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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Press Relations
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About the job
Job summary
You will be required to remain in this role for the full tour length as listed in the job profile.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team where no two days are the same.
You will work on projects to help plan for, and respond to, evolving world events. This includes:
- Developing the initial communication response during crises, ensuring adequate staffing and that accurate, relevant and timely information is issued to media and partners.
- Identifying opportunities to build capability within the Communications Directorate, upskilling staff and increasing confidence about being involved in crisis response.
- Building relationships with teams across the department, including humanitarian and the crisis management directorate.
- Horizon scanning to predict where world events may require additional engagement from the department and where crisis communications preparedness plans need to be developed.
You will also support colleagues in the UK and internationally to deliver short-term projects for example, COP or a State Visit in line with the Communications Directorates priorities.
Job description
We are looking for a proactive candidate who has experience in delivering across multiple communications disciplines.
You should understand how media works and be able to advise and draft materials when news breaks. However, you should also be able to horizon scan to predict those events and set out how the department can respond in a strategic way.
Its a busy patch: youll thrive on a fast pace but will be able to prioritise and have the right skills to help develop longer-term strategies. You will also need to be flexible and keen to work on varied subject matter.
As part of the News Team, you must be able to build trusted relationships with teams across the department and will work closely with the Foreign Secretarys Press Secretary, Special Advisers and senior officials.
You may be required to respond to breaking news out of hours and at weekends, and will be called upon to work shifts (including evenings and weekends) should the FCDO enter crisis response. The role is based at King Charles Street in Whitehall, with occasional work from home where needed. There will also be opportunities to travel internationally.
Person specification
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is proactive and takes pride in delivering high quality work. The News Team culture is inclusive and friendly, where we have high standards and support wellbeing and development. You will need to be a team player.
Essential Skills
- Experience of working in a press office and/or in strategic communications.
- Experience of horizon scanning and long-term planning for communications risks and opportunities.
- Experience of working with others to develop and implement strategic communication plans, which look beyond press releases.
- Proven ability to build long-term and trusted relationships with a wide variety of internal stakeholders.
- Understanding of, and the ability to work seamlessly together with, different communication disciplines (Press, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Digital and Internal).
Desirable Skills:
- Experience working on crisis communications and/or international communications.
- Experience of line and task management.
- Foreign language skills.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
£11,475 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates will be assessed using Civil Service Success Profiles
Application Stage
To apply please press apply on Civil Service jobs.
You will be asked to upload the following on Civil service jobs.
- Your personal details. These will not been seen by sift panels.
- Your online CV
- A 500-word personal statement setting out your experience against the job purpose and roles and responsibilities set out above.
- A 250-word behavioural statement on Communicating & Influencing.
After you submit your application you will receive an acknowledgement.
Please note that the FCDO carries out name-blind (anonymised) recruitment to help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The personal information on your Application form and/or CV will be concealed during the sifting phase, and only the names of those who are being invited for Interviews will be made known to the Panel.
If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend a panel interview. Interviews will be held in person or remotely. Further details will be given to candidates who are successful at the sift stage.
Feedback will not be provided for unsuccessful candidates.
Interview Stage
The Behaviours you will be assessed on during the interview are as follows:
- Communicating & Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
You will also be asked about your motivation at the interview.
In addition to the above there will be a short task which you will be given on the day of the interview.
After interviews
There may be other opportunities in the future. Candidates who meet the required level at interview, will be kept on a reserve list for 12 months. Should this, or another substantially similar role arise within this period, we may fill it with a reserve candidate from this campaign.
Please note that the FCDO will not reimburse any travel costs or expenses incurred as part of the selection process.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Lydia Willgress
- Email : Lydia.willgress@fcdo.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : resourcing@fcdo.gov.uk
Further information
