JOB TITLE: ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: FCO, BRITISH EMBASSY KINSHASA, DRC
GRADE: LE2/B2
CONTRACT: PERMANENT
LOCATION: KINSHASA
BACKGROUND
Communicating the work we are doing to Congolese and UK audiences is essential to the success of our work. We are seeking an Assistant Communications Officer to help promote the full range of British Embassy activities to Congolese, British and international audiences. The successful candidate will possess strong communicating and influencing skills, and the ability to work well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.A good understanding of the communications landscape in DRC is key to this job, as is the ability to be proactive in delivering results, solving problems and exercising good judgement under pressure. Some prior experience working in media or communications would be beneficial. Good spoken French and English, excellent written English, and strong IT skills are required. The British Embassy is a friendly and supportive place to work.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and DFID work closely together in the DRC on our programmes and communications. A joint DFID/FCO communications cell, composed of three staff, is in place to take forward our communications, and the post holder would be working within this cell at the British Embassy.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The British Embassy Kinshasa requires the Assistant Communications Officer to take on a variety of tasks, including:
- Working with Embassy colleagues, to help in the identification and management of innovative and high-impact communications activities to promote the UK’s reputation and its contribution to development and stability in DRC
- Providing administrative support to the Communications team, including taking responsibility for regularly updating Twitter, Facebook, websites etc.
- Support the organisation of events, conferences and high level visits in close collaboration with the policy leads.
- Help with ensuring that internal communications within the Embassy are effective, targeted and timely.
- Coordinate and draft high quality initial drafts in response to corporate requests for information (e.g. transparency returns, impact evaluations).
- Support the development and maintenance of a network of external contacts within television, radio and print media in DRC.
- Drafting, proofreading and proactive distribution of UK and Embassy press releases, articles, speeches etc.
- Sending timely replies to external and London enquiries, and contributing to the wellbeing of the embassy as a whole
- Covering for the DFID Development Communications Officer as required.
The core competences required for this post are:
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Leading and Communicating
- Collaborating and Partnering
The successful candidate will possess strong skills such as:
- Excellent language skills: an ability to communicate fluently and effectively, orally and in writing, in both English and French for a range of different audiences;
- Strong IT and administration skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, social media);
- Excellent judgment, attention to detail and discretion;
- A reliable and flexible team player, who works collaboratively with others and can contribute to the wider Embassy’s effectiveness and morale;
- Able to prioritise and manage their own workload effectively in order to meet short deadlines.
This post offers a good salary and benefits package.
If you wish to apply for this post, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and motivation letter with specific examples of how you fulfil the above criteria, in English and by e-mail to [email protected]
All applications must be received by 06 January 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
