View Vacancy - Political & Digital Communications Officer
Main purpose of job:
To support the British High Commission’s (BHC) regional political objectives. The main responsibilities of this job are to: (1) support the Head of the Poltical Team delivery UK objectives, with a particular emphasis on multilateral organisations (CARICOM, UN etc); and (2) deliver the BHC’s digital communications strategy, ensuring that UK messages have an impact and target specific audiences across the region.
Roles and responsibilities:
Political Team Support (40%)
- You will help drive forward UK objectives in the Eastern Caribbean, with a particular focus on multilateral organisations. This will involve advising the head of the political section on key issues, drafting correspondence, attending events and engaging with key stakeholders.
- You will cultivate knowkedge on a wide range of other issues (such as migration and climate change) so that you can support the rest of the Political Team when necessary.
Digital Communications (40%)
- You will help create a new BHC digital communications strategy for the Eastern Caribbean, which will utilise all modern communications platforms and deliver UK messages in the most effective way possible.
- You will be responsible for the day to day management BHC’s social media platforms (primarily facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr), working with contacts in London to promote UK messages that impact on the whole of the Caribbean and global foreign policy.
- You will pro-actively evaluate BHC digital communications activity, to deliver progress that makes a measurable difference. Working closely with the Head of the Political Section, you will recommend and implement improvements on our current digital communications techniques.
- You will be the main media expert / contact point for BHC events and functions. Duties will include being the official BHC photographer and media planner, helping ensure that events are successfully promoted before and after they have taken place.
Other responsibilities (20%)
- You will be responsible for advising the Head of Political Section on policy decisions associated with regional migration, sport and diaspora. This will require you to maintain a good understanding of existing UK policies on these issues and utilising creative thinking to spot opportunities to deliver UK objectives.
- You will build up and maintain relations with external contacts in the Graphics / Print / Marketing sectors to support the UK’s Great Campaign.
- You will manage the BHC’s “Share Point” system, which helps staff access information share and edit key documents.
- You will improve and manage a new filing system on the BHC’s computer system.
- This role requires someone with drive and ambition.
The successful candidate should:
- Have an excellent understanding of regional issues and politics across the Eastern Caribbean.
- Possess excellent personal and digital communications skills.
- Have an in depth understanding of social media platforms and the various strengths and weaknesses of each is essential.
- Have the ability to think creatively is also highly desirable, as the digital and communications landscape is constantly changing.
- A proficient command of the English Language.
The period of probation for this role in 6 months, though the British High Commission reserves the right to extend this in order to fairly assess performance
- A full induction and coaching will be arranged for the successful applicant
- The starting salary for this position is BD$ 73,731
- A comprehensive mandatory pension plan is offered after successful completion of the probation period. Subject to plan provider approval, group medical coverage is offered after the first month of service
- Core office hours are 7.45am - 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am - 1pm on Fridays
- Annual leave entitlement is 15 days rising to 20 days after one year of service. A combination of up to 14 UK and local public holiday days are also observed.
This role is open to anyone with status to work and reside in Barbados.
CV and a cover letter should be submitted by 2 March 2017. Internal candidates must inform their line manager if they intend on applying.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed. Candidates are required to provide photo ID and proof of Immigration status at interview.
The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.