Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission (BHC)

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Press and Public Affairs Officer

Job ref.:24/19 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 24 months
Start Date: 1st August, 2019.
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)

Main Purpose of Job

• This is an exciting role helping to deliver through communications a renewed UK partnership with Africa on a range of shared interests.  The role is based in Lagos, contributing to the larger communications team based in Abuja.
• Reporting to the Head of Communications in Abuja, the successful candidate will work within the Communications Team as the Lago- based Press and Public Affairs Officer.  
• The main objectives are to deliver and implement a range of communications tasks to support and project the objectives of the British government in Nigeria.
• Duties will include, but will not be limited to, designing text and audio-visual material for use on the British High Commission media channels, and working with a broad range of media stakeholders to deliver UK messages.  
• The successful candidate will also provide tailored communications planning support to British government departments working on the High Commission platform.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work with Lagos based British government departments, including British Council, DFID, DIT, UKVI to establish and implement appropriate campaign plans ensuring cross-government communication is coordinated both within Lagos and across the network
• Monitor digital, print and broadcast media for issues of interest to the UK mission in Nigeria
• Effectively manage media relationships acting as the first point of contact for interviews and media requests including drafting news releases and press lines
• Provide media support to the Deputy British High Commissioner and British High Commissioner on visits to Lagos and the South West.
• Create graphics to communicate messages that inspire, inform and engage audiences on the BHC digital channels.
• Photograph and record British Deputy High Commission and other government departments’ activities as required

Job Requirements
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Thorough knowledge of social media, including the ability design strategy and analyse usage in order to shape BHC engagement and to focus campaigns
• Appropriate work experience in a media, marketing, advertising or public relations role
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication and presentation skills
• 1 to 3 years’ experience work experience in a media, advertising, marketing or public relations role
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Strong collaborative skills including professional and confident communication with external stakeholders and team members
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Evidence of substantial post-high school study – either an undergraduate degree or a recognised professional qualification of similar standing

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Evidence of designing and delivering communications plans
• The ability to work as part of a busy, creative team, as well as willingness to provide support to team members when needs be
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Resilience, flexibility and ability to deliver quality under pressure and strict timelines
• Project or event management/experience

Required competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace

Remuneration
Starting monthly salary: NGN 514,764.63

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• International Communications
• Digital Communications

Working patterns:

• There may be opportunities for flexible working patterns, and if required, should be discussed with the hiring manager.

Application Closing Date
3rd July, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Information  

• 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.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
• Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
• Successful candidates not resident in Country will be personally liable for costs and arrangements to relocate, including accommodation and work permits.
• Complete the application form in full as the information provided will be used for screening purposes.
• Check your application and attachments before you submit your application, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.