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 use your knowledge and experience of Iraq’s social and traditional media environment to deliver campaigns of targeted messages to different audiences across Iraq and beyond, which will help the wider embassy achieve its objectives.

You will use your understanding of Iraqi audiences to create innovative, exciting and interactive social media content that will resonate with our audiences and use your knowledge of print and broadcast media to advise the embassy on its traditional media strategy.

You will also work to improve the Chevening Scholarship programme to encourage a wider, more diverse range of scholars and work to reinvigorate the Chevening alumni network, one of the UK’s key soft power tools in Iraq.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Social Media Campaigns (30%) - you will oversee the day to day design and implementation of the Embassy’s main social media campaigns. Working with the communications officer, you will plan and create 5-8 pieces of social media content per week.  You will work with the Head of Team to ensure that these form coherent campaigns which support embassy objectives. You will need to be creative and have an eye for design and images.
  • Traditional media (20%) - you will build a strong network of journalists across the main Iraqi and Arabic media channels and use this to deliver campaign messages through press releases, background briefings and interviews with the Ambassador. You will be the ‘go to’ person in the Embassy for information in Iraqi media
  • Media monitoring (20%) - you will keep a close eye on what different groups in Iraq are talking about on social media and what is being reported by the press. You will feed this information in to teams across the embassy to ensure that all embassy work takes into account the mood of the Iraqi population and media
  • Chevening (20%) - you will use innovative communications methods to increase the number, quality and diversity of Iraqis applying to the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme. You will oversee the recruitment process and work to reinvigorate the Chevening Alumni network.
  • Support wider team (10%) - you will line manage the communications officer, deputise for the Head of Team while they are away, and provide occasional ad hoc translation and interpretation assistance.

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:

  • Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic (both written and spoken).
  • Minimum 2 years of work experience in a marketing, social media or strategic communications role.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of social media channels, Iraqi audiences and their approach to social media and experience creating social media content
  • Creativity and the ability to generate new ideas and approaches
  • Excellent knowledge of Iraqi broadcast, on-line and print media
  • Ability to create visually striking images

Desirable:

  • Experience in videography and photography, including editing
  • Experience working in international organisations
27 January 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
38
24 months
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq
Baghdad
British Embassy
1
USD
2041
1 March 2019

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. 

Eligibility:

Candidates who previously applied for this position, need not to apply.

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

  • Receive the appropriate level of security clearance;
  • Have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility.

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) providing details of your media experience.

** (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 27 January 2019.

 

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.