidates must have or be able to obtain work authorisation for New Zealand in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the High Commission is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local New Zealand employment law.

For more information on the work of the British High Commission, visit our website

http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand

All applications must be received before 23:55 (NZDT), 16 November 2018.

Applications must address experience against the role responsibilities in the cover letter and also include a current CV.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

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.