View Vacancy - Political and Communications Assistant - British Embassy Montevideo
Main purpose of job:
The Political and Communications Assistant works to promote UK goals and influence through supporting the Embassy’s political understanding of Uruguay, bilateral relationships, the delivery of projects and events, and engagement of the Uruguayan public through traditional and modern media.
Roles and responsibilities:
Working with the Political Officer, and with a particular focus on gender and equality issues, human rights, health, and education:
- Provide political analysis, briefings and reporting, including leading on a weekly news round-up
- Identify, bid for and deliver relevant projects
- Build contacts within and outside the government
- Arrange meetings for the Ambassador, attend those as required and record outcomes
- Provide organisational support for relevant conferences, events, and inward/outward trips
- Organisational lead on the Chevening scholarship programme, including promotion; selection process via sifts and interviews; visa clinic; arranging departure and welcome events and the Alumni Annual gala
Working with the Head of Communications as part of Political and Communications Team:
- Provide/create content for Embassy digital channels including videos and basic graphics
- Draft speeches, press releases and articles
- Keep press lines updated, and support media management and coverage at Embassy events
- Contribute to press monitoring and evaluation of media impact
- Proven fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish
- Bachelor’s degree in International Relations/Political Science/Communications or related subjects
- Understanding of current affairs / political environment / foreign policy
- Previous experience of office working, ideally in a political, diplomatic or communications environment
- Excellent writing/drafting and research skills in both languages
- Proactive and flexible team player
- Existing contacts across the political spectrum/media sector
- Experience working in education/gender/human rights
- Basic photo, video editing and graphic designing skills
- Experience in building and managing relationships with government officials, international organisations, media, NGOs, businesses
- Experience in managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram LinkedIn)
- Experience planning events
- Knowledge of/experience in political journalism
Learning and development opportunities: The FCDO and the Embassy itself offers a wide range of high-quality development opportunities in different topics. It is expected that the incumbent will complete several FCDO mandatory trainings. Training will also be offered in any core skills that the incumbent does not have.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Working patterns: Standard working hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 17:30, Friday 09:00 to 14:00.
The role will require flexibility and occasionally attending events out of hours. You will need to work in a hybrid manner as part of a wider team (including with colleagues in the region and London), so strong communications skills are essential and will be tested at interview.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Please note: Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will reach out directly if we require any action or additional information from candidates. Please no phone calls. We cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.