View Vacancy - Senior Communications Officer, Berlin (DEU18.775)
The British Embassy in Germany is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for an Senior Communications Officer (B3L) (m/f) based in Berlin.
This role is at the heart of the UK’s embassy network in Germany and is an opportunity to work on high-profile political, economic and cultural issues. Reporting to the head of the communications team, the jobholder will manage one colleague and be part of a team of eight communications experts, responsible for all external and internal messaging and campaigns for the embassy in Berlin as well as the consulates in Dusseldorf and Munich. By designing and delivering innovative and engaging content, and providing advice and media handling for the ambassador, ministers and officials, the main aim is to enhance the UK’s reputation in Germany and encourage closer cooperation between our two countries.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
In collaboration with Embassy colleagues and partners (e.g. British Council and Visit Britain), to design and deliver engaging content, events and activities which promote the UK’s brand as an open and responsible partner for Germany. To co-ordinate the Embassy Comms Team’s work on the GREAT Britain campaign. (35% of time)
To advise on media strategy and provide media handling and logistical support for senior staff in the Germany network, including the Ambassador, as well as for visiting ministers, officials and members of the Royal Family. (25% of time)
To line manage one Communications Officer whose role includes media handling support, delivering events to promote the UK and internal communications. (15% of time)
To contribute to the embassy network’s social media presence, building external partnerships and identifying and providing engaging content. (10% of time)
To support the team leader on the whole range of communications measures, including during a crisis, during absences, and for larger projects. (10% of time )
- To undertake other duties that may reasonable be required and which are in accordance with the grading and core competencies of the job, and contribute to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network (5%)
- Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework)
Experience in communications, journalism or a related field.
Experience in developing and delivering communication campaigns
Media skills: classic media handling, drafting press releases, briefings, statements, interview, social media and opinion pieces placement
Organizational skills: press conferences, background briefings, public diplomacy events
Availability to travel across Germany and occasionally work in the evenings or on weekends, including in the case of a crisis affecting UK nationals in Germany
- Knowledge of and contacts in German media (broadcast and print)
Filming and editing skills for videos and infographics
Photography skills
Line management experience
Knowledge of UK politics and culture
This is a full-time position of five working days 37.5 hours per week, for a contract period of two years with the possibility of renewal.
The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Germany. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorization for Germany in order to apply. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Germany are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
* Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C2 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
