View Vacancy - VNT - Policy & Communications Officer, EO

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Policy

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission is recruiting a senior Policy and Communications Officer.  In this exciting position, you will play a key role in supporting cooperation between the UK and Vanuatu in a range of areas.

You will lead our public diplomacy effort, preparing a communications strategy and taking responsibility for our social media channels and delivery communications around high-profile events and visits. You will provide analysis and reporting of policy and political developments in Vanuatu to colleagues in the UK and Pacific region.  You will be responsible for helping to Identify and manage small projects in support of UK priorities in Vanuatu and you will also lead on promoting the prestigious Chevening Scholarships Programme in Vanuatu.

This is an excellent opportunity for an outgoing, proactive and organised individual with a keen interest in supporting deeper UK-Vanuatu relations.  

The British High Commission is an exciting and rewarding place to work, where your work can make a real difference.  We are a small team, and the working environment is supportive and friendly, with lots of opportunities for learning and development.    


Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Communications and Public Diplomacy (50%): 

  • Manage the High Commission’s public diplomacy and engagement, aiming to increase public understanding of the UK’s work and engagement in Vanuatu.  
  • Devise and implement a strategic communication plan for the British High Commission. 
  • Develop social and print media content to support UK objectives in Vanuatu.
  • Contribute speech content for the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner, including translation from English to Bislama.
  • Contribute to design and delivery of events and visit programmes.

Policy Officer (25%): 

  • Develop and maintain a local network of stakeholders and policy influencers including in government, parliament and relevant civil society organisations 
  • Support UK engagement with key government figures including through visits by UK Ministers and senior officials. Monitor and report on policy and political developments in Vanuatu for UK colleagues at HQ and in the Pacific region.     

Project Management (25%)

  • Identify and manage small projects in support of UK priorities in Vanuatu
  • Manage and promote the Chevening Scholarships Scheme

Other duties as necessary and as determined by the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

  • Chevening Scholarship (value tbc)
  • International Programme Fund (value tbc)
  • Experience of working in a policy and/or communication role in business, government, civil society or another diplomatic mission in Vanuatu.   
  • Strong networking skills and confidence to engage effectively with senior contacts.  
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to work independently and to prioritise competing demands.  
  • IT literate (MS Word, Excel, Teams)

Language requirements: 

Language: written and spoken English and Bislama

Level of language required:  Fluent  

  • An existing network of relevant contacts, particularly in the Vanuatu government and parliament.  
  • Previous project management experience
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
16 September 2024
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Asia Pacific
Vanuatu
Port Vila
British High Commission
1
VT
VT 2,192,461
yearly
6 January 2025

The British High Commission offers a competitive remuneration package including salary, leave entitlement, flexible working patterns, medical package for staff and dependants, and opportunities for learning and development.

The jobholder will be expected to work from the British High Commission offices at most times. However, subject to agreement with the line manager, there may be opportunities for occasional working from home.

The British High Commission in Port Vila is strongly committed to supporting the professional and personal development of  our staff. The job-holder will have access to continuous on-the-job learning support, including from the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner.  They will be encouraged to take up the wide range of learning opportunities offered by the UK’s International Academy, including programmes leading to external accreditation.  When border settings allow, there will also be opportunities to attend regional learning and development programmes and events.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Applicants must have work authorisation in Vanuatu in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the High Commission is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Vanuatu employment laws.

The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

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.

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Vanuatu Time) on the day of the deadline indicated above.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen. 

All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
 
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.

Please check the application centre regularly for any update on your application.

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.