View Vacancy - Communications and External Engagement Advisor, British High Commission (BHC) Nassau, The Bahamas

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission (BHC) in The Bahamas is looking for a Communications and External Engagement Advisor to lead on creating and implementing the BHC’s Communications and Engagement Plan, including through strategic use of traditional and social media, taking forward a strategic policy area and leading on event delivery. Success will mean your work amplifies the voice and presence of the BHC on the issues and objectives that matter most to the UK and The Bahamas: growth, culture, education, the environment and security.

You will be an integral member of a small, fast-paced and creative team, working closely with the High Commissioner, the Deputy High Commissioner and other BHC staff. For the right person, this is an opportunity to transform the BHC’s approach to communications. 

This will include:
•    Leading on a Comms and Engagement Plan for the UK in The Bahamas, linking back to the BHC’s strategic priorities;
•    Managing the BHC’s social media accounts; 
•    Capturing and editing images and videos of events and engagements; 
•    Supporting the High Commissioner as she leads on external engagements and ensuring these are publicized;
•    Monitoring and evaluating the BHC’s media impact;
•    Building a network of contacts across the media landscape (including Press Departments in Bahamian ministries and institutions);
•    Leading on other communications activities, such as drafting press releases;
•    Delivering on a key strategic policy priority;
•    Overseeing the planning, implementing, and execution of events, including those hosted at the Residence of the High Commissioner; and 
•    Leading on external engagement campaigns such as the recruitment of Chevening Scholars and liaising with the Chevening Alumni cohort.

The successful applicant will be highly organized, media savvy within The Bahamas, use initiative, generate creative content and solutions, have a strong focus on delivery, be personable and professional. Working as part of a small core team, you will need to be flexible, have a can-do approach, and be ready to support your colleagues. One moment you may be lobbying on a key policy priority; the next shooting a reel for social media; the next overseeing set-up of an event at the Residence and welcoming senior guests as they arrive.

There will be opportunities for travel to the Family Islands, and for personal development, including virtual training sessions and regional gatherings.

Roles and responsibilities:

Comms and External Engagement Strategic Planning (20%)

• Create and implement a Comms and External Engagement Plan, ensuring a clear forward-look, that supports the BHC’s strategic objectives. This will cover traditional and social media, as well as events.
• Ensure alignment of the plan with UK Government priorities, with key Bahamian events and international events.
• Monitor and evaluate impact of BHC comms outreach and adapt activities as needed for maximum impact.
• Build a network of media and public engagement contacts.

Media Engagement (20%)

• Manage the BHC’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X and a WhatsApp Community), building a BHC ‘brand’.  
• Regularly monitor and interact with other posts and accounts. 
• Create and post content regularly, tailoring the message to each platform and audience.
• Create engaging, innovative graphics and videos.
• Draft and disseminate press releases and articles, and prepare relevant background and speaking notes for media handling.

Event Management (25%)

• Oversee the planning and execution of all BHC events.
• Manage logistics of events by coordinating with both BHC and external staff and suppliers to ensure aims are achieved within budget. 
• Oversee event set up beforehand and supervise during the event, troubleshooting problems as they arise. 
• Capture images and videos during events and engagements.

Policy (10%)

• Taking forward one of the key strategic priorities of the BHC – with flexibility to pursue an area of interest within education, culture and/or environment. 
• Building local alliances and keeping an ear to the ground on key developments and opportunities for UK engagement.
• Amplifying UK asks and lobbying on key UK priorities.

Chevening (15%)

• Lead end-to-end on the process of advertising, recruiting and supporting annual cohorts of Chevening Scholars from The Bahamas.
• Conduct Chevening interviews, and work with the High Commissioner on the selection of scholars.
• Serve as the liaison point for the active and growing Chevening Alumni community.

For more information regarding Chevening, please visit: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/

Embassy operations (10%)

• All members of the team have a role in the efficient operations of the BHC.
• All members of the team have a role in crisis preparedness and response.
• All members of the BHC must follow FCDO compliance rules.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure) 

No line management responsibility, but the role holder will be responsible for coordinating external staff and contractors at events.

Learning and development opportunities 

The role holder will need to work with the Deputy Corporate Services Manager on event expenditure to ensure all events come within budget.

As part of the role, you will be able to undertake Communication Skills Training offered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on:

• Strategic Communication Planning
• Effective Media Relations
• Digital Communication
• Internal Communication

You can also undertake training through the UK’s Civil Service Learning Academy, the Government Communication Service and the FCDO’s International Academy, which provide ample training on UK strategic priorities.

There is a Comms and Soft Power Network of officers across the UK’s foreign missions, who offer advice and support. There are also regional groupings and Communications Hubs (including one in Mexico City) and conferences, where comms officers can meet in person. Similar groupings exist for policy areas.

Essential on arrival:

• An undergraduate degree.
• Experience with content creation for various communication channels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Strong planning and delivery skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Understanding of The Bahamas media and political context. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite eg. Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint.