View Vacancy - Head of Communications - British Government Brazil

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 British government in Brazil is seeking a new Head of Communications. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape UK-Brazil relations, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and forges new partnerships with Europe and countries around the world. It is a rewarding and fast-paced role that will allow the successful candidate to work across varied policy areas and with diverse stakeholders in Brazil and the UK. This post can be based in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro.

The ideal candidate will be an energetic leader with proven experience in managing high calibre communications campaigns, overseeing diverse teams, responding rapidly to shifting demands, and with a good understanding of the UK political scenario and Brazilian audiences. This position oversees the 11 person team responsible for explaining and promoting the UK in Brazil through media relations, digital outreach, events and strategic communications and marketing campaigns. The ideal candidate will be able to translate UK government objectives into team priorities and engagement with Brazilian audiences. An ability to work flexibly and responsively, deliver through a team and respond both proactively and reactively to political developments and UK interests in Brazil is essential.

Roles and responsibilities:

Lead external communications strategies to promote the UK in Brazil:

  • Delivering results-driven communications to promote UK interests in Brazil through media relations, marketing campaigns, event management, digital diplomacy, and focused engagement with target audiences (government, business, academia, youth, and investors); 
  • Promote the priorities and objectives of the UK in Brazil in diverse areas, such as climate change and energy, trade and investment, education, health, infrastructure, security, defence and foreign policy;
  • Lead media and public engagement advice for visiting VIPs (from the Prime Minister, other Government Ministers, to the Royal Households);
  • Respond to unexpected events or political developments in the UK by identifying opportunities for messaging to Brazil audiences;
  • Advise the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Consul and senior government officials on engagement with the Brazilian media, including through TV appearances, blogs, op-eds, and speeches.

Lead internal communications in the UK in Brazil network:

  • Deliver targeted and informative internal communication campaigns to promote cohesiveness and best practice in the UK in Brazil network, including what’s on in the network, corporate issues and learning and development.

Lead the communications team in Brazil and contribute to communications work in the Americas network:

  • Deliver the above through a talented and diverse communications team of 11 based across 3 posts in Brazil (Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) by providing strategic direction and support;
  • Ensure the team has right skills, training, and resources (including travel and entertainment budget) to deliver to consistently high standards;
  • Work with the Head of Communications for the Americas (based in Washington) to promote best practice in communications in the Americas and support other posts in the region.

Resources managed:

11 people in the team spread across 3 different posts.

 


Language:

Fluent in Portuguese and English

  • Five years experience in Communications, including with a governmental or international organisation or with media outlets.
  • Proven experience in managing a team and delivering through others.
  • Ability to prioritise, work flexible and operate under pressure.
  • Track record in delivering and overseeing effective communications strategies with tangible results.

 

  • Deep knowledge of Brazilian audiences and contacts in the media.
  • Understanding of UK politics, economy and government priorities.
  • Understanding of British media outlets and news agencies.
20 January 2020
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Full-time, Permanent
36
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Brazil
Brasilia, Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo
British Embassy
1
BRL
13.736
3 March 2020

This role presents huge opportunities for personal growth, through exposure to the culture and ethos of the British Government, leadership of comms strategies across all aspects of the bilateral relationship, relationship building with Ministers, the Ambassador and senior officials, and membership of our Brazil Board. You will travel regularly around Brazil, in the region and to the UK. There are also opportunities to contribute to the corporate life of the Network, for instance, by chairing a Committee or leading an element of our internal change programme.

The Brazil Network has an active Learning and Development (L&D) Committee that promotes formal and learning opportunities. You will be entitled to at least 5 days of formal learning per year.  

Working patterns:

This is a full-time job. The Network is fully committed to flexible working and open to proposals from candidates (for instance, periodic home working, flexible hours, etc.)


This role may be based in any one of our three main posts, the Embassy in Brasilia, the Consulate-General in Sao Paulo or the Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro.

he British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities. Eligibility to work and live in Brazil is required.

  

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, 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.


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.