Media Officer EO – British Embassy

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.

Job Category  

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory  

Communications, Press and Media

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Application deadline:	29 June 2022
Grade:	Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position:	Fixed Term, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Duration of Post	12 months
Region	Africa
Country/Territory	Sudan
Location (City)	Khartoum
Type of Post	British Embassy
Number of vacancies	1
Salary	USD 1,768.82 (Basic salary) + USD 72 (Transport allowance)
Start Date	1 August 2022
End Date	1 August 2023

Main purpose of job:

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of the British Embassy Khartoum. The Media Officer plays a key role in the functioning of the Embassy, managing the Embassy’s external communications via press, TV, radio and online channels, working closely with core members of the political team including Her Majesty’s Ambassador. It is a demanding role that requires significant media experience, technical skills, and the ability to develop a wide network of journalists. Strong skills in social media are essential, as well as a broad understanding of how strategic communications can help deliver the Embassy’s objectives.

Roles and responsibilities:

Responsible for Embassy’s digital diplomacy and social media channels (25%)

• Collaborate closely with Embassy policy and programme leads and the Communications Manager to publish timely and innovative content, in support of the wider communications strategy.
• Maintain and update information on Embassy website.

Produce media reports (25%)

• Produce a timely daily press summary.
• Report regularly on developments in the media landscape in Sudan and ensure the Embassy’s communications strategy reflects the local media environment.
• Produce analytical reports on reactions to political developments in both mainstream media and social media.

Design and develop products (20%)

• Design and develop communications products, including newsletters, bulletins, videos, brochures, infographics etc.

Strategic Communications Planning (10%)

• Work with the Communications Manager and Embassy policy and programme leads to ensure the Embassy is using public diplomacy strategically to achieve its objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on prioritising campaigns to ensure the Embassy is using its public platform as efficiently as possible.

Events and visits (10%)

• Work with the Communications Manager in delivering ambitious events in the Embassy, Ambassador’s residence and elsewhere, in line with Embassy objectives.
• Work closely with the Communications Manager on developing and implementing communications plans for visits by British Ministers.

Wider Embassy support (10%)

• Provide support to the Chevening programme, including sifting and interviewing candidates.
• Provide cover for the Communications Manager.
• Provide translation services when required.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Proficiency in a range of social media channels
• At least 3 years working in communications for a local or international organisation
• Fluent in English and Arabic

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Graphic design
• Translation experience

Required behaviours  

Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The British Embassy Khartoum is committed to a supportive and creative learning and development agenda, situated within the wider People Plan for 2022. We care about our staff and their aspirations, and want to help develop them.

The successful candidate will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities including FCDO-specific communications training. This is in addition to large number of training course offered locally by the British Council, FCDO e-learning and opportunities for on-the-job learning and mentoring. There are also a large number of corporate agendas which the job holder may like to engage with – from wellbeing to the country-based staff association.

Working patterns:

Sunday – Wednesday 8:00 – 4:00, Thursday 8:00 – 2:30

Please note this is a 1 year fixed term position with possibility of permanent contract based on performance.

Additional information  

The British Embassy in Khartoum is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, medical insurance scheme; ample development opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.

We treat people with respect and equality and have a zero tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team with stretching objectives and a strong team working ethos across the 1HMG Platform.

• Interested candidates must attach (1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and (2) a covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the role.
• Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the required elements in the Success Profile Questions section of the online application form.
• Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.
• Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Khartoum are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Sudan.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. 
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to; Obtain the relevant permit; Pay the fees for the permit; Make arrangements to relocate; Meet the costs to relocation.
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount. 
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:
  • https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profilesPlease note:  Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates
• British Embassy will only contact successful candidates, if you do not hear from us please consider your application unsuccessful.