British High Commission (BHC) Recruitment for Press and Public Affairs Officer

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 vacant position below:

Job Title: Press and Public Affairs Officer

Ref No: 14/17 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: B3 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 24 Months
Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media

Main Purpose of Job

• This is an exciting role in a part of Africa that has received renewed UK and Ministerial attention since the election in 2015 of President Buhari. 
• 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 Lagos 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 HMG in Nigeria.
• Duties will include, but will not be limited to, designing text and audio-visual material for use on the BHC media channels, and working with a broad range of media stakeholders to deliver HMG messages. 
• The successful candidate will also provide tailored communications planning support to HMG departments working on the BHC platform.

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

• Work with Lagos based HMG departments, including British Council, DFID, DIT UKVI to establish and implement appropriate campaign plans ensuring cross HMG 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  BDHC and other HMG departments’ activities as required

Essential Qualifications 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
• 3 to 5 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

Desirable Qualifications 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, Managing a Quality Service

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment 

• Candidates must be British passport holders who are able to obtain UK Security Clearance or other nationals who have recently lived at least five consecutive years in the UK and may be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.
• Spouses of diplomats from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and United States missions are also eligible to apply

Starting Monthly Salary 
N 521, 826

Application Closing Date
4th July, 2017.

Start Date 
1st September, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional information 

• Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos 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 Deputy High Commission will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.