View Vacancy - Deputy Head of Media and Communications

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 Embassy in Baghdad is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Deputy Head of Media and Communications, Grade – B3 (L).

Purpose of the job:
To act as the Deputy Head of Media and Communications in support of the UK’s strategic priorities in Iraq. The job holder will build, engage and manage our network of journalists (30%); monitor and report on Iraqi/pan-Arab media coverage (20%); support the media elements of high-level visits (20%); manage the UK government’s prestigious Chevening scholarship programme and alumni network (20%); and provide broader support to the team including on social media and translation/interpretation (10%). In addition to these duties, a strong performer will have the opportunity to deputise for the Head of Team. The job holder will also need to build links with different teams across the Embassy including political, trade and stabilisation, as well as with the British Consulate-General in Erbil. Due to the fast-paced nature of the role, the job holder will need to be flexible and support the operations of the wider mission. Responsibilities may therefore evolve depending on business needs.

Main Responsibilities:

• Build, engage and manage our press network: Establish and build relationships with all main media outlets in Iraq, including pan-Arab outlets. Engage regularly with contacts and build a strong network which can then be used to organise press engagement and increase the UK’s profile in Iraq. Arrange high-profile interviews for the British Ambassador and secure placement of opinion-editorials in leading Iraqi print/ online outlets.

• Media monitoring: Monitor TV, online news, print media and radio. Lead on internal media reporting and analysis. Highlight trends and patterns in domestic reporting and opportunities for the Embassy to promote key UK priorities and counter inaccurate or negative reporting.

• Lead on media elements of visits: Lead on press and public diplomacy elements for inward ministerial visits. Arrange press conferences and media events in Baghdad and across Iraq. Contribute to and translate press releases and communications material.

• Manage the Chevening programme: Oversee the administration of the UK’s government’s prestigious programme of master’s scholarships for Iraqi leaders. Design and implement the marketing strategy. Play an active role in interviews and selection processes. Build and engage the Chevening alumni network in Iraq.

• Wider team support: Support the Social Media Officer to develop and deliver material on the Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter channels. Provide translation and interpretation assistance when needed.

Key Competencies and Required Skills:

• Seeing the Big Picture - Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Focussing your contribution on the activities which will meet Embassy goals and deliver the greatest value.
• Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Delivering at Pace - Delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.

Essential:
• Native Arabic speaker and fluent in English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including ability to work quickly and accurately in a customer-focused environment;
• Creativity and ability to generate new ideas and new approaches;
• Excellent knowledge of Iraqi and pan-Arab media and how to deliver impact;
• Previous media experience and a developed media network in Iraq.

Desirable:
• Experience as a journalist;
• Experience working in a an international context;
• Experience managing cultural or educational projects;
• Knowledge of Kurdish and/or minority languages would be an advantage.

26 July 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq
Baghdad
British Embassy
1
USD
2041
15 August 2018

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The starting salary for the role is $2,041 payable 13 times per year. In addition a monthly allowance of US$300 for security is payable. The allowance is subject to review and may be altered or withdrawn at any time. The British Embassy also runs a performance related pay scheme and supports training and development for all staff.


Normal working hours are Sunday - Wednesday 0800 – 1600 and Thursday 0800-1400. Due to the nature of the work, some flexibility on working hours will be required; time off in lieu will be arranged. The annual leave entitlement is 20 days plus up to 14 days public holidays [UK/Iraq]. Other benefits include the Embassy medical scheme (which also covers close dependents) and access to onsite facilities including a canteen.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 day probationary period. 

To Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents along with the completed online application form:
1. An updated Curriculum Vita (CV)
2. Please provide a Motivation/Cover Letter (max. 600 words)

** (Your application must include the above attachments and should include the answers to the mentioned question. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).


All applications must be received before 23:55 (Baghdad Time) on 26 July 2018.


Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted/interview for assessment will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.


The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Iraqi employment law.

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.